NFL Week 2 Review
Josh Freeman led the Bucs to one of the weekend's best comebacks
Week 2 in the NFL looked at if it was going to be a bore. On paper more than a handful of games seemed to have predetermined winners and plenty of snoozers were abound. But once again the NFL proves to us that no game can be taken for granted and dramatics can happen in any contest.
Who Brought the Energy…
What a difference a week makes. The Titans built off of their second half resurrection against the Jaguars last week and took advantage of a Ravens’ team who might have been experiencing a let down from last week’s domination of the Steelers. Tennessee’s defense made Joe Flacco looked normal again (46% comp. 197 yards 1TD/2INT) and Matt Hasselbeck proved that given the time he can still perform at a high level in this league (71% comp. 358 yards and 1TD/1INT). If Titan’s can do this on a weekly basis, then 2nd place in the AFC South is their’s for the taking.
Notables: The Jets’ Antonio Cromartie, Carolina Panthers, and Minnesota Vikings (in the 1st half).
Reality Checks…
Right before the start of the season Jack Del Rio released veteran quarterback David Garrard preferring instead to give journeyman Luke McCown the starting quarterback duties. Say what you will, but this was a decision that was doomed to end in failure at some point…Del Rio just didn’t think it would be in Week 2 of the season. McCown’s struggled mightily against the Jets defense (6/19 for 59 yards, 4 INTs and a safety) and had to be pulled in the 4th quarter for rookie Blaine Gabbert. Jacksonville’s defense didn’t play all that poorly, but this is a quarterback league and the Jags don’t have a true starting quarterback on their roster.
Notables: Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears.
Ugly Performances…
The Jets might have defeated the Jaguars by the final score of 32-3, but Mark Sanchez and New York’s offense hardly impressed for the second week in a row. Granted the Jets tend to win ugly games, especially with their defense. But if the offense doesn’t redevelop its’ running game New York might be heading into the bye with a 4-3 record (next opponents…Oakland, Baltimore, New England, Miami, San Diego).
Notables: Arizona/Washington Game, Tony Romo’s 1st half performance, Kansas City Chiefs, and Seattle Seahawks.
Gutsy Performances of the Week…
The Buccaneers were completely dominated in the first half of their game against the Vikings. Tampa Bay had only 62 yards total offense and as Adrian Peterson was again tearing up the turf in the Metrodome, I found myself asking the question, “what has happened to 2010’s 10-6 team?” However, in spite of being down 17-0, Tampa Bay emerged from half time a completely different team. The defense tightened up and the Josh Freeman led the offense to 24 unanswered points. It’s early in the season, but this comeback on the road might just be the defining moment for the 2011 Bucs.
Notables: Tony Romo’s 2nd half performance.
Most Dramatic Games for Gamblers…
Hands down this had to be the Green Bay/Carolina game. The Packers were a 10.5 favorite heading into the game and it seemed inconceivable that Cam Newton and the Panthers would repeat their offensive Week 1 performance against one of the best defenses in the league. However, Carolina brought an energy and offensive game plan that Green Bay had difficulty containing, leaving all those who placed money on the Packers concerned that the covering the spread might be out of the question. That was until Aaron Rodgers hit Jordy Nelson for an 84 yard touchdown pass giving the Pac a 30-16 lead with 2:14 left. The celebration was short lived though as Newton drove the Panthers down the field to score a “betting slip ripping” touchdown with 37 second remaining. Ouch.
Notables: Oakland/Buffalo, Tampa Bay/Minnesota, Dallas/San Francisco.
Game of the Week…
I wrote on Friday that the Oakland/Buffalo game “might be might be the most intriguing match-up of the weekend.” It turned out to be a classic NFL drama of early domination by the Raiders, followed by the Bills finding their stride, taking the leading, and concluding with an intense final quarter of scoring with back-and-forth leading changes. The Bills’ game winning 80 yard drive survived two fourth down attempts and a broken up game losing endzone interception, ending with Ryan Fitzpatrick connecting with wide receiver David Nelson for the go ahead touchdown with 14 seconds remaining. The storylines for both teams entering the game and the drama which unfolded made for unparalleled theater on Sunday.
Play of the Day…
Two plays before the Bills David Nelson caught the winning touchdown pass against the Raiders, Ryan Fitzpatrick threw a sure interception in the corner of the nearside endzone. As Raiders’ cornerback Chris Johnson was coming down with the ball, the intended Bills’ receiver Donald Jones reached around Johnson to break up the pass. It might not have been the most glamorous play, but Jones kept the game going and the result was a “W” for Buffalo.
Worst 2-0 team…
No contest here…the Washington Redskins. Last week the Redskins beat up on what might turn out to be the worst Giants team under head coach Tom Coughlin and followed it up with an ugly win against a suspect Cardinals team. Washington does seem to possess a legitimate rushing attack, but not so sexy Rex Grossman reemerged on Sunday and the verdict is out on Washington until they play a quality opponent.
Best 0-2 team…
Has any 0-2 team been more competitive and threatening than the Carolina Panthers? In only 2 short weeks Cam Newton has begun erasing many of the question marks surrounding his ability to play and lead in the NFL, Steve Smith has returned as an elite receiver, the defense isn’t half bad, and the team is playing with passion and purpose. It will be interesting to see how Newton is playing in come Week 5, after there are four games of film for defensive coordinators to dissect.
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One can make the same argument about the Bills as you make against the Redskins.
And I have to disagree on Cam Newton. Sure, he has those gawdy passing yards totals, but he also has more picks than TD passes, and single-handedly killed his team with two picks in the 3rd quarter yesterday.
On the Bills…perhaps, but I would say that the Raiders a better than either the Cardinals or Giants.
On Newton…I never said he was now a sure thing. But for his second start in the NFL the guy has impressed with his play, the team seems to be feeding off his abilities and confidence, and the Panther are competitive. I really don’t care if he is making mistakes at this point in the season, as it is a learning process. If Newton is still making the same mistakes this time next year then you can slam him for it.
And, as I said, it will be interesting to see how Newton plays once there is more film on him.
Great post! I agree, the Redskins are the worst 2-0 team. I live in Redskin territory and it is hilarious to hear all the Redskins fans talk like they are Superbowl material. I’m a Giants fan and yes, we are beat up pretty bad and you are right, it is a bad team. I also agree, I am amazed with the Carolina Panthers and Cam Newton – amazing!
Oh how I miss living in the DC area and listening to Redskins talk…instant comic relief.
I’m a Redskins fan . . .
Sports Cloud…do you live in the DC area? Only ask, because the type of discourse that goes on about the Redskins on a yearly basis is a unique expression of a dedicated and loyal fan base.
Btw…thanks for stopping by and commenting.
I wish I could like this statement
Couldn’t agree more with your thoughts on Cam Newton. People were questioning his ability to even play quarterback at the NFL level, so the fact that he has played as well as he has is pretty amazing. He’s playing with house money at this point. HIs growing pains will continue, but as long as he learns from his mistakes he should be alright.
Man this season couldn’t start fast enough for me!
No way…the Sportsbluffer lives! Thanks for adding your two cents. Cheers!