NFL Week 2 Recap
Another wild and wacky week in the NFL, and the themes of last year came into play in NFL Week 2. In particular, big favorites covering like Baltimore and Cincy, and even Seattle putting up a number after a week in which they didn’t score a TD, and everyone covered the number, bringing back shadows from last year when double-digit favorites covered a ton of games, a rarity in the NFL. There were 5 teams favored by double digits this past weekend. A lot of teams are in rebuilding phases as we have 10 new head coaches this year so I expect to see higher numbers on the lines and some beating this season due to these changes and teams in rebuilding modes. My effort led to a 1-2 losing Sunday card with 2 very bad losses over Carolina and Green Bay, who both blew their games big, and who would have expected Carolina to be 0-2 at this point, as they were signed as Super Bowl contenders? Here are some shots from the past week to reflect on.
GREEN BAY — How do you blow a 13-0 second quarter lead against the Saints, at home, and lose in a shootout? No defense for the starters and a lack of talent in general. Brett Favre seems to be getting a lot of blame here, but the lockers are empty, especially on defense, where Drew Brees ripped them all day with sub-par receivers. This is a team that needs to start rebuilding, but QB Favre is not to blame, he played at a high level, but he can’t at 36 carry this team without help, but he gives them a better chance to win than Aaron Rodgers. Simply put, a team that trails all season long, especially against high-powered offenses with good receivers.
CAROLINA- Another debacle this weekend for Carolina, who had some injury issues coming into Minnesota, but just like Week 1, turnovers, special teams errors (a huge boost on Sunday) and missed opportunities were evident. They get Tampa Bay this weekend, who are also having QB issues, and letting Brian Gresie sit on the bench in Chicago was a serious mistake by Gruden as Chris Simms just lacks confidence and is forcing the ball to coverage, and he’s been under a tremendous pass rush all season. A story of 2 teams gone wrong this Sunday, should be interesting to say the least. Carolina has been her worst enemy.
CHICAGO- The Bears are real and my leader in the NFC to go all the way as Rex Grossman has proven himself. The air show has been stellar, they’ve got a great 1-2 punch at RB with Jones and Benson, and QB Grossman has been accurate and heady in the pocket as well as deployment, and the defense is better than years past. in this point. , but with wins against lowly Green Bay and Detroit, let’s see how good they are against some tougher opponents before we anoint them NFC Kings.
NEW YORK GIANTS- Eli Manning proved his worth in a thrilling come-from-behind victory in Philly at OT last Sunday. Don’t write off the Giants in the NFC as a great contender, they were a playoff team last year, although they are in a tough division that may see 2 teams out of 4 make the playoffs. Losing in week 1 to big brother Peyton wasn’t a shame, the Colts are one of the best teams in the AFC. Having the confidence to lead his team back from a 24-7 record in the 4th quarter, on the road, against a great team like the Eagles will go a long way in New York. Their 1-2 hitting at RB, and great receivers, and better than average defense with good fast ends, make the Giants a contender here, as Dallas in my mind is overrated and Washington is going to be a bottom feeder. all year on offense. seems at this point. Catching Seattle on the road this week is a tall order for back-to-back roadies, but they are playing playoff vengeance and have the better offense as Seattle has yet to establish the type of running game and offense that the last year so far. . Deon Branch makes his Seattle debut on Sunday, and he’s needed right now!
I love this week’s card and I’m looking forward to a HUGE Sunday as I see some things that I think punters missed, and I’ll lay it out in a big way this Sunday. Read between the lines here and you just might do just fine.