Observations from the early games:
-The headline in the early games is that Donovan McNabb’s season is over. The quarterback suffered a torn knee ligament in a 31-13 loss to the Titans. When it rains it pours apparently in Philadelphia. The Eagles’ quick start must seem like a distant memory for Philly fans. Now this? Ouch.
-The Bears completed a two-game New Jersey swing by shutting out the Jets 10-0. Other than a big play to Mark Bradley, Chicago leaned on Thomas Jones (23 carries for 121 yards) to squeeze out this victory. The Bears seem to be more balanced on offense than they were earlier in the season.
-Okay, who pissed off the Patriots? Tom Brady went off for four touchdowns and helped smoked the Packers 35-0. I wrote last week how teams should pay attention to Green Bay. Whoops. It helped the Patriots’ cause that Brett Favre was knocked out of in the second quarter, but still, what a rebound-game for the Patriots after back-to-back losses.
– Are we starting to see the real Saints? The magic of the Superdome seems to be fading fast as New Orleans was smacked for 21 points in the second half in a 31-16 loss to the Bengals. Chad Johnson was close to another 200-yard day with six receptions for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Cincy’s offense is starting to role and the Saints defense is hurtling back down to earth.
– Everybody back aboard the Panthers bandwagon again? Good, buckle in because Carolina is back in first place after a 15-0 shutout of the Rams. Rookie DeAneglo Williams carried the ball 20 times for 114 yards, as DeShawn Foster had to leave the game due to an injury. The Panthers are scary team when they can actually run the football consistently and I’m sure all the Carolina Super Bowl talk with start up again in t-minus nine seconds.
-Two observations from the Ravens 24-10 victory over the Falcons. Number one, Baltimore isn’t that good and two, Greg Knapp (Atlanta o-coordinator) should be fired immediately after this season. The Ravens have survived on second half comebacks all season and that won’t fly against better teams in the playoffs. And Knapp has no clue on how to use Michael Vick and the plethora of talent he has on offense. The media can blame Vick all they want for everything, but it’s obvious that Knapp’s game plans are as shallow as a kiddy pool.
– Don’t tell me that the Steelers are “back” after a narrow 24-20 escape in Cleveland. Ben Roethlisberger threw three picks, including two in the red zone, only to mange a fluke touchdown pass to Willie Parker at the end of the game. The Browns shut down Parker on the ground, Charlie Frye was better than Big Ben and Braylon Edwards outperformed the entire Pittsburgh receiving unit. Cleveland just couldn’t shut the door after a 20-10 lead.
– Trent Green didn’t do much in the Chiefs 17-13 win over the Raiders, but he did spark the team after missing ten weeks due to a vicious concussion. Oakland should spend the rest of season trying to get whatever it can for Randy Moss. Moss is pathetic and is giving zero effort. I don’t care what the situation is – play out that mega contract that you’re given you punk.
– Since hammering Miami on a consistent basis earlier this season, the Dolphins have won three straight and look very sharp. How you win when you gain minus three yards on offense is beyond me, but hey, good for you. It was enough for Miami in the Dolphins 24-20 victory over the Minnesota Boring/Lame Asses. Oh sorry. I mean the Vikings.
– Even though Washington fell to the Bucs 20-17, welcome to the NFL Jason Campbell (19 for 34, 196 yards, two touchdowns, zero interceptions). Cadillac Williams (27 carries for 122 yards) actually showed up for Tampa Bay Sunday.
– And for today’s snooze fest, the Bills beat the Texans 24-21. Houston should absolutely be embarrassed, ashamed and whatever other adjective describes horrified for allowing J.P. Losman to throw for 340 yards and three touchdowns.
