Sep 12 2008
NFL Week 2
Week 1 matters little in the grand scheme of things. With pre-season being nothing more than dress rehearsal, some teams just aren’t ready for the season. However, confidence can be built in the first week. Teams like Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Dallas, Denver, New York Jets, Green Bay and Chicago are immediately brimming with it. They were able to come out of the gates firing. For Atlanta, this just might help establish their coach and quarterbacks as leaders. For the other teams mentioned, this could be the spring board to a fine season.
On the flipside, for teams like New England, Jacksonville, San Diego, Cleveland and Cincinnati week one was a kick to the nether regions. Injuries, poor play and blowouts leave the teams shaken for confidence. The Patriots need to suddenly dial back the clock to a few years ago, when they won by controlling the clock, tremendous defense and timely passing. Can they do that on the fly? Not sure, we’ll see. I’m not of the mindset that they are going to collapse. I can see season long problems in Jacksonville and Cleveland. The Browns I thought were a fraud, and have a really tough schedule this season, while Jacksonville has too many line troubles to overcome mid-season.
So how will teams react to their situations in week 2? For Philly and Dallas, a win here can propel the winner to a fantastic start. Sure, the loser should recover, but the confidence of the winner will carry them throughout the first half of the season.
Here’s how we see it for week 2:
Indianapolis at Minnesota
Kali: Forte ran wild against the Colts last week, so I expect the same from Adrian Peterson. And Minnesota was in the game at Green Bay. Pick: Minnesota
Antonio: Indianapolis is in trouble. AP might go for 200. Pick: Minnesota
New England at New York Jets
Kali: I expect the Patriots to play well without Brady. But even Brady had problems against the Jets defense and Cassell gets his first start on the road. Pick: New York Bretts
Antonio: Ain’t happening. I think the Patriots will respond quickly to the loss of Brady. Will they look good this week? No. But they are going to play with a chip on their shoulder, and thats when the Patriots have always been at their best. Pick: New England Cassells
NY Giants at St. Louis
Antonio: It is fantastic that the NFL has allowed it’s teams to schedule college teams. I think the St. Louis Billikens will keep it close for about 2 minutes. Pick: NY Giants
Kali: The Rams looked like a team that couldn’t win the ACC last week. And the Giants are in the NFC East. Case closed. Pick: NY Giants
New Orleans at Washington:
Kali: Redskins have looked terrible, especially on offense the last 3 weeks. And the Saints look like they realized the best way to use Reggie Bush. So probably a Saints blowout, but going with my heart. Pick: Washington
Antonio: Your heart is lying. I don’t think Washington will get blown out. But the Saints will just have too much for the Redskins. They need only score 17 points. Even against the Saints suspect defense, the Redskins just don’t have it together yet. Pick: Saints
San Diego at Denver:
Antonio: Maybe more teams need to check their young QBs for diabetes. All kidding aside, Jay Cutler looks more physically ready to play, and gets back his favorite target from last year, Brandon Marshall. San Diego, you are officially in trouble. Pick: Denver
Kali: Cutler looks like the best QB to come out of these last couple of draft classes. I like the way the Denver defense flies around. And I’m still not a believer in Norv Turner. Pick: Denver
Philadelphia at Dallas:
Antonio: Amazing that is week two and there is this great a matchup. I’m split on this one. But I’ve had a feeling about the Eagles, and last week did nothing to change that feeling. They just seem ready to explode on the league. Remember the pickle juice game in 2000, when the Andy Reid Eagles had their coming out party? I’m just saying… Pick: Philadelphia
Kali: Was Philly that good or their opponent that bad? I think a healthy McNabb makes them that good. And Romo won’t have 15 minutes to find a receiver this week against Jim Johnson. Pick: Philadelphia
I’m glad ya’ll both had Philly….