Couple of NFL Thoughts
I love the Bears and really like the Ravens. Both teams started the season strong. But here are 5 things that hit me about the first weekend of football.
1. The 49ers are for real. They went into Lambeau and beat the Packers by being more physical. Their D was fantastic and Gore and the running game was overpowering. Alex Smith made critical third down plays and they just beat the Packers. Very impressive.
2. The Packers may be in some trouble. The Packers defense was suspect last year and their O-line is average at best. They were both exposed this week. The Packers are playing the Bears at Lambeau on Thursday night. If the Bears win that game, they will be two games down to the Bears (really 2 and 1/2 games down because of the head-to-head loss) after two weeks. Certainly there is still plenty of time to recover but to lose two home games to start the season would be a horrible start.
3. RGIII. They guy is a good player. Deadskin fans should be excited because he went into a tough environment and excelled. I'm not buying the 'Skins, but I like what they have in RGIII.
4. Peyton Manning is really good. He stood tall and delivered against a solid Pittsburgh defense. The Broncos' D is really good also and if Manning can remain healthy, that is a team that can do some real damage in the AFC.
5. The Eagles and Mike Vick are going to have to tread carefully. Vick had a horrible game. The Eagles D was pretty good, but with all of the negativity surrounding the Eagles a couple of losses could really kill that team. Vick needs to play better. The play-calling has to improve - for God's sake get the ball to McCoy. Why is Vick throwing so much? The owner is getting fed up with the weak play and questionable coaching and things could go south really quick.
posted by Rob @ 9/11/2012 12:23:00 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
I think the Ravens looked really good. They have an offense to match their defense and look like a complete team after the first week.
Not sold on the Pears. They are improved offensively but O line and an aging defense are concerns. They are a good team but not sure how good.
To your points:
1. Agree that 9ers are for real. They are well balanced (like the Ravens) and well coached (like the Ravens). Defense is very good and offense has improved and doesn't seem like they will do much but they seem to always get it done. Last year's success have primed them for higher expectations and bigger things this year. I expect them to be a top team in the NFC this season.
2. Agree. Packers weren't that great in preseason and didn't look great on Sunday. O line is a big concern for them and they have limited running game. It basically comes down to Rodgers and the WRs trying to explode offensively week in/week out. Not the best recipe for success. Thursday's game against the Pears at Lambeau is a HUGE early season matchup for both teams.
3. LOVE RG3! Don't expect him to put up those numbers every week but I do expect solid play from him more often than not. I do believe the Skins are underrated. They are younger, faster, and more hungry than in previous years. A MUST win game on Sunday against the Rams. Interesting game as the Rams are the team the Skins made the trade with to get RG3. Hopefully we can show them who got the better end of the deal.
4. Manning is good. He is a smart player but I don't know if he is going to last through the season. AFC West is a mediocre division so I expect them to win it.
5. Agree. They seem like the Skins of old. Bringing in the "dream team" with high expectations but not really panning out. Given the "talent" on that team and the high expectations AND the lack of success last season, stakes/pressure are high in Philly. If Vick struggles again, you can bet fans will be clamoring for that rookie backup that played so well in preseason. Also, despite Reid's son passing, fans will start getting on him. Lurie has already said that Reid's job is on the line here. I think there is too much chaos on that team for them to be successful. They have more style than substance. I see another failed season.
Excellent - we are in agreement with most of the items. Praise God!
I'm just happy the NFL is back and the Bears look good. I don't think the D is as old as you think it is. They are starting to work in a lot of younger players. The starting safeties and defensive tackles are all about 25, they have defensive ends who work in who are also younger than 25. Jennings and Hayden (Tillman got shaken up) are still under 30. DJ Moore (nickel corner) is under 25. Nick Roach is still pretty young at one of the linebacker positions. Obviously the four best known guys Urlacher, Peppers, Briggs, and Tillman are older. But they still look like they can play and there seems to be guys who can step up behind them.
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