Last week: 9-7
You know what? In a week where the 49ers go into Lambeau and thrash the Packers (nailed that one), Washington goes into the Superdome led by a rookie QB and beats the Saints (didn’t get that one, but it was awesome), the Bills make the Jets look like the 2007 Pats (yikes!), and Peyton Manning returns after 20 months and three neck surgeries to stun the Steelers (another loss for me, but I was still rooting for him), I’ll take 9-7.
Last season, I wrote about the oft-mentioned, but mostly meaningless “statistic” Passer Rating (or, as it’s sometimes called, “QB Rating”). This week, I am introducing a new feature, which I will tentatively call “Quarterback Rating is Dumb” (Until I think of, or someone suggests, something better). This week’s installment features Jay Cutler of the Chicago Bears. Based on passer rating, Cutler’s 21 of 35 for 333 yards, with 2 TDs and 1 INT (98.9 rating) in beating the Colts was no match for Sam Bradford (17 for 25, 198, 1 and 0, 105.1), Philip Rivers (24 for 33, 231, 1 and 0, 102.0), or Christian Ponder 20 for 27, 270, 0 and 0, 105.5). Go figure.
Thursday Night
Bears at Packers
How to explain how low Chicago appears on some columnists’ weekly power rankings? I feel like I’m the only one who can remember how well the Bears were playing last season up until Jay Cutler’s thumb injury, and if anything, they’re better on offence now, with additions like Brandon Marshall (who had a big game in week 1) and RB Michael Bush (who gives them enviable depth behind Matt Forte). Tough week for Green Bay, having to face a scary 49ers’ team, followed by Chicago, on a short week. The Packers have a shot in this one (sounds weird to be writing THAT); Rodgers should be able to find more holes to exploit in the Bears’ secondary with Charles Tillman unlikely to play, even if Greg Jennings is iffy to play himself, and Clay Matthews looked great rushing the passer against San Fran. Right now, though, Chicago just looks better on both sides of the ball. Winner: Bears
Sunday
Texans at Jaguars
Houston looked good in all facets of the game in week 1, although it would have been difficult not to against pitiful Miami. The Texans continue their tour of Florida disaster areas in Jacksonville this week. The Jags snatched defeat from the jaws of victory last week, scoring a go-ahead TD and 2-point conversion with 20 seconds left in the 4th quarter to take a 3-point lead, only to give up a 55-yard game tying field goal at the end of regulation and lose in OT. It’s going to be that kind of year for the Jags. Winner: Texans
Chiefs at Bills
What should I make of this one? Buffalo looked dreadful in their opener, making the Jets look like the best offence in the league, and suffering some costly injuries in the process. Kansas City gave up 40 points to the new-look Falcons’ offence, but looked less like they were letting their opponent win that the Bills did. If not for the injuries, I’d look for Buffalo to bounce back, but the pressure’s on for their home-opener, and I have a bad feeling. Winner: Chiefs
Buccaneers at Giants
New York is in for a tough fight in this one. The Bucs defence performed like a unit desperate to be coached after last season’s catastrophe, and their talent showed through in beating the Panthers in week 1. The Giants look vulnerable after their loss to Dallas in week 1. Injuries in New York’s secondary and linebacking corps placed too much of the onus on their defensive line. If Eli Manning and his WRs (I’m looking at you, Victor Cruz) have another sloppy outing, this Bucs defence will make them pay. Winner: Buccaneers
Browns at Bengals
No doubt Cincinnati is disheartened after its loss to the Ravens on Monday night, but it’s not all bad news for them. Their offence looked good at times, difficult to do considering how well Baltimore played, and their defence, while giving up a lot of points, didn’t look overmatched in talent, just a bit overwhelmed by the pace of the Ravens’ revamped offence. Look for the Bengals to bounce back. It’s difficult to know what to take away from Cleveland’s week 1 game against the Eagles. They lost a close one, but at times the game must have seemed like a competition between Brandon Weeden and Michael Vick to see who could complete the most passes to the other team. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Colt McCoy this weekend. Winner: Bengals
Raiders at Dolphins
If I know anything about the Raiders, it’s that the backup long-snapper will get serious reps in practice this week. Oakland should have won their week 1 game against San Diego, but they wore out their defence giving the Chargers great field position due to a series of special teams miscues. With a bit more luck in getting some healthy receivers on the field, this could be a decent Raiders’ offence, one where Carson Palmer doesn’t have to throw to RB Darren McFadden 18 times (McFadden had 13 catches). New Dolphins Head Coach "GOB" Philbin must be looking looking at his tenure thus far and saying, "I've made a huge mistake." I don’t know what else I can say about the Dolphins. Have I mentioned that they’re not very good? Winner: Raiders
Cardinals at Patriots
Arizona played well enough in its opener to beat a Seattle team that didn’t play very well at all. Kevin Kolb got the W in relief of injured starter John Skelton (I sound like I’m writing about baseball… <shivers>), and will start this week. New England looked good on offence in week 1, very efficient and businesslike, almost boring. Their defence was a revelation, with highly-drafted rookies Chandler Jones (DE) and Dont’a Hightower (LB) making valuable contributions, and Jerod Mayo continuing in his role as tackling machine. A Patriots team with an improved defence must scare the crap out of the rest of the league. Winner: Patriots
Vikings at Colts
Minnesota pulled one out of the fire against the Jags in week 1. Andrew Luck played well in his first start against a really tough Bears team. This week, Luck should get his first victory. Winner: Colts
Ravens at Eagles
I can hear the boos already. If Vick plays like he did against the Browns last week, this one will get ugly fast, on the scoreboard and in the stands. If he plays well, we have a game. So goes the fortunes of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012. Winner: Ravens
Saints at Panthers
Hard to tell what happens here. The Saints couldn’t stop rookie Robert Griffin III in their opener, and now have to face Cam Newton. Newton’s Panthers struggled mightily against the Bucs in week 1, but that was most likely due to Tampa Bay’s defensive effort. Look for Carolina to bounce back this week. New Orleans missed suspended coach Sean Payton in its opener; as I mentioned in my season preview, the Saints seemed unable to make the necessary in-game adjustments needed to succeed against Washington. Winner: Panthers
Cowboys at Seahawks
Dallas played reasonably well in its opener, but they may have looked better than they are against a Giants team that was thin on defence due to injuries, and that played sloppy on offence. The Seahawks will be a tougher test for them. Russell Wilson looked shaky at times in his regular season debut, but he was also let down by inconsistent receiver play. Seattle will be better this week, and the 12th man should help them win a squeaker. Winner: Seahawks
Washington at Rams
So, RGIII is the real deal. That’s bad news for St. Louis, which, although they gave a spirited effort against the Lions in week 1, still don’t look particularly dynamic in any facet of the game. Winner: Washington
Titans at Chargers
San Diego looked pretty good on defence in their Monday nighter against the Raiders, but Oakland is pretty banged-up at receiver right now. Tennessee’s offence should be more of a challenge. Jake Locker looked fine against the Pats, until he had to leave the game with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder, and either he or Matt Hasselbeck can ably lead the Titans’ attack. The world awaits the return of CJ2000. Chris Johnson did not do well in week 1, but New England’s defence is significantly improved over a unit that was very difficult to run against last season. I’d like to see him break out this week. Winner: Titans
Jets at Steelers
OK, Sanchez; do it again against the Steelers and I’ll start to take you seriously. I’ll even spot you a hobbled James Harrison. In other news, Bills RB CJ Spiller had 169 yards rushing (on only 14 carries) against the Jets’ defence, and Darrelle Revis suffered what appeared to be a concussion in week 1 which may make him unavailable to grab, push, and interfere with Pittsburgh’s receivers this week. Winner: Steelers
Lions at 49ers
Detroit barely beat the Rams in week 1. Matthew Stafford played like crap, and needed to throw the ball 48 times to pull out a last second victory. I shudder to think what will happen against San Fran’s defence. No wait, what I meant to say is, “I can’t wait to see what happens against San Fran’s defence!” The 49ers dismantled Green Bay in week 1. Now, they look like the best overall team in the NFL, and the Packers have no mantle. Calvin Johnson Watch: Held out of the end-zone in week 1 (after scoring 16 times last season); held out of practice on Wednesday of this week with an injury. I wonder what’s going through his head? Winner: 49ers.
Monday Night
Broncos at Falcons
This looks like a great game for Monday night. Denver looked really good against the Steelers. Their defence played well, their pass rush seems to be picking up right where it left off last season, and Peyton Manning looked comfortable in his first regular season action in almost 2 years. Atlanta looks to be as potent as advertised on offence. However, they’re a little shorthanded in their defensive secondary this week. That may be all the opening that Manning and the Broncos need to pull the upset. Winner: Broncos
You know what? In a week where the 49ers go into Lambeau and thrash the Packers (nailed that one), Washington goes into the Superdome led by a rookie QB and beats the Saints (didn’t get that one, but it was awesome), the Bills make the Jets look like the 2007 Pats (yikes!), and Peyton Manning returns after 20 months and three neck surgeries to stun the Steelers (another loss for me, but I was still rooting for him), I’ll take 9-7.
Last season, I wrote about the oft-mentioned, but mostly meaningless “statistic” Passer Rating (or, as it’s sometimes called, “QB Rating”). This week, I am introducing a new feature, which I will tentatively call “Quarterback Rating is Dumb” (Until I think of, or someone suggests, something better). This week’s installment features Jay Cutler of the Chicago Bears. Based on passer rating, Cutler’s 21 of 35 for 333 yards, with 2 TDs and 1 INT (98.9 rating) in beating the Colts was no match for Sam Bradford (17 for 25, 198, 1 and 0, 105.1), Philip Rivers (24 for 33, 231, 1 and 0, 102.0), or Christian Ponder 20 for 27, 270, 0 and 0, 105.5). Go figure.
Thursday Night
Bears at Packers
How to explain how low Chicago appears on some columnists’ weekly power rankings? I feel like I’m the only one who can remember how well the Bears were playing last season up until Jay Cutler’s thumb injury, and if anything, they’re better on offence now, with additions like Brandon Marshall (who had a big game in week 1) and RB Michael Bush (who gives them enviable depth behind Matt Forte). Tough week for Green Bay, having to face a scary 49ers’ team, followed by Chicago, on a short week. The Packers have a shot in this one (sounds weird to be writing THAT); Rodgers should be able to find more holes to exploit in the Bears’ secondary with Charles Tillman unlikely to play, even if Greg Jennings is iffy to play himself, and Clay Matthews looked great rushing the passer against San Fran. Right now, though, Chicago just looks better on both sides of the ball. Winner: Bears
Sunday
Texans at Jaguars
Houston looked good in all facets of the game in week 1, although it would have been difficult not to against pitiful Miami. The Texans continue their tour of Florida disaster areas in Jacksonville this week. The Jags snatched defeat from the jaws of victory last week, scoring a go-ahead TD and 2-point conversion with 20 seconds left in the 4th quarter to take a 3-point lead, only to give up a 55-yard game tying field goal at the end of regulation and lose in OT. It’s going to be that kind of year for the Jags. Winner: Texans
Chiefs at Bills
What should I make of this one? Buffalo looked dreadful in their opener, making the Jets look like the best offence in the league, and suffering some costly injuries in the process. Kansas City gave up 40 points to the new-look Falcons’ offence, but looked less like they were letting their opponent win that the Bills did. If not for the injuries, I’d look for Buffalo to bounce back, but the pressure’s on for their home-opener, and I have a bad feeling. Winner: Chiefs
Buccaneers at Giants
New York is in for a tough fight in this one. The Bucs defence performed like a unit desperate to be coached after last season’s catastrophe, and their talent showed through in beating the Panthers in week 1. The Giants look vulnerable after their loss to Dallas in week 1. Injuries in New York’s secondary and linebacking corps placed too much of the onus on their defensive line. If Eli Manning and his WRs (I’m looking at you, Victor Cruz) have another sloppy outing, this Bucs defence will make them pay. Winner: Buccaneers
Browns at Bengals
No doubt Cincinnati is disheartened after its loss to the Ravens on Monday night, but it’s not all bad news for them. Their offence looked good at times, difficult to do considering how well Baltimore played, and their defence, while giving up a lot of points, didn’t look overmatched in talent, just a bit overwhelmed by the pace of the Ravens’ revamped offence. Look for the Bengals to bounce back. It’s difficult to know what to take away from Cleveland’s week 1 game against the Eagles. They lost a close one, but at times the game must have seemed like a competition between Brandon Weeden and Michael Vick to see who could complete the most passes to the other team. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Colt McCoy this weekend. Winner: Bengals
Raiders at Dolphins
If I know anything about the Raiders, it’s that the backup long-snapper will get serious reps in practice this week. Oakland should have won their week 1 game against San Diego, but they wore out their defence giving the Chargers great field position due to a series of special teams miscues. With a bit more luck in getting some healthy receivers on the field, this could be a decent Raiders’ offence, one where Carson Palmer doesn’t have to throw to RB Darren McFadden 18 times (McFadden had 13 catches). New Dolphins Head Coach "GOB" Philbin must be looking looking at his tenure thus far and saying, "I've made a huge mistake." I don’t know what else I can say about the Dolphins. Have I mentioned that they’re not very good? Winner: Raiders
Cardinals at Patriots
Arizona played well enough in its opener to beat a Seattle team that didn’t play very well at all. Kevin Kolb got the W in relief of injured starter John Skelton (I sound like I’m writing about baseball… <shivers>), and will start this week. New England looked good on offence in week 1, very efficient and businesslike, almost boring. Their defence was a revelation, with highly-drafted rookies Chandler Jones (DE) and Dont’a Hightower (LB) making valuable contributions, and Jerod Mayo continuing in his role as tackling machine. A Patriots team with an improved defence must scare the crap out of the rest of the league. Winner: Patriots
Vikings at Colts
Minnesota pulled one out of the fire against the Jags in week 1. Andrew Luck played well in his first start against a really tough Bears team. This week, Luck should get his first victory. Winner: Colts
Ravens at Eagles
I can hear the boos already. If Vick plays like he did against the Browns last week, this one will get ugly fast, on the scoreboard and in the stands. If he plays well, we have a game. So goes the fortunes of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012. Winner: Ravens
Saints at Panthers
Hard to tell what happens here. The Saints couldn’t stop rookie Robert Griffin III in their opener, and now have to face Cam Newton. Newton’s Panthers struggled mightily against the Bucs in week 1, but that was most likely due to Tampa Bay’s defensive effort. Look for Carolina to bounce back this week. New Orleans missed suspended coach Sean Payton in its opener; as I mentioned in my season preview, the Saints seemed unable to make the necessary in-game adjustments needed to succeed against Washington. Winner: Panthers
Cowboys at Seahawks
Dallas played reasonably well in its opener, but they may have looked better than they are against a Giants team that was thin on defence due to injuries, and that played sloppy on offence. The Seahawks will be a tougher test for them. Russell Wilson looked shaky at times in his regular season debut, but he was also let down by inconsistent receiver play. Seattle will be better this week, and the 12th man should help them win a squeaker. Winner: Seahawks
Washington at Rams
So, RGIII is the real deal. That’s bad news for St. Louis, which, although they gave a spirited effort against the Lions in week 1, still don’t look particularly dynamic in any facet of the game. Winner: Washington
Titans at Chargers
San Diego looked pretty good on defence in their Monday nighter against the Raiders, but Oakland is pretty banged-up at receiver right now. Tennessee’s offence should be more of a challenge. Jake Locker looked fine against the Pats, until he had to leave the game with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder, and either he or Matt Hasselbeck can ably lead the Titans’ attack. The world awaits the return of CJ2000. Chris Johnson did not do well in week 1, but New England’s defence is significantly improved over a unit that was very difficult to run against last season. I’d like to see him break out this week. Winner: Titans
Jets at Steelers
OK, Sanchez; do it again against the Steelers and I’ll start to take you seriously. I’ll even spot you a hobbled James Harrison. In other news, Bills RB CJ Spiller had 169 yards rushing (on only 14 carries) against the Jets’ defence, and Darrelle Revis suffered what appeared to be a concussion in week 1 which may make him unavailable to grab, push, and interfere with Pittsburgh’s receivers this week. Winner: Steelers
Lions at 49ers
Detroit barely beat the Rams in week 1. Matthew Stafford played like crap, and needed to throw the ball 48 times to pull out a last second victory. I shudder to think what will happen against San Fran’s defence. No wait, what I meant to say is, “I can’t wait to see what happens against San Fran’s defence!” The 49ers dismantled Green Bay in week 1. Now, they look like the best overall team in the NFL, and the Packers have no mantle. Calvin Johnson Watch: Held out of the end-zone in week 1 (after scoring 16 times last season); held out of practice on Wednesday of this week with an injury. I wonder what’s going through his head? Winner: 49ers.
Monday Night
Broncos at Falcons
This looks like a great game for Monday night. Denver looked really good against the Steelers. Their defence played well, their pass rush seems to be picking up right where it left off last season, and Peyton Manning looked comfortable in his first regular season action in almost 2 years. Atlanta looks to be as potent as advertised on offence. However, they’re a little shorthanded in their defensive secondary this week. That may be all the opening that Manning and the Broncos need to pull the upset. Winner: Broncos
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