That was the worst week in the NFL's history. . . blah blah
blah. At least that was the noise leading up to the games of week two due to
off the field issues by some of the players. I changed the channel for
the most part because those aren't the things that a sports fanatic like myself
care about; if you do, then more power to you. I want to be the guy that
brings it to you live and direct about the games themselves. As it turned out,
however, it probably was worst week because many key players got injured in
week 2. If you're like me, and felt media coverage of this game got
over saturated with nonsense and you were turned off, here's a recap of
what happened last week.
Steelers @ Ravens... With so much drama
surrounding the Baltimore Ravens due to the unfortunate Ray Rice saga, they
came together as a team and focused on their job description - winning a
football game. Leveon Bell played like a beast possessed in a losing effort for
the Steelers. Antonio Brown left the game to get checked out for a concussion
but returned later.
Saints @ Browns... Two weeks in a row, the
New Orleans defense haven't been able to stop anybody from driving down the
field late in the game. Maybe they need to just run up the score on offense
instead of going for balance. Cleveland has one of the best run blocking
offensive lines and have pounded the ball two weeks in a row. They're
defense is legit, I mentioned before they'll be able to compete for this
division title if they keep up this level of play. Saints' running back Mark
Ingram will be out one month because he broke his hand in the first half.
Jaguars @ Redskins... There's no question
that there should be a quarterback controversy. Cousins is a much better
quarterback for Jay Gruden's offense than RG3 is; matter of fact, I think
Griffin's days in this league are numbered; he needs to alter his mechanisms of
running, sliding, and landing. Griffin dislocated his ankle early in the
game before Cousins replaced him to lead the rout.
Dolphins @ Bills... Buffalo is a legitimate
football team. After knocking off the Bears last week, most people felt that
Chicago lost it rather than the Bills winning it, but they handled Miami pretty
easily. Bills are a solid defensive team and they're committed to their
ground game on offense. EJ Manuel is maturing as a player, he has all the tools
it takes to be a great quarterback, he just needs to play within himself. Both
Dolphins RBs left the game with an injury; Knowshon Moreno dislocated his elbow
and will miss a few months, while Lamar Miller tweaked his ankle but is now
fine.
Lions @ Panthers... Everybody is still
doubting the Carolina Panthers. Well, as long as the guys in that locker room
believe in themselves, I'm sure they're fine playing the "us against the
world card".
Cowboys @ Titans... I believe in Tony Romo
as a player, but in order for the team to succeed you have to put him in
positions to succeed like they did this past week. Dallas called DeMarco
Murray's number early and often and fed Dez Bryant the Beast as well.
Cardinals @ Giants... Eli Manning wasn't
completely horrible but he did throw 2 interceptions. What surprised me
was Rashad Jennings' 2nd career lost fumble. Carson Palmer sat out this game,
but the defense and special teams stepped up and got the Cardinals their win in
the east coast.
Patriots @ Vikings... New England caught a
break with Adrian Peterson being deactivated late in the week. The Vikings
looked like they didn't have a game plan on offense. Belichick and New
England's defense feasted on Cassel in this game.
Falcons @ Bengals... Cincinnati just kept
putting the ball in the hands of their running backs time and time again; a
trademark of Hue Jackson's offense. This is probably the most complete team in
the AFC because they have a balanced offense and a good defense. Atlanta hasn't
been able to stop anyone from running the ball this season. AJ Green injured
his toe in this game and questions surround his availability going into week 3.
Jets @ Packers... For a moment in this
game, it looked like all the talk was going to be about how the Packers are
having trouble moving the ball for a 2nd straight week as the Jets jumped out
to a 21-3 lead early in the 2nd quarter. Then it looked like the Jets forgot
how to play football, Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson took over the game, and
Green Bay outscored New York 28-3 the rest of the way. One silver lining for
Rex Ryan's team is they can lean on their run defense but their best offensive
player, Eric Decker, injured a hamstring and hasn't practiced all week.
Seahawks @Chargers... You can tell Mike
McCoy spent a lot of sleepless nights scheming for this one; the Chargers
executed a fabulous game plan in victory. San Diego had just three drives that
ended in a punt, turnover, or on downs. Seahawks only ran 40 plays in this game.
If you didn't already know that Antonio Gates is the man in San Diego, you were
reminded on Sunday. Unfortunately, Ryan Mathews is slated to miss at least one
month with a sprained MCL.
Rams @ Buccaneers... I admit that I had
been harsh on the St. Louis Rams because of all their injuries. They deserve
all the credit in the world for gutting out a 2 point road win. Tampa was
in perfect position to kick a game winning field goal, but their rookie wide
receiver went down with an injury after catching a 29 yard pass, resulting in a
10 second runoff to end the play. It appeared to me that the whistle was blown
with more than 10 seconds on the clock.
Chiefs @ Broncos... Kansas City had more
passing yards than Denver, had more rushing yards even with Jamaal Charles
getting injured early in the game, and also dominated the time of possession,
but still the Broncos found a way to win the game. Peyton Manning was business
as usual with his efficient self completing 21/26 with three tugs.
Texans @ Raiders... This Houston team appear to
be going through a resurgence. JJ Watt had zero tackles, zero sacks, but one
touchdown reception. This defense is taking no shorts. Houston also has
the highest run to pass ratio so far in the young NFL season. I'm convinced
that the Oakland coaches are flipping through the late great Al Davis's
memoires and calling those plays that he likes.
Bears @49'ers... The San Francisco 49'ers
dominated the first 29 minutes of this game, and with a 13 point lead heading
into the fourth quarter, it seemed like they would Christen their new stadium
with a win over Chicago. Luckily for the Bears, NFL games are 60 minutes long,
just long enough for a Kaepernick implosion to happen. Brandon Marshall, who
was listed as questionable leading up to the game, bossed up with three
touchdowns.
Eagles @ Colts... For the 2nd week in a row, the
Eagles came back from a two touchdown deficit to win the game. Philly has a
deadly offense, whether by land or by air, they'll find a way to put points on
the board in the latter half. The Colts simply gave this one away via
turnovers, and I don't know why they continue to trust Trent Richardson when
Ahmad Bradshaw is so much better.
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