NFL Week 2 Results
Week 2 was highlighted by the New York Jets upsetting the New England Patriots and the opening of Texas Stadium spoiled by a victory from the visiting Giants. How did week two play out for everyone else? Read on…
Houston Texans 34, Tennessee Titans 31 (Predicted: Houston Texans 17, Tennessee Titans 23)
So much for the Texans’ early exit from the playoff race. They managed to win a game in September! Amazing. Who knew that when you get Andre Johnson the ball he usually makes big plays for you. My question is how long Gary Kubiak can keep the Texans’ management satisfied with 8-8 seasons.
New Orleans Saints 48, Philadelphia Eagles 22 (Predicted: New Orleans Saints 34, Philadelphia Eagles 28)
Kevin Kolb kept it competitive in the first half before two consecutive New Orleans touchdowns off of Philadelphia turnovers started to put the game out of reach for the Eagles. It’ll be interesting to watch how the Eagles deal with Kolb and the return of Michael Vick if Donovan McNabb’s ribs force him to sit out another game. Luckily it’s only against the Chiefs, but on the road at Arrowhead is not an easy environment even for a veteran.
Arizona Cardinals 31, Jacksonville Jaguars 17 (Predicted: Arizona Cardinals 31, Jacksonville Jaguars 20)
As expected the Cardinals fixed their offense as Kurt Warner spread the ball to 9 different receivers. The Jaguars continue to struggle even in their home opener with pedestrian performances from David Garrard and Maurice Jones Drew. Alarming for Jacksonville should be their third down efficiency rating- 12/31 so far this season.
Oakland Raiders 13, Kansas City Chiefs 10 (Predicted: Oakland Raiders 23, Kansas City Chiefs 28)
This was probably one of the most boring games in NFL history, no exaggeration. The only note of interest was Matt Cassel’s debut as the Chiefs’ starter, which as you can see was probably somewhat underwhelming for the 5 people that watched this one.
Cincinnati Bengals 31, Green Bay Packers 24 (Predicted: Cincinnati Bengals 13, Green Bay Packers 38)
Probably the upset of the week, even considering the Patriots and Jets game. How do you not score 30+ points against the Bengals with the kind of offense that the Packers have? And what happened to all of the talk about Dom Capers’ “improved” 3-4 Green Bay defense? Carson Palmer was always a threat, but I don’t think many expected the Bengals squad to play this well.
Minnesota Vikings 27, Detroit Lions 13 (Predicted: Minnesota Vikings 41, Detroit Lions 17)
Not quite the slaughter we all expected, but a victory for the Vikings just the same. Matt Stafford shows some improvement, but still has a long way to go before the Lions finally end their losing streak.
St. Louis Rams 7, Washington Redskins 9 (Predicted: St. Louis Rams 6, Washington Redskins 27)
A fairly sad showing for the Redskins considering the opponent and the home field advantage. I guess it’s hard to blame Jason Campbell for his mediocre performance(s), after all he’s just doing exactly what Dan Snyder expects him to do. Maybe Snyder should try trading for an overrated “star” quarterback or moving up in the draft. Oh wait.
New England Patriots 9, New York Jets 16 (Predicted: New England Patriots 30, New York Jets 16)
Ouch. Not only did New England lose, they were held to field goals only for the first time since 2006. Cornerback Darrell Revis shut down Randy Moss the entire game (despite Moss’ comments about a safety over the top… didn’t look like it on most of the replays I saw), while the Jets defensive front seven harrassed Tom Brady and really made him look uncomfortable. Several procedural penalties further strengthen the argument that Brady still hasn’t gotten back into the swing of things.
Carolina Panthers 21, Atlanta Falcons 28 (Predicted: Carolina Panthers 14, Atlanta Falcons 38)
The Panthers drop to 0-2 while the Falcons improve to 2-0. Matt Ryan threw three touchdowns and Michael Turner had his first 100 yard game in 2009 and also added a touchdown. The Falcons are making a strong case for representing the AFC South in the playoffs, and it will be fun to watch the Falcons and the Saints week 8 matchup on Monday night.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20, Buffalo Bills 33 (Predicted: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21, Buffalo Bills 24)
A costly victory for the Bills who lost their starting right tackle and second string tight end for the remainder of the season. The Bills defense kept it interesting, allowing the Bucs to pull to within a score before a 76-yard interception return for a touchdown by Donte Whitner sealed the game. The Bucs continue to drop in the rankings as both sides of the ball look extremely weak.
Seattle Seahawks 10, San Francisco 49ers 23 (Predicted: Seattle Seahawks 20, San Francisco 49ers 23)
The 49ers did a good job of keeping the ball away from the Seahawks, and Matt Hasselbeck got injured yet again. Frank Gore rushed for 207 yards as the 49ers move to the top of the NFC West.
Baltimore Ravens 31, San Diego Chargers 26 (Predicted: Baltimore Ravens 24, San Diego Chargers 27)
The Ravens are making their case to return to the AFC Championship and possibly get to the Super Bowl behind an improved Joe Flacco. The Ravens seem to be feeling the departure of defensive coordinator Rex Ryan but are covering for it with the improved offense. On another note, LT- anyone miss him? Didn’t think so. Darren Sproles should be the starter.
Pittsburgh Steelers 14, Chicago Bears 17 (Predicted: Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Chicago Bears 10)
Looks like Jay Cutler at least appeased the hometown fans with a big win over the Steelers on a game-winning field goal by Robbie Gould. Cutler was everything he wasn’t against Green Bay; intelligent, conservative, and calm. The Bears defense also looked good (or maybe Pittsburgh’s offense looked bad?) despite missing Brian Urlacher.
Cleveland Browns 6, Denver Broncos 27 (Predicted: Cleveland Browns 25, Denver Broncos 17)
Ok, I was probably wrong in predicting that the Broncos would be the worst team in the league this year. I’ll switch that to the Browns. Not that nobody saw it coming, but the Browns are bad in the worst way- they’re boring. They do nothing well. Brady Quinn looks lost, Braylon Edwards just sort of runs around, and the defense doesn’t produce any exciting hits or big plays. At least the Lions have the Matt Stafford intrigue and Calvin Johnson burning every defensive back they throw at him.
New York Giants 33, Dallas Cowboys 31 (Predicted: New York Giants 20, Dallas Cowboys 24)
Big road win for the Giants spoiling the debut of the new Texas Stadium era. If it wasn’t for Tony Romo and his three interceptions the Cowboys probably could have pulled out the win regardless of letting Steve Smith and Mario Manningham get open on seemingly every single play in the second half. The Giants offensive line stifled Demarcus Ware and the Cowboys’ pass rush, but couldn’t get anything going against the run.
Indianapolis Colts 27, Miami Dolphins 23 (Predicted: Indianapolis Colts 26, Miami Dolphins 17)
How you maintain possession of the ball for over 45 minutes and lose is beyond me, but never question the Dolphins’ ineptitude. Apparently they also forgot that Dallas Clark is faster than Channing Crowder and refused to make the necessary adjustments to prevent him from gaining 183 yards and a touchdown. Miami’s offense made a surprising showing, putting up 23 points and gaining 239 rushing yards against a still-miserable Colts run defense. Obviously it wasn’t enough.
An utterly pathetic 8-8 this week, bringing my record to 20-12 on the season.
