OFFICIAL 2010-2011 NFL season & predictions thread:

[YoungJRNY]

KC with the upset. Awesome game. A very fun watch with that crowd noise seeping through the speakers, a wet field and actually seeing a competitive Chiefs team and esp their defense show up against the top dawg in the WEST. Good for them, my hats off too them. Looks like SD is back in their annual starting slow phase to start seasons.

[YoungJRNY]

A couple upsets, a couple teams here and there that looked better than expected and vice versa. Need time to kill before work so here's my top 10 power rankings after week 1.

YJ's Week 1 Power Rankings:


1. New Orleans Saints: Givin the level of competition vs other teams, New Orleans got the job done against a tough Vikings defense in a close game that could have gone either way. It wasn't the shootout New Orleans fans had hoped, but winning on defense is even prettier sometimes.



2. Houston Texans: The Texans FINALLY made a statement against the team that tormented their division and themselves since their existence. Beating Peyton Manning and Indy was a week 1 must and now it's time to respond the rest of the season rather than winning a game that they treated like a Super Bowl victory. Funny how every team won in the South BUT the Colts.



3. New England Patriots: Granted, it was the Cincinnati Bengals, who I thinks terrible, but Brady looked in mid-season form and Wes Welker got his feet wet early. Jury is still out on their young defense when their challenged but their huge margin of victory can't go unnoticed, esp in Foxboro, which the Pats are pretty much unbeatable.



4. Green Bay Packers: The Pack got off to a rough start but it looks like their defense is finally warming up to a 3-4 defense and they'll only get better. Going on the road to Philly is no easy task and even though Rodgers had a mediocre day, they still found a way to get it done. If they can't keep Rodgers upright, they might stumble later on in the season.



5. Minnesota Vikings: Tough game all around for Minnesota. 3 weeks ago, Brett Favre wasn't even sure his ankle was even 60% healthy and he was riding his lawn mowers on his farm. Going into New Orleans in that environment with no work with the offense whatsoever was so much to ask from Favre, but they brought him back for a reason. Once the season goes on, they'll get back in sync. Their offense misses Sydney Rice badly, but they still have a top 3 defense.



6. Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore has a nice team on paper and their defense played very well and stingy last night against the Jets. Still, as bad as the Jets offense was and the kind of weapons the Ravens have on offense, they still could only manage 10 overall points and got lucky with a running into the kicker penalty for the games only touchdown. That defense was barely challenged so we'll wait until Baltimore faces an offense that could spread them out. Big game next week in Cincy in an AFC North showdown.



7. Indianapolis Colts: Losing a divisional game on the road against a team that is so determined to beat you is tough. Manning and the Colts have been here before and always seem to start off lazy like the Chargers in the WEST. There's no doubt in my mind Manning and company will bounce back from this, but without Peyton, how good are the Colts? Answer: Not good at all.



8. N.Y Jets: What an embarrassing performance offensively. If the Jets want to be taking seriously, then they might want to start getting serious on offense and that's putting more stock into their franchise quarterback. Not gaining 1 single 3rd down until their last ditch effort drive is a major concern for the Jets, who have New England coming up NEXT WEEK. You figure their defense can't be on the field for 50 minutes EVERY game, esp against the hated Patriots.



9. Tennessee Titans: It was the Raiders, but Chris Johnson is such a freak that there's no doubt defensive coordinators hide in a dark corner leading up to game day against this guy. He is on a great start and on pace for his 2,000 yard predicted season. Play action could be huge for this team and TENN could make noise in the AFC this season. They have a tough task against a very tough Pittsburgh defense Sunday at home.



10. Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers will be in survival mode until Ben Roethlisberger gets back. That's exactly what they did against a TOUGH Atlanta Falcons team with weaponry. It wasn't pretty, but they sure did survive, playing the kind of defense that stems back to the 70's. If they can ride their defensive coattails and if Mendenhall is up for the task of a heavy workload, then the seat will be warm for Roethlisberger to return.

---------------------------------------------------------------

On the BRINK

11. N.Y Giants: The Giants are the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFC. Out to prove that last season was a fluke after starting the '08 season with a bang then failing to make the playoffs. They made a statement that they can't be overlooked hanging over 30 points on a tough opponent in Carolina. If this team could get it together, watch out.



12. Washington Redskins: The Skins are a completley different team with McNabb under center, but they could be better. Going up against a "powerhouse" like Dallas in the season opener in a rivalry game is a tough task to over come, but they had the home crowd behind them and a little luck in between. Washington will be an interesting team to watch over the coarse of the season in a very tough division.
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Up for grabs:

Seattle Seahawks , Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina Panthers

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Turning some heads:

Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions


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Disappointing efforts:

Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49'ers, Oakland Raiders

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Work in progress:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills,Cleveland Browns, St.Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos

[lights1961]

A couple upsets, a couple teams here and there that looked better than expected and vice versa. Need time to kill before work so here's my top 10 power rankings after week 1.

YJ's Week 1 Power Rankings:


1. New Orleans Saints: Givin the level of competition vs other teams, New Orleans got the job done against a tough Vikings defense in a close game that could have gone either way. It wasn't the shootout New Orleans fans had hoped, but winning on defense is even prettier sometimes.



2. Houston Texans: The Texans FINALLY made a statement against the team that tormented their division and themselves since their existence. Beating Peyton Manning and Indy was a week 1 must and now it's time to respond the rest of the season rather than winning a game that they treated like a Super Bowl victory. Funny how every team won in the South BUT the Colts.



3. New England Patriots: Granted, it was the Cincinnati Bengals, who I thinks terrible, but Brady looked in mid-season form and Wes Welker got his feet wet early. Jury is still out on their young defense when their challenged but their huge margin of victory can't go unnoticed, esp in Foxboro, which the Pats are pretty much unbeatable.



4. Green Bay Packers: The Pack got off to a rough start but it looks like their defense is finally warming up to a 3-4 defense and they'll only get better. Going on the road to Philly is no easy task and even though Rodgers had a mediocre day, they still found a way to get it done. If they can't keep Rodgers upright, they might stumble later on in the season.



5. Minnesota Vikings: Tough game all around for Minnesota. 3 weeks ago, Brett Favre wasn't even sure his ankle was even 60% healthy and he was riding his lawn mowers on his farm. Going into New Orleans in that environment with no work with the offense whatsoever was so much to ask from Favre, but they brought him back for a reason. Once the season goes on, they'll get back in sync. Their offense misses Sydney Rice badly, but they still have a top 3 defense.



6. Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore has a nice team on paper and their defense played very well and stingy last night against the Jets. Still, as bad as the Jets offense was and the kind of weapons the Ravens have on offense, they still could only manage 10 overall points and got lucky with a running into the kicker penalty for the games only touchdown. That defense was barely challenged so we'll wait until Baltimore faces an offense that could spread them out. Big game next week in Cincy in an AFC North showdown.



7. Indianapolis Colts: Losing a divisional game on the road against a team that is so determined to beat you is tough. Manning and the Colts have been here before and always seem to start off lazy like the Chargers in the WEST. There's no doubt in my mind Manning and company will bounce back from this, but without Peyton, how good are the Colts? Answer: Not good at all.



8. N.Y Jets: What an embarrassing performance offensively. If the Jets want to be taking seriously, then they might want to start getting serious on offense and that's putting more stock into their franchise quarterback. Not gaining 1 single 3rd down until their last ditch effort drive is a major concern for the Jets, who have New England coming up NEXT WEEK. You figure their defense can't be on the field for 50 minutes EVERY game, esp against the hated Patriots.



9. Tennessee Titans: It was the Raiders, but Chris Johnson is such a freak that there's no doubt defensive coordinators hide in a dark corner leading up to game day against this guy. He is on a great start and on pace for his 2,000 yard predicted season. Play action could be huge for this team and TENN could make noise in the AFC this season. They have a tough task against a very tough Pittsburgh defense Sunday at home.



10. Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers will be in survival mode until Ben Roethlisberger gets back. That's exactly what they did against a TOUGH Atlanta Falcons team with weaponry. It wasn't pretty, but they sure did survive, playing the kind of defense that stems back to the 70's. If they can ride their defensive coattails and if Mendenhall is up for the task of a heavy workload, then the seat will be warm for Roethlisberger to return.

---------------------------------------------------------------

On the BRINK

11. N.Y Giants: The Giants are the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFC. Out to prove that last season was a fluke after starting the '08 season with a bang then failing to make the playoffs. They made a statement that they can't be overlooked hanging over 30 points on a tough opponent in Carolina. If this team could get it together, watch out.



12. Washington Redskins: The Skins are a completley different team with McNabb under center, but they could be better. Going up against a "powerhouse" like Dallas in the season opener in a rivalry game is a tough task to over come, but they had the home crowd behind them and a little luck in between. Washington will be an interesting team to watch over the coarse of the season in a very tough division.
---------------------------------------------------------------

Up for grabs:

Seattle Seahawks , Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles

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Turning some heads:

Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions


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Disappointing efforts:

Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49'ers, Oakland Raiders

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Work in progress:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, St.Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos

hold off the power rankings til week 4... but like your one and two picks... but think the Texans beating the Colts soundly was pretty amazing feat... and easily could be a game changer for the Colts going maybe the other direction after almost 10 years of being really really good... The Saints... their super bowl champs... The Packers won... thats all that counts... and the Vikes loss is awesome... Dolphins could get them a tough game this week...

yep... Bengals, 49ers were the two really crappy teams this past weekend... but next week is a whole new week to get more crappy teams exposed... as this is the NFL of course...



Rick



Rick

[YoungJRNY]

Now I know that was leading with the helmet to the grill of Flacco by Ellis.....again, NO CALL. Am I crazy? WTF?

Looked like a perfectly cooked sandwhich sack to me. Dude should have thrown the ball or taken a dive, he had no chance. I didn't see any penalty there and neither did the TV crew as far as I heard. Gruden was blaming Flacco.

Flacco holding the ball too long, and whether the hit was a penalty are TWO separate issues....with logic like yours how the hell do you debate politics?

My logic seems quite sound. 1. No flag was thrown. 2. No TV guy said a word. 3. I didn't see one. What more do I need to know? Oh and 4. Flacco didn't bitch about it and neither did the Ravens as far as I could tell. It must just be you.

So the absense of a flag means there was no penalty.....WOW...I wish the Repubs held the same view about the absense of WMDs.

Still don't see a penalty there S2M

Text book tackle. Helmet right in the chest, head on football. PERFECT HIT.

[lights1961]

Now I know that was leading with the helmet to the grill of Flacco by Ellis.....again, NO CALL. Am I crazy? WTF?

Looked like a perfectly cooked sandwhich sack to me. Dude should have thrown the ball or taken a dive, he had no chance. I didn't see any penalty there and neither did the TV crew as far as I heard. Gruden was blaming Flacco.

Flacco holding the ball too long, and whether the hit was a penalty are TWO separate issues....with logic like yours how the hell do you debate politics?

My logic seems quite sound. 1. No flag was thrown. 2. No TV guy said a word. 3. I didn't see one. What more do I need to know? Oh and 4. Flacco didn't bitch about it and neither did the Ravens as far as I could tell. It must just be you.

So the absense of a flag means there was no penalty.....WOW...I wish the Repubs held the same view about the absense of WMDs.

Still don't see a penalty there S2M

Text book tackle. Helmet right in the chest, head on football. PERFECT HIT.

yep... and Lewis put one on a JEts receiver that was text book perfect too...

[YoungJRNY]

Now I know that was leading with the helmet to the grill of Flacco by Ellis.....again, NO CALL. Am I crazy? WTF?

Looked like a perfectly cooked sandwhich sack to me. Dude should have thrown the ball or taken a dive, he had no chance. I didn't see any penalty there and neither did the TV crew as far as I heard. Gruden was blaming Flacco.

Flacco holding the ball too long, and whether the hit was a penalty are TWO separate issues....with logic like yours how the hell do you debate politics?

My logic seems quite sound. 1. No flag was thrown. 2. No TV guy said a word. 3. I didn't see one. What more do I need to know? Oh and 4. Flacco didn't bitch about it and neither did the Ravens as far as I could tell. It must just be you.

So the absense of a flag means there was no penalty.....WOW...I wish the Repubs held the same view about the absense of WMDs.

Still don't see a penalty there S2M

Text book tackle. Helmet right in the chest, head on football. PERFECT HIT.

yep... and Lewis put one on a JEts receiver that was text book perfect too...

That Lewis hit was just a collision coarse of pain and the life of an elite inside middle linebacker. Say what you want about Ray Lewis, but the dude is ageless and is still feared by many.

[lights1961]

RYAN GRANT is out for the year... DAMN.... I hope this isnt the start of the injury bug for my Packers this fall...

[YoungJRNY]

RYAN GRANT is out for the year... DAMN.... I hope this isnt the start of the injury bug for my Packers this fall...

Huge loss for an offense that would of needed Grants snow and mucky tire treds to get things going in Lambeau Field during the late November/December games. We're seeing more and more players go down with season ending injuries yearly. We'll see what teams are made of with a man down. This is why depth is so important, you can't bank on all starting players to pan out through the 16 game schedule. They always did say, the most important player on any team is the backup.

[mikemarrs]

once they go to an 18 game season the depth on all teams is going to be way more important.teams will definitely have to be prepared for more injuries and do a much better job getting the backups ready to go just in case a starter gets hurt.personally i like the 16 game schedule myself.the 18 game regular season will be more diluted and teams will still end up resting starters unless the league changes things around to make it more meaningful to win games in the last part of the season.

[YoungJRNY]

If they would go to 18, to which I think is way too daunting for the players, than the 53 man roster would have to be bumped up in numbers without a doubt. 18 games changes a lot of a teams landscape as well as the leagues playoff seeding.

[YoungJRNY]

NFL WEEK 2:

(Last Week: 8-6.)

Buffalo @ Green Bay: Buffalo is as bad as it gets and they looked terrible as usual against Miami. They kept it close and was in the game for the most part, but silly mistakes and lack of talent did the Bills in. We'll see if Boomer takes his homerness and picks Buffalo again this week. Green Bay played a tough game against a tough Philly team on the road and was tested early defensively in Week 1. I expect Rodgers to completley blow up this week givin that Grant is out for the season and he has the perfect defense in front of him to reak havoc. Buffalo might not even sniff the endzone. Green Bay by 24.

Miami @ Minnesota: Favre and the Vikes had a good rest and had the precious time to get in sync on their fluttering offense against the Saints in Week 1. Miami is still a team that many can't seem to put a finger on, struggling against a terrible Buffalo team on the road. If they had trouble with Buffalo, then things certainly don't get easier for Miami this week as Minny is poised for a comeback in week, in their house. Vikes by 13.

Kansas City @ Cleveland: The Dogpound is once again yelping in Cleveland, Ohio and we're only 2 weeks into the season. The newly acquired, interception king Jake Delhomme struck again last week, throwing costly interceptions against a rebuilding and youthful Bucs team. They couldn't hold a lead to a 2nd year QB in major need of work. If Week 1 is the sign of things to come in Cleveland, then chalk up another ugly year in the making. 5'10 Seneca Wallace gets the start and is going up against a new and improved Kansas City defense that forced many turnovers against the high powered hated Chargers last week. K.C can't afford to be letdown after a win like that in a mediocre division. K.C by 10.

Chicago @ Dallas: Chicago was one controversy catch away from losing at home and being 0-1 in the hands of the Detroit Lions. Jay Cuter and Matt Forte seem to have something going in Chicago, but Dallas is coming off of a disappointing division loss and if they are meant to be what many predict them to be, they bounce back this week and beat on a team with much, much less talent than them. Romo will be up against a tough defense in Chicago. Dallas by 17.

Arizona @ Atlanta: Arizona's fuel has been drastically since their Super season in '08. They lost their legendary, H.O.F QB to retirement, and game-changing complimentary WR in Boldin to Baltimore. Their bust of a franchise QB Matt Leinart is out of town and journeyman Derek Anderson from the Browns is currently controlling the Cards' fate. Atlanta has many upon many of weapons that majorly underachieved against a TOUGH Pittsburgh D last week, so look for Atlanta to take command early and blow-out a team that has no identity as of right now. Plus, Atlanta is a better team at home. Atlanta by 20.

Tampa Bay @ Carolina: Tampa Bay had an impressive comeback against the Browns and Freeman made some clutch pass's in that process. However, it was the Browns and Carolina went into N.Y and into Giants stadium and played them very tough throughout the game. Carolina has a helluva running game and should have the pieces in place to take it to a young Bucs team still learning. Carolina by 10.

Philly @ Detroit: Detoit is one controversy T.D away from being 1-0. The Lions will certainly be a much improved team all season and will be fits for teams they go up against. The Lions are a no-more gimmie team, but they seem to not have the luck that many great team seem to have. The Vick era could possibly begin in Philly and he looked like the Vick of old last week against the Pack. Expect the Vick experience to get off to a running start and shred the Lions D. Philly by 14.

Baltimore @ Cincy: This could be the game of the week. Cincy was one of the most disappointing teams last week. They got completley man-handled by Brady and the Pats and Super Bowl expectations quickly turned into questions if Cincy can withstand a first place schedule and actually live up to it for once. They swept Balty last year but that was in the midst of major luck and yellow flags. Baltimore has a defense that is stout as ever led by Ray Lewis, and Brady seemed to exploit hat Bengal pass defense. Say hello to Flacco to Boldin. Baltimore by 13.

Pitt @ Tennessee: This could once again be a defensive struggle. The Steelers looked like the Steelers of old and played some very impressive, physical, and nightmarish defense they are so known for. The Titans beat on an un-prepared Raiders team. If the Steelers do what they do best, and stop the run first and foremost, then they can have Young play right into their hands and force them to become one dimensional and force Young into making mistakes. DD was OKAY in week one and would like to have some easy throws back, but expect him to get his legs moving more if the Titans D wants to get aggressive. The Steelers prey on QB's like Young. Steelers by 4.


Seattle @ Denver: The Seahawks had one of the most impressive Week 1's last week, defeating a team that many thought would dominate their Division in the '9ers. If Carrol instilled that kind of winning ways that he did in the Seahawks from USC, then things could be looking up for the Seahawks who play in a division up for grabs. Denver is a tough place to play at Mile High and the Seahawks could be out of their element, but Seattle knows they have an opportunity to jump out in the WEST early. Seahawks by 6.

St. Louis @ Oakland: Bradford looked impressive last week and will be tested going up against an Oakland defense that could take advantage of a young QB. Oakland got completley ass raped last week and should have a good showing @ home this week against a team fighting for answers. Oakland should get their first win, but expect Stephen Jackson to have a big game for the Rams. Oakland by 7.

Houston @ Washington: This is an intriguing matchup. Both of these teams are coming off of HUGE wins and both also do many things different philosophy wise. The Texans should spread an aggressive team like the Redskins out and go to work at coming up with mis-matches against a blitzing Jim Haslett defense. If the Texans want to be takin seriously and push for their first playoff since their existence, then they won't fold on the road @ Washington. McNabb makes the Skins better, but they got work to do. Texans by 8.

N.E @ Jets: Fuck T.O. Get your popcorn ready. Game of the week. If the Jets want to be takin seriously, then they might want to work on their offense and stop being so pathetic on 3rd downs. If you go into this game against a mid-seaosn form Brady and rely on your defense to be on the field for 50 minutes then good luck to you. This could be the week the Jets breakout however since the Pats defense is young and un-tested. Still, hard to go against Brady and the Pats after the Jets' pathetic showing last week on offense. Should be a good game. Pats by 13.

Jax @ S.D: San Diego, once again, is off to their annual slow start. Gerrard is coming off an impressive game, and the S.D run defense got slashed up against the Chiefs rushing attack last week. If Jax can get Jones Drew going and if Garrard plays mistake-free, game manageable offense, then this could be the upset of the week. UPSET: Jax by 3.

N.Y Giants @ Indianapolis: The Colts are in a hole after the Texans beatdown last week, even though Manning threw for over 400 yards against. Without Manning, Indy isn't all that great of a team, so if the Giants want to make a statement and issue the "We're back" battle cry, then little brother must out big brother. Still, Peyton owns Eli and it'll be tough for N.Y to go into Indy after their coming off a loss. Indy by 10.

N.O @ San Fran: The 9'ers were the other most dissapointing team last week against the Seahawks. What a slap back to reality moment. It doesn't get any easier for a wounded 9'ers team and the pressure is already on for week two with a race to win the WEST. N.O's is a team that could explode on offense and if Brees was watching film on what Hasselbeck did to the 9'ers D last week, then this could be smooth sailing for a N.O's offense that could destroy sooner or later. Plus, their D isn't too shabby either. 9'ers are in a tough position and Alex Smith could be ousted once more after this one. Saints by 17.

[S2M]

GREAT picks, Trav....I agree with almost all of them...


Couple of things:

Giants will beat Indy (who's run is done, btw)
Cowboys WILL find a way to blow it against da Bears.

Kurt Warner is NOT a HoF QB...IMHO.

[YoungJRNY]

GREAT picks, Trav....I agree with almost all of them...


Couple of things:

Giants will beat Indy (who's run is done, btw)
Cowboys WILL find a way to blow it against da Bears.

Kurt Warner is NOT a HoF QB...IMHO.

Good call on Dallas thus far, Malone. MAN do they look pathetic!

[YoungJRNY]

Caution: This Steelers defense might be the nastiest I've ever seen them. 6 turnovers.

[RedWingFan]

Favre has thrown 3 picks today.

Unfortunately Miami has literally fumbled the ball right back to them on the very next play....twice!

[YoungJRNY]

7 turnovers from the Steelers D. Relentless.

[pinkfloyd1973]

[Everett]

A-rod is gonna slaughter your bears. Just sayin

[YoungJRNY]

Bengals take their 9th straight AFC North victory in a row. Next up at Carolina.

WOOO, way to go, Cincy, did Pittsburgh a favor. Steelers sitting alone at 2-0 in the Norrist. What a difference a year makes all around the entire league. Teams coming out of the wood-work. Several upsets today. Gotta love the NFL. Nothing better than this.

[YoungJRNY]

Unbelievable what could happen when you actually trust in your QB. Sanchez and the Jets looking like a completley different team and now taking it to N.E. The cuffs are now off and the Jets look great all of a sudden. Let the kid play for Christ sake from now on. Tomlinson is playing his best ball in years and is running harder than he ever has. 21-14 Jets.

[S2M]

Unbelievable what could happen when you actually trust in your QB. Sanchez and the Jets looking like a completley different team and now taking it to N.E. The cuffs are now off and the Jets look great all of a sudden. Let the kid play for Christ sake from now on. Tomlinson is playing his best ball in years and is running harder than he ever has. 21-14 Jets.

I dont see it that way. The truth is that Baltimore has a better defense than NE...and NE has forgot about welker...A bad defense can make a mediocre QB look like a HOF-er.

[S2M]

What a miserable effort by the Patriots: Play calling. Offensive coordinator licking his chops since Revis left game thinking that they'll win the game with absolutely NO running game, and bombs to Moss....forgetting entirely about Edelman And Welker for quick dekes and dunks underneath....couple that with a horrid defense that has NO pass rush...made a less than mediocre Jets team look like Superbowl champs today....memo to Management: Let Brady call 100% of the plays...

With play calling like this the Pats will be lucky to win 8 games...because they have the offensive weapons to win 13-14 games...

The Jets - even though they won today....they'll be lucky to win 7 games.

[RedWingFan]

So I'm watching "NFL Gameday Highlights" on NFL Network and after watching Iggls/Lions highlights. Deion Sanders and the guys are talking about Kolb or Vick as the starter next week. So Deion says...Now I know Philly fans are a little bit "you know what", but they gotta realize that Vick is the better quarterback.

Anybody else see this? Think it'll cost Deion his job?

[YoungJRNY]

Unbelievable what could happen when you actually trust in your QB. Sanchez and the Jets looking like a completley different team and now taking it to N.E. The cuffs are now off and the Jets look great all of a sudden. Let the kid play for Christ sake from now on. Tomlinson is playing his best ball in years and is running harder than he ever has. 21-14 Jets.

I dont see it that way. The truth is that Baltimore has a better defense than NE...and NE has forgot about welker...A bad defense can make a mediocre QB look like a HOF-er.

NFL week 2 is a tough pick 'em week. You just don't know how teams will respond coming out their week 1 efforts. Baltimore might have a better D than N.E, but Jets have a better D than the Bengals as well.

Sanchez and the Jets played a stiff Baltimore defense and it was clear that they knew they were in for a dog fight and didn't want to risk the turnover battle. N.E is no Baltimore and has holes in their defense to exploit and that's their pass defense. I said in my write up that it was a good chance for the Jets to breakout and that's what they did and you must owe it to them. They were physical and Sanchez was money on mostly every ball and saw the field well. I agree that the Pats ignored Welker, why I don't know, maybe they seen something in the defense when Revis went down and tried to give Brady more power of who he wanted for his mis-matches. New England just flat out got out played. Good answer game by the Jets after failing miserably last week.

What a game in Washington though. OT. When they didn't send out Rackers for a 53 yard try I couldn't believe it. Houston right then and there deserved to lose and got lucky on an icing the kicker timeout. That miss was so predictable after he put it through. Still, big win for Houston. Shaub 497 yards passing 3 TD's. Got me 30-some fantasy points.

[X factor]

7 turnovers from the Steelers D. Relentless.

Agreed. I'm a Titans fans, but damn- all I could do is marvel at that D. But as a Steeler aren't you a wee bit concerned that the O only managed 12 points off 7 turnovers? (and yeah I know, Batch is like the 12th string QB and he's about 58 years old, but still, they had everybody else.) No sour grapes, though. It was a good win, and my team played like dogshit. Too bad we can't get the Raiders every week!

[YoungJRNY]

7 turnovers from the Steelers D. Relentless.

Agreed. I'm a Titans fans, but damn- all I could do is marvel at that D. But as a Steeler aren't you a wee bit concerned that the O only managed 12 points off 7 turnovers?

Nope, coming into this season we knew this was the way it was going to be with a 4th string QB taking the reigns and even Dixon got hurt today.

We knew that it had to be the defense to play well enough to win games. Fortunate for us, we didn't expect the D to be THIS stout and this dominant. We have a rookie playing center, and lost our starting left tackle last week against Atlanta (Starks will be back next week though.) Arians has nothing to work with and can't really call a balanced gameplan with the uncertainty at QB, esp when were down to our last one. He's being asked to come up with a gourmet meal with simply no ingredients. It'll gradually get better, guaranteed, esp when you know who comes back. Watch teams eventually back off with Ben in the lineup and that allows the whole field to open up, esp. Mendenhall as well as situational play calls. We're getting the job done and could possibly give Ben a 3-1/4-0 team to take care of down the stretch. As Steelers fans, we all wished for atleast 2-2. Now sitting 2-0, 3-1/4-0 looks very realistic by the way the defense is playing.

[mikemarrs]

congrats on the steelers win.now its a battle of the unbeaten teams next week....

pittsburgh 2-0 at tampa bay 2-0.


looks like the steelers are going to be pretty good this year especially on D.

[YoungJRNY]

congrats on the steelers win.now its a battle of the unbeaten teams next week....

pittsburgh 2-0 at tampa bay 2-0.


looks like the steelers are going to be pretty good this year especially on D.

I certainly hope this isn't a trap game for the Steelers next week. Traveling to Tamps in un-familiar territory against an NFC opponent. With Josh Freeman back there, Dick LeBeau will once again come up with a gameplan to throw whatever we got at that young of a quarterback. Freeman will face a defense he's never seen before and judging by the first 2 games and how crazy-nasty our defense has become, I don't see a stagnant offense with a second year player under quarterback like Freeman to put up more than 13 points, if that but our offense isn't too much better by any means.

Leftwhich could be our starter next week and at this point, is our only hope for atleast a TINY bit of spark. Should be interesting, not overlooking Tampa Bay by no means, esp when we have Balty that next week.

[lights1961]

Will Brett wake up before its too late?? Or is the rust showing here from not being in better mentally and physically prepared as you have to be playing in the NFL today.... he looks like he lost about 4 steps from this year to last year... or the next question...are the players not wanting him there in private??? Will he be a cancer in mid season if the Vikes are 3-5??? or worse 2-6??? I know its early...so next 4 weeks can change in a heart beat for the better... but as of now, the Vikes really have a lot to improve on... Steelers look tough... Bears are vastly improved... Pack has improved... Lions are CLOSE...
Texans look for real... and Cowboys look pathetic... is this it for Romo after this season in Dallas, if they dont make noise later in the year??? i did not get to see the Packers play the Bills... so cant comment there... but without Grant, they still kicked but... NEXT monday night (Packers/Bears) is HUGE for both teams as they go forward for the rest of the year... Bears look tough and the rivalry is heated enough where it would not surprise me to see the Bears win at home...

[mikemarrs]

the vikings are 0-2 and play detroit next week then have a bye before the rest of schedule:



5 Mon, Oct. 11 at New York Jets ESPN 8:30 p.m.
6 Sun, Oct. 17 vs. Dallas Cowboys FOX 4:15 p.m.
7 Sun, Oct. 24 at Green Bay Packers NBC 8:20 p.m.
8 Sun, Oct. 31 at New England Patriots FOX 4:15 p.m.
9 Sun, Nov. 7 vs. Arizona Cardinals FOX 1 p.m.
10 Sun, Nov. 14 at Chicago Bears FOX 1 p.m.
11 Sun, Nov. 21 vs. Green Bay Packers FOX 1 p.m.
12 Sun, Nov. 28 at Washington Redskins FOX 1 p.m.
13 Sun, Dec. 5 vs. Buffalo Bills CBS 1 p.m.
14 Sun, Dec. 12 vs. New York Giants FOX 1 p.m.
15 Mon, Dec. 20 vs. Chicago Bears ESPN 8:30 p.m.
16 Sun, Dec. 26 at Philadelphia Eagles FOX 1 p.m.
17 Sun, Jan. 2 at Detroit Lions FOX 1 p.m.


hard thing is i don't see one sure fire win except buffalo.all the rest of these teams will be hard fought games.