The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

The Good

I had a number of ideas for the good section this week: Bradford getting his first win as a rookie without Stephen Jackson, Unsung running backs such as Peyton Hillis, BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Kenneth Darby, all contributing to their teams in big ways, but then I came across a story on NFL.com this morning and had to post it here.  I don’t like taking stories from anywhere else (even though ESPN just posted a story strikingly similar to mine regarding the 3-4), but this story belongs this week. 

The NFL just received the highest grade ever for racial diversity in hiring.  This proves that the Rooney Rule* is helping increase the number of minorities that are hired in the league.  The league received a lower grade for gender diversity but that area has improved over the last decade.  Plus, considering football is one of the only sports that is played predominantly by men, it can be understood somewhat that SOME men are better suited for SOME positions due to the fact that they have played the game before at high levels. 

Props to the NFL for putting a premium on equality.

Here is the link to the full article on NFL.com:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81aee8b1/article/nfl-receives-high-marks-for-racial-diversity-hiring-from-study?module=HP_headlines

*The Rooney Rule requires all organizations to interview at least one minority candidate for vacant coaching positions. 

The Bad

I know the Jets are trying to embrace their ‘hardknock’ image and be the bad boys of the NFL but at some point enough is enough.  I don’t fault them for taking chances on players such as Santonio Holmes nor do I have a problem with the language Rex Ryan uses.  It’s a tactic he employs to fire up his team and you could argue that his attitude is an integral part of building his defense and the way it plays.  That being said, at some point the organization needs to take a stand when their players continually find themselves in trouble with the law.

Braylon Edwards was charged with a DWI last weekend (by the way he was still on probation for an altercation at a Cleveland night club in 2009).   Instead of suspending him for an extended period of time, the Jets decided to only sit him for the first quarter of the Sunday nighter in Miami.  From a football standpoint it seemed to be a wise decision as Edwards scored a 67-yard touchdown. 

What kind of message are you sending to your players if the only punishment the team hands you is a one quarter sit down for something as serious as a DWI?  What kind of message does this send to young fans?  For a role model, the Jets should look at how the Pittsburgh Steelers conduct business.  They essentially gave up the Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes for nothing after he could not avoid legal troubles (the Jets were the ones who acquired him).  The argument that the Jets are focused on winning and don’t want to concern themselves with off-field issues is bogus.  Last time I checked the Steelers have won six Super Bowls to the Jets zero in the last 40 years.  Rex Ryan needs his team to play with an edge on the field, but it’s time he forced them to act like men off it. 

The Ugly

Nothing frustrates a football team more than having a kicker miss a field goal that by all accounts they should make.  Players that sacrifice their bodies for sixty minutes should not be forced to watch as a win or loss rides solely on the leg of a guy who sees the field for a total of 45 seconds per game.  You can imagine what it felt like to be Drew Brees, Pierre Thomas and the rest of the Saints offence this week when Garrett Hartley missed a 29-yard field goal in overtime that would’ve given the Saints the win.  Thomas ran like a man possessed in the second half and fought for extra yards on every carry, only to see his hard work go up in smoke as Hartley’s kick sailed wide left.

Just to the west, Oakland’s Sebastian Janikowski caused the same frustration when he missed a 32-yard field goal, which would’ve been the game winner, with time expiring.  Bruce Gradkowski drove the team down the field and set-up what should’ve been a chip shot for the big-legged Janikowski.  We rarely get to see Janikowski in pressure situations because of how bad the Raiders have been during his time there.  Looks like he’s doing everything he can do avoid those situations.

With kickers missing more and more often, it does make games more exciting for the fans.  We can never expect that even the shortest of kicks are a guarantee.  But this isn’t about the fans.  It’s about the players.  These guys lay it all on the line every week.  They play through pain for their teammates and for true fans, it’s painful to see the looks on their dejected faces when their kicker blows the game.  Perhaps for every brutal miss, the kicker should have to return a live kick against it’s own special teams unit in practice.  At least then players would have some form of poetic justice.

Week 3 Pick'em

Falcons @ Saints (-4)

The battle for this division will come down to these two teams.  The Saints are 2-0 but haven’t looked like themselves yet.  Matt Ryan has the Falcons playing great on offence, they have the more dominant backfield and their defense has improved significantly.  The party in New Orleans ends this Sunday.

Spread: Falcons (+4)

Straight Up: Falcons

Niners @ Chiefs (+2.5)

The Niners have shot themselves in the foot for two weeks in a row now.  They outplayed the Saints on Monday night and if not for a few blunders (David Baas snapping the ball through the uprights), they would’ve dethroned the champs.  Kansas City is a mirage at 2-0 and will come crashing back down to earth this week.

Spread: Niners (-2.5)

Straight Up: Niners

Lions @ Vikings (-11.5)

Time to find out if the Vikings will be able to turn things around.  Usually you can’t ask for much more than a home game against the Lions to cure a losing streak, but this year the Lions are already showing they are much improved.  There’s too much at stake for this Vikings team to lose but a team with nothing to lose won’t play tentative and keeps this close.

Spread: Lions +11.5

Straight Up: Vikings

Cowboys @ Texans (-3)

The battle for Texas already has huge implications for how the season will play out.  A Texans win here would push them to 3-0 and could officially shed them of the “ya, but..” title.  The Cowboys need this win if they want to have any hope of staying in the hunt. 

Spread: Cowboys +3

Straight Up: Cowboys

Titans @ Giants -3

Both teams are coming off big losses and need to get back in the win column.  Chris Johnson needs a big game if he wants to remain on pace for 2500.  Eli did not like getting shown up by his big bro last week and will want to take it out on the Titans.

Spread: Giants -3

Straight Up: Giants

Bills @ Patriots -14.5

Last week the Pats looked like they were in command over the Jets and then they completely imploded after halftime.  Bill Belichick never loses back-to-back games and coming off a loss, the Pats usually win via blowout.  Oh, and they’re at home.  G’night Buffalo.

Spread: Pats -14.5

Straight Up: Pats

Browns @ Ravens -11

The Ravens have had a tough start to the schedule playing the Jets and Bengals.  Now they get to play the AFC North whipping boy Browns.  The Ravens should have a breakout game on offence and remember, their defense hasn’t allowed a TD yet in 2010. 

Spread: Ravens -11

Straight Up: Ravens

Steelers @ Bucs +2.5

The Steelers have gotten to 2-0 without Big Ben and done it the old Steeler way: by playing lights out defense.  The Bucs are young and a surprise at 2-0, but their offence isn’t good enough yet to play with the big boys.  Steelers see an opportunity here to be 3-0 without Ben and will make sure it doesn’t slip away.

Spread: Steelers -2.5

Straight Up: Steelers

  

Bengals @ Panthers +3

The Bengals rebounded showed some tenacity and grit in their win over the Ravens last week.  They know how difficult their division is and can’t afford to lose these types of games.  Tough first test for Jimmy Clausen.

Spread: Bengals -3

Straight Up: Bengals

Redskins @ Rams +3.5

The Redskins thought they had won last week but Gary Kubiak took a ‘well-timed timeout’ and it made all the difference.  The ‘Skins have looked good and McNabb has shown chemistry with Chris Cooley and Santana Moss.  The Rams will shock some teams this year but not the ‘Skins.  On the plus side, Bradford looks like the real deal.

Spread: Redskins -3.5

Straight Up: Redskins

Eagles @ Jags +3

The Andy Reid flip-flop has resulted in Mike Vick being named the starter for the immediate future.  Vick has definitely earned it and has done all the right things since his return from suspension.  The Jags secondary fell apart last week and the Eagles have numerous weapons on offence.

Spread: Eagles -3

Straight Up: Eagles

Colts @ Broncos +5.5

Peyton showed last week that he is still the master of the family.  Expect a lot of carries for the Moreno and the Broncos backfield, but ultimately Peyton will have his way with Denver.

Spread: Colts -5.5

Straight Up: Colts

Chargers @ Seahawks +5.5

The Chargers got back on track last week by destroying the Jaguars and the Seahawks let Kyle Orton throw all over them.  With Phil Rivers coming to town, things won’t get an easier for the Seahawks. 

Spread: Chargers -5.5

Straight Up: Chargers

Raiders @ Cardinals -4.5

I’ve been wanting the Raiders to give Bruce Gradkowski a shot since the start of last season.  He plays with heart and his energy is infectious.  Larry Fitzgerald matches up against Asomugha and Cards don’t have the same talent on offence they did last year.

Spread: Raiders +4.5

Straight Up: Raiders

Jets @ Dolphins -2

A Divisional game between two teams that love to run the ball and play good defense.  Should be a war.   The Jets have gotten most of the attention but the Dolphins played well in a road win over the Vikings.  What Sanchez do we see this week?  I’m leaning toward the Sanchise.

Spread: Jets +2

Straight Up: Jets

Packers @ Bears +3

Also a divisional game between 2-0 teams.  Cutler seems to be blossoming under Mike Martz and I expect this to be a shootout.  It’s a statement game and whoever comes out with the win has an early, but sizeable lead in the race for the NFC North crown.

Spread: Packers -3

Straight Up: Packers

Season vs Spread: 11-17-4

Season Straight Up: 20-12

Rookie Watch - Week 2

The 2010 rookie class has been performing extremely well and to the point where no rookie had their stock fall this week.  Here are this week's top performers.

Jahvid Best

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past week, you already know why Jahvid Best is at the top of this list.  He accumulated 232 yards from scrimmage and added three touchdowns as the Lions lost a close one to the visiting Eagles.  The former Cal Golden Bear has the speed and acceleration to cripple opposing defenses when he finds some open field.  He isn’t Chris Johnson, but has the physical ability to get to that level eventually. 

Sean Weatherspoon

The former Missouri Tiger was close to being on this list last week but I wanted to wait and see if he could put up big numbers for a second week in a row.  Sean didn’t dissapoint.  He currently leads the Falcons in tackles with 17 (15 of which are solos) and also recorded a sack in the 41-7 beatdown of the Arizona Cardinals.  He is a big reason why Atlanta’s defence has only allowed an average of 8 points per game in regulation this season. 

Mike Williams

Williams was a guy a lot of teams passed on because of off the field issues.  Josh Freeman must be ecstatic that the Bucs took a chance on him.  He has scored two touchdowns in as many weeks and is by far Freeman’s favourite target (over 30% of his attempts have been thrown Williams’ way).  Freeman looks like he is coming into his own.  It’s still early, but these two young guns could become an elite passing duo in the near future.

The on-deck circle

My dad always said “once is lucky, twice is good”.  These guys need another solid performance to crack the rookie watch:

Demaryius Thomas/Jordan Shipley

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

The Good

Following the second week of the NFL season, we begin to search for consistencies that can lead to some revelations about how 2010 will unfold.  Are the Bears and Bucs really contenders at 2-0?  Do the Vikings and Cowboys have enough resolve to turn around their 0-2 starts?  Well, at least there is one thing that year-to-year is an absolute certainty: teams in the AFC North know how to play GOOD defense.   They combined to allow only 2 touchdowns and forced 14 turnovers this week.  The Steelers were the most impressive forcing 7 turnovers while holding Chris Johnson to 53 total yards.  They have rallied in the absence of Roethlisberger and have ensured that the Steelers will be at worst a .500 ball club when Big Ben returns.  The biggest difference for them has been getting Troy Polamalu back.  He is the heartbeat of that team and makes the defense go from good to great. 

Not to be outdone, the Bengals and Ravens faced off in what turned into a defensive struggle.  Even with all the offensive firepower, (OchoCinco, TO, Palmer, Benson, Flacco, Boldin, Rice), only one player found the endzone (derrick mason).  The Bengals secondary rebounded from an ugly week 1 loss to the Patriots and rallied to intercept Flacco 4 times.  The Bengals did not turn the ball over but Ray Lewis and company held them to five field goals and have not allowed a touchdown yet this season.  Hell even the Browns didn’t give up a touchdown to the visiting Chiefs. 

As we get into the heart of the season, the battle for this division will be very entertaining.

The Bad

Andy Reid has never been one to succumb to peer pressure.  He does what he thinks is best for his football team and it has served him pretty well over the years.  I was not surprised when he came out earlier this week and named Kevin Kolb the starter for the game in Jacksonville.  Kolb had very little time to get into a rhythm before being knocked out of the game against the Packers.  Reid truly believes in him and showed that by trading McNabb earlier this year. 

I was very surprised yesterday when Reid reneged on his decision and named Michael Vick the starting quarterback.  Let me be clear, I think it is the right decision and Vick has clearly earned the opportunity.  What is puzzling is the sudden change of heart.  What could’ve possibly caused Reid to pull a complete 180 overnight?  If he wasn’t sure about who he was going to start, he should’ve kept it quiet until he was certain.  The whole scenario screams of indecision and leads me to question how much influence the players, locker room, owner had in his decision change. 

I guess we’ll see how it all plays out, but if Vick struggles for a game does he now get pulled?  What leash does Kolb have if he takes over and struggles as well?  Who is truly the leader of this team? 

Lots of questions, we’ll have to wait on answers.

The Ugly

Ugly.  There isn’t many other ways to describe the way the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings have started the 2010 season.  Both these teams had Super Bowl aspirations, but have yet to win a game. 

The Vikings still have time to fix things.  Brett Favre has had very little time to work with his starting receivers and Sidney Rice’s absence has caused a lot more problems than anticipated.  Don’t blame Favre for his late arrival in camp, because the only receiver who was practicing was Bernard Berrian.  If they work a deal for Vincent Jackson, Favre will have his big receiver that he can use to stretch the field and create room for Adrian Peterson.  The Vikings defense needs to toughen up against the run and be more consistent throughout the game. 

The Vikings get the Lions at home this week.  That is a good recipe for getting back on track.  Following that they enter their bye week, which gives them extra time to prepare for a big week 5 showdown against the Jets.   The bigger question is when will Sidney Rice return and will he be at 100% come playoff time.  This team is good enough to get into the postseason and in reality, all that matters is how they look when they get there.

That being said, this game against the Lions is a must-win.  Beating the Lions isn’t as much of a certainty as it has been in previous years.

The Cowboys are in a lot more trouble.  They play the Texans this week in the battle of Texas, also a must-win for the ‘Boys.  A few reasons why the Cowboys are in a lot worse shape than the Vikings:

1.     Their division is much stronger from top to bottom

2.     Both losses have come at home

3.     They have no significant injuries to speak of

Wade Phillips’ team has reached a turning point in their season.  If they can go on the road and come away with a win against a very strong Texans team, all is not lost.  If they fail to rise to the occasion, the hopes of playing at home in the Super Bowl will be gone.

Prediction: Vikings = Wild Card, Cowboys = Miss the Playoffs

Week 2 Pick'em

Week 1 of the NFL season had its fair share of surprises (see 49ers/Chiefs).  Week 2 should help us begin to separate the contenders from the pretenders.

Buffalo Bills @ Green Bay Packers (-13)

The Bills played Miami closer than I expected and were in the game till the final play.   I need to send some thanks to Chan Gailey for giving up the safety so that the Bills wouldn’t cover the spread.  I don’t think he will be in a position to do that this week.  The loss of Ryan Grant for the season isn’t ideal but Brandon Jackson is a good back who can catch the football.  Packers need depth though and should be watching Marshawn Lynch, Rodgers former college teammate this week, with a close eye. 

Spread: Packers (-13)

Straight up: Packers

Miami Dolphins @ Minnesota Vikings (-5.5)

The chemistry between Favre and his new receiving core was a little off last Thursday night and it’s going to take some time to get everyone on the same page.   I still expect the Vikings to lean on Adrian Peterson early this season and with the Dolphins being a run dominant team, this could be a low scoring affair.   The friendly confines of the Metrodome help the Vikings pull out a close one.

Spread: Dolphins (+5.5)

Straight Up: Vikings

Kansas City Chiefs @ Cleveland Browns (-2)

The Chiefs looked like an improved ball club on Monday night against the Chargers.  Their defense fed off an energetic crowd and the young speedsters got the job done by breaking off some long touchdowns.  The Chiefs still need to protect Matt Cassel a lot better, but the Browns look like a team destined for the basement again.  Good chance of a kick being returned for a touchdown in this game with Cribbs, McCluster and Arenas.

Spread: Chiefs (+2)

Straight Up: Chiefs

Chicago Bears @ Dallas Cowboys (-7)

Both teams have problems protecting their star quarterback and this week should be no different with all-star pass rushers Demarcus Ware and Julius Peppers in the lineup.  If Alex Barron has to come into the game this week, the Bears would be wise to put Peppers on him every snap.  Bottom line is the Cowboys need this one to avoid digging themselves into a hole.  They’re at home and will rebound.

Spread: Cowboys (-7)

Straight Up: Cowboys

Arizona Cardinals @ Atlanta Falcons (-6.5)

The Cardinals struggled to beat a young Rams team in their opener.  Derek Anderson may have beaten out Matt Leinart, but he is no Kurt Warner.  The Falcons came out on the wrong end of a defensive battle against the Steelers but should rebound at home against a much weaker defense.   Oh ya, and Matt Ryan is 13-1 at home in his career.

Spread: Falcons (-6.5)

Straight up: Falcons

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers (-3.5)

Whoever starts at quarterback for the Panthers will be handing the ball of most of the time as Carolina will try and get back to their smashmouth brand of football.  The Bucs beat the lowly Browns in week 1 but this Panthers team has a lot more talent. Carolina is 8-3 against the spread in divisional games over the last two seasons.

Spread: Panthers (-3.5)

Straight up: Panthers

Philadelphia Eagles @ Detroit Lions (+6.5)

In what could be dubbed The Backup Bowl, Mike Vick will face off against Sean Hill.  The Lions were held to a league worst 20 yards rushing in their opener.  The Eagles defend the run pretty well and Sean Hill will not scare them away from dialing up some Jim Johnson style blitzes.  The Lions are improving, but even Vick should be able to throw on their weak secondary and this could be his opportunity to create a QB controversy in Philly. 

Spread: Eagles (+6.5)

Straight up: Eagles

Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals (+2.5)

The Ravens defense embarrassed the New York Jets on Monday night and showed the brash Rex Ryan that they still know how to play D as well.  The Ravens are great at stopping the run but without Ed Reed, their secondary has some issues.  Carson Palmer threw the ball well vs New England and I expect him throw a lot this weekend.  The Bengals need this one at home to stay alive in what will be a tight divisional race. 

Spread: Bengals (+2.5)

Straight up: Bengals

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tennessee Titans (-5)

Chris Johnson started his quest for 2500 yards on the right foot amassing 150 yard from scrimmage in week 1.  The Steelers defense came up big at home against the Falcons.  They will need to continue to play well if the Steelers have any hope of weathering the storm until Big Ben returns from suspension.  Dennis Dixon will start again, on the road, against an underrated Titans defense.  Chris Johnson and Vince Young have too much explosiveness not to come away the victors.

Spread: Titans (-5)

Straight up: Titans

Seattle Seahawks @ Denver Broncos (-3.5)

Pete Carrol’s Seahawks shocked the football world with an opening day blowout of the 49ers.  Carrol was a source of energy for his team by showing the same enthusiasm on the sideline as he exhibited at USC.  The Broncos laid an egg in Jacksonville but have won their last 10 straight home openers (longest active streak in the NFL). 

Spread: Seahawks (+3.5)

Straight up: Broncos

St. Louis Rams @ Oakland Raiders (-3.5)

Having your rookie quarterback throw the ball 55 times is not usually the recipe for success in the NFL.  Bradford looked good at times but is not ready to carry the Rams on his back just yet.  The Raiders have a good defense and should feed off the home crowd.

Spread: Raiders (-3.5)

Straight up: Raiders

Houston Texans @ Washington Redskins (+3)

Ok, so maybe this is the year we have been waiting for from the Texans.  They finally beat the Colts and did so by handing Arian Foster the ball 33 times.   The Redskins look much more competitive with Donovan McNabb at quarterback.  I guess I’ll ride the Texans bandwagon until they inevitably lay an egg.

Spread: Texans (-3)

Straight up: Texans

New England Patriots @ New York Jets (+3)

On offence, the Jets and Patriots were at opposite ends of the spectrum in week 1.  The Patriots moved the ball at will against a good Bengals defense whereas the Jets looked atrocious at home on Monday night.  Moss pays a visit to Revis Island, but Wes Welker will still get favourable matchups in the slot.  The Patriots looked like a team on a mission last week.

Spread: Patriots (-3)

Straight up: Patriots

Jacksonville Jaguars @ San Diego Chargers (-7)

The Jags got off on the right foot winning the home opener.  David Garrard looked like the accurate passer we saw in 2007.  The Chargers dropped a divisional game and had a tough time converting yards into touchdowns in Kansas City.  Aaron Kampman is clearly better suited for the 4-3 and the Jags D-line as a whole is a high quality unit.

Spread: Jags (+7)

Straight up: Chargers

New York Giants @ Indianapolis Colts (-5)

At least the Colts won’t have to deal with the undefeated issue this season.  Peyton Manning did everything he could but ultimately the Colts defense let him down.  In Manning Bowl II, Peyton shows that he is still the big brother.  Bob Sanders may be lost for the season, again.

Spread: Colts (-5)

Straight up: Colts

New Orleans Saints @ San Francisco 49ers (+5.5)

I truly believe the 49ers are a better team than the one that showed up in Seattle last Sunday.  Mike Singletary will whip these guys into shape, but the real question surrounds quarterback Alex Smith.  If he is going to be the guy to lead this team to the playoffs, he better get started.  Expect the Saints to put up points which will force Smith to throw the ball.  Until the Niners show me something, I’m sticking with the champs.  Is anyone else hoping Reggie Bush gives the Heisman pose if he finds the endzone Monday night?

Spread: Saints (-5.5)

Straight up: Saints

Season Record vs Spread:  6-8-2

Season Record Straight up: 9-7

-Jansen-

Rookie Watch - Week 1

Last year rookies suck as Brian Orakpo, Clay Matthews and Michael Oher made an immediate impact for their teams.  Now more than ever organizations rely on their draft picks to contribute right away.  Every week, Redzone will take a look at which rookies are establishing themselves as budding stars and which are struggling. 

Off to a great start...

Ndamukong Suh:  The #2 overall pick in the draft turned in a dominating performance on Sunday vs the Bears.  His stats don’t jump off the page (1 tackle/ 1 sack) but he made his presence felt in other ways.   He consistently drove the linemen assigned to him in the backfield and was an integral part of the Lions goal line stand which began with the Bears on the 1 yard line with 1^st and goal to go.  In his first performance, Suh looked like a man amongst boys.

Trent Williams:  Another guy who we can’t turn to stats to tell the story but anyone who watched this guy for more than a few plays Sunday night knows he is a special athlete.  He was great in open space on screens but probably the most impressive statistic is that he held Demarcus Ware to only one sack.  Mike Shanahan did not give Williams any help from the Tight Ends or Running backs to block Ware.  Clearly he was up to the challenge.

Sam Bradford:  In his first start, Bradford threw the ball 55 times and threw 3 interceptions.  On the plus side he had a completion percentage of 58% and threw a touchdown pass to Laurent Robinson.  It’s not a great stat line for Bradford, but clearly the Rams coaching staff is comfortable letting him throw the ball around.  The only quarterback who threw the ball more in week 1 was Peyton Manning.  All rookie quarterbacks have their struggles but he looked accurate and efficient most of the time.  He will only get better as  the season moves along.

Dexter McCluster:  This 5’8, 170 pound do-it-all athlete showed football fans why the Chiefs made a point of picking him early in the second round.  His game winning 94-yard punt return touchdown was a club record and sent the Arrowhead faithful into a frenzy.  Charlie Weis will work him into the offence more and more and it will frustrate opposing defenses to no end. 

Not so hot..

CJ Spiller:  The darling of the preseason looked very average in his first regular season action.  Spiller had 11 touches for 14 yards in the Bills loss to Miami.  I don’t blame Spiller, his offensive line is awful, but in the preseason he looked like he could do it all himself.  It was a cruel joke for Bills fans as Spiller will have to wait for improved line play and a better passing game to really display his talents.

Kyle Wilson:  For a guy who was praised for his man coverage skills, Wilson was exposed on Monday night by the Ravens.  He was flagged repeatedly for pass interference calls that were cost the Jets valuable field position.  In Wilson’s defense, he was matched up against a pretty good receiving core.  That being said, he needs to play better and avoid the penalties or Rex Ryan won’t be able to send as much pressure as he likes to.  

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

The Good

Last year’s playoff teams went 5-7 in week 1 indicating that the trend of parity in the NFL will continue.  Pre-season favourites such as Indianapolis, San Diego, Dallas and San Francisco all started their 2010 campaigns with a loss.  Only five of the sixteen games this week were won by double digits giving more credibility to the argument that the NFL is the most competitive professional sports league from top to bottom.  For us as NFL fans, it makes the season that much more exciting because on any given Sunday, any team can win.

The Bad

A number of contenders had elements of their team exposed.

Indianapolis Colts Run Defense:  Peyton Manning threw for 433 yards and 3 touchdowns and personally outgained the entire Houston Texans offence, yet the Colts fell to their division rival.  The Colts pass defense held Matt Schaub in check but let Arian Foster run wild.   The second year back averaged 7 yards per carry and gashed the Colts for 231 yards and 3 touchdowns.  As good as there offence is, the Colts are doomed if they can’t repair their swiss cheese run defense.

Cincinnati Bengals Secondary:  The Bengals actually looked good in this game and should not panic after losing to a strong New England team.  One cause for concern is that Tom Brady had his way with the Bengals secondary all day.   Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall are coming off big years but the Bengals need to be able to cover the slot receivers and it doesn’t appear that their safeties can handle that assignment (see Wes Welker).

New York Jets Offence:  If you want to talk the talk you better be able to walk the walk.  The Jets did a lot to try and boost their offence this off-season by bringing in some big names and praising the development of Mark Sanchez.  Well that leap that everyone was expecting from Sanchez was not apparent Monday night.  The Ravens have a great defense but 6 first downs is not going to cut it, no matter how good the Jets D is. 

San Francisco Quarterback Alex Smith:  The ‘make or break’ year for the former 1^st overall pick could not have gotten off to a worse start.  Smith completed less than 60% of his passes and threw two costly interceptions in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks.  The time is now for Smith who is surrounded by talent.  If he doesn’t step up soon, the Niners would be wise to see if another former 1^st overall pick, David Carr, can get the job done.  

The Ugly

Earlier in the offseason I blogged about the Cowboys and Lions ignoring their offensive lines and how it would come back to haunt them.  We didn’t have to wait long.

I knew at some point this season Jerry Jones would regret his decision to let Flozell Adams walk.  With Marc Colombo out, Alex Barron started at right tackle and looked more like a wrestler than an offensive linemen.  On the final play of the game, Barron didn’t even attempt to block Brian Orakpo.  Instead he rung his neck and committed the most blatant holding penalty in recent memory, which cost the Cowboys the game.  For all the talk about Super Bowl aspirations for Dallas, Jones erred when he released a quality offensive tackle in an uncapped year.  The lack of depth on the line will continue to plague this club going forward. 

In the draft, the Lions decided to take Ndamukong Suh and Jahvid Best instead of addressing their issues on the offensive line.  While Suh and Best look like emerging stars, the repercussions of ignoring the o-line have already been felt.  The Lions rushed for a dismal 20 yards on 21 carries, but the bigger impact was the injury suffered by Matthew Stafford.  Stafford has all the tools to be a top quarterback in this league but if Detroit doesn’t make it a point to protect him, they are doomed to remain in the basement of the NFC North.

Week 1 Pick'em

It's just about time to get the 2010 NFL Season underway and with a look at this week's match-ups, here's instalment one of Pick'em.

Vikings @ Saints (-5.5)

Favre and the Vikings return to the scene of the crime, albeit with a skeleton crew of receivers.  The Superdome will be rocking but Adrian Peterson has a big night.  Saints win a close one.

Spread: Vikings +5.5

Straight up: Saints

Panthers @ Giants (-6.5)

With all the talk about the Cowboys this offseason, the Giants have quietly gone about their business.   The Panthers are in a transition year but will be a tough team to play against.  The Giants ability to pressure Matt Moore with their front four will lead to turnovers.

Spread: Panthers +6.5

Straight up: Giants

Dolphins @ Bills (+3)

This line is nowhere near where it should be.  As a rookie, CJ Spiller is the most threatening player on a terrible offence.  Dolphins need this divisional win if they want to be in the hunt.

Spread: Dolphins -3

Straight up: Dolphins

Falcons @ Steelers (+2)

If the Steelers want to remain relevant in the AFC North before Big Ben returns, Rashard Mendenhall is going to have to carry the load.  Michael Turner is healthy and the Falcons are hungry to unseat the Saints.

Spread: Falcons -2

Straight up: Falcons

Lions @ Bears (-6.5)

The Lions D-line went from pathetic to solid this offseason.  The Bears have a weak O-line and have struggled in the preseason. 

Spread: Lions +6.5

Straight up: Bears

Bengals @ Patriots (-4.5)

The Bengals haven’t won in Foxborough in what seems like forever.  The Pats still have a healthy Brady throwing to a healthy Moss and Welker. 

Spread: Patriots -4.5

Straight up: Patriots

Browns @ Bucs (-3)

In the week 1 toilet bowl, the Browns travel to Tampa.  Josh Freeman and Jake Delhomme will try and see who can turn the ball over the most.

Spread: Bucs – 3

Straight up: Bucs

Broncos @ Jaguars (-2.5)

Don’t fool yourself, this is a home game for the Broncos anytime Tim Tebow steps on the field in the Wild Horse formation.  I guarantee he gets himself a homecoming touchdown.

Spread: Broncos +2.5

Straight up: Broncos

Colts @ Texans (+2)

Last time we saw Peyton Manning he walked off the field as a Super Bowl loser in Miami.  The road back begins Sunday in Houston and no one is getting in his way.

Spread: Colts -2

Straight up: Colts

Raiders @ Titans (-6)

The Raiders are finally becoming respectable and their defense will be better than many expect.  Beating the Titans at home is too lofty just yet.

Spread: Titans -6

Straight up: Titans

Packers @ Eagles (+3)

The Kevin Kolb era will not begin as smoothly as Philly fans hope.  Best case scenario, Kolb is even close to Rodgers in a year or two.

Spread: Packers -3

Straight up: Packers

49ers @ Seahawks (+3)

The niners are my pick to win the NFC West and with a high octane defense led Patrick Willis, they will come away with this divisional road win.

Spread: 49ers -3

Straight up: 49ers

Cardinals @ Rams (+4)

Bradford looked great in the preseason and the Cardinals have gone from Kurt Warner to Derek Anderson.  Cards simply have a more talented roster at this point.

Spread: Cardinals –4

Straight up: Cardinals

Cowboys @ Redskins (+3.5)

For all the hype the Cowboys are getting, I’m more pessimistic.  They better hope the offensive line stays healthy or Romo and the Boys are in trouble.  Even still they’ll beat the Redskins.

Spread: Cowboys -3.5

Straight up: Cowboys

Ravens @ Jets (-2.5)

This could be a preview of the AFC championship game.  Now that Revis is back, the Jets will be tough to beat at home.  The Ravens have problems in the secondary.

Spread: Jets -2.5

Straight up: Jets

Chargers @ Chiefs (+4.5)

Chargers are a playoff team with Super Bowl aspirations.  The Chiefs are a few years from being a playoff team.

Spread: Chargers -4.5

Straight up: Chargers

Season Total

vs. Spread : 0-0

Straight up: 0-0