Black Ball Sports

The NFL is off to an amazing start.  The number of interesting stories, trends and moments is tremendous.  I don’t even know if I could sufficiently sum up the stories.

• The Titans are moving on without Vince Young - They’ve handled him poorly, and it is clear he’s emotionally fragile.  This doesn’t look good for the franchise or Young.  Boy, Young and Matt Leinhart must miss college.
• Vikings turn the page on Tarvaris Jackson - They needed to do this, but I think after spending all this time grooming, defending and verbally supporting the guy, isn’t it a bit late to turn to of all people Gus Ferrotte?  Nonetheless, they will play better.
• Patriots moving on without Tom Brady - The Patriots surprised me not by winning, but by quickly regrouping to commit themselves to the old Patriot ways of defense first.   Not they need to sustain it.
• Rookies hitting the mark - Despite playing for the worst managed team in professional sports, Darren McFadden is trying to become to the Raiders what Adrian Peterson was to the Vikings last year.   Not to be outdone are the mini-WRs, Eddie Royal and DeSean Jackson.  It’s only been two weeks of course, but both of them are performing well above expectations.  Can they keep it up?  Unlikely, but the fact that they both are being trusted by their quarterbacks and coaching staffs can’t be dismissed.
• Speaking of WR - I hate TO.  He’s simply the best in the league right now.  I’m giving him the edge over Randy Moss, because I can’t dismiss Moss’ years with the Raiders as simply due to the team he was on.  He fell off hard in those years.  Brandon Marshall is a beast.  He comes back from suspension and in one week takes over the NFL lead in receptions.
• NFC East - Best ever? It’s a bit premature to call this years NFC East the best division ever, but it is not a stretch to say that 3 of the top 5 teams in the league play there.  Nor is it a stretch to say despite playing each other, 3 teams can go 12-4.  I doubt it will happen, but it is a possibility.
• Young QBs on the rise - The quarterback position has taken some hits for being a bit lacking in quality the last few years, but look now around the league and what do you see?  Tony Romo, Jay Cutler, Philip Rivers, Aaron Rodgers, Ben Rothelisberger are all playing great (see this article for more).  Trent Edwards is showing he belongs, and Jason Campbell took a step forward this week.  I’m really wondering if the league is going to be taking a strong tick back up in QB play.  A few of the guys I mentioned, certainly have the talent and resume to think this isn’t a fluke.
• Don’t blame the refs - I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, don’t blame them when things go awry.  Yes, Norv Turner and the Chargers, you got hosed.  The referee blew the whistle too soon.  However, you let a 5′10, 175 lbs receiver beat you twice after that.  You allowed the Broncos to take the ball 80 yards to score the winning points.  Take responsibility for that.  You certainly wouldn’t have given Cutler’s gift back if the call was correctly made.  I’ve heard the argument made that jobs are lost when a call goes the wrong way.  Not true, if one call, and one loss determined a coaches’ fate, than that means he was already on the hot seat.  Same thing goes for the Houston Astros, the league didn’t ruin your season, the fact that you played poorly for 4 of the 5 months of the season ruined it.

Our Picks

After week 2: We are both 3-3.  To keep us from picking the same teams head to head each week, we picked a couple different games in addition to all the NFC East games.

Jacksonville at Indianapolis

Kali: Garrard already has as many interceptions as last year and the running game is not there. Indy hasn’t looked great, but you know that won’t last. Pick: Indianapolis

Tampa Bay at Chicago

Antonio: The win at Indianapolis is going to prove to be the highlight of the year for Chicago.  Even at home, with that defense, they cannot win games with a quarterback throwing for only 150 yards.  This week they face another defense first team, with their former starter Brian Griese playing against them.  Pick: Tampa Bay

Carolina at Minnesota

Kali: Steve Smith is back and got to show and prove. This was an easy Carolina pick when Tavaris Jackson was starting, but something about Ferrotte has me thinking. Pick: Carolina

New Orleans at Denver

Antonio: I believe that New Orleans is going to have a good season and win the South.  However, Denver is impressive.  Jay Cutler is in a zone, and their offense is loaded.  This game could become even more high scoring then the San Diego game.  Pick: Denver

Arizona at Washington

Kali: Arizona is 2-0, but I don’t think it’s real. Washington finally showed some offense and the defense has been playing well. Pick: Washington

Antonio: Washington beats up Kurt Warner in this one.  Remember, that’s been his biggest problem, he’s a statue in the pocket, and often takes big hits. Pick: Washington

Pittsburgh at Philadelphia

Kali: Philly should have gotten a win the other night. They gave it away to Dallas. I don’t know if Pittsburgh can score enough to keep up with the on fire Donovan McNabb. Pick: Philadelphia

Antonio: There will be doom and gloom on Monday in Philly.  Ever hear the term FUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt); just turn on Philly sports talk radio and you’ll understand it.  When I looked at the Eagles schedule before the season, I had this penciled in as a loss, and I’m not changing now.   Pick: Pittsburgh

Dallas at Green Bay

Antonio: I don’t like teams coming off big rivalry games on Monday nights.  However, I think the Cowboys are going to pull this one off.  Pick: Dallas

Kali: There was a ridiculous piece written earlier on this site about Green Bay keeping Favre. That guy is an idiot and should apologize to Rodgers. This is the apology. Pick: Green Bay

Cincinnati at NY Giants

Kali: I hate to say it but Marvin Lewis might be out. Something has to be done. They haven’t been going in the right direction. That direction down continues this week. Pick: NY Giants

Antonio: I won’t even address the Bungals, as the Giants deserve all the spotlight.  They are great, amazing, awesome. Eli Manning, Justin Tuck and Plaxico Burress are first ballot hall of famers.  Tom Coughlin is a better coach then Bill Parcells and Bill Belichek could ever be on their best days.  Go Big BLUE. (Hopefully, I can overhype them, and cause a mind numbing crash and they go down like a Ray Handley team). Pick: NY Giants (78-3)

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