NFL Week 3

[NeifiIsMyHomeBoy]

Greetings one and all,

 

I'll be at the Rams v. Packers game on Sunday with my Dad. After last Sunday's turd of a game, I am optimistic the Pack will handle the Rams easily.

 

Jarret Bush is by far the worst player on the Packers roster, and I have no clue how he stays in uniform. Another great move by Packers management. Green Bay will not make the playoffs (again) this year because our offensive line is a giant piece of human excrement.

 

If Rodgers doesn't have time to throw the offense doesn't work. I think the offense is a little too focused on going vertical, and I would like to see a lot more quick slants in the offense to get the ball out quicker. That was the formula for success in 2007, and our receivers are all great YAC guys.

[Keener98]

The Vikings have played the Browns and the Lions. Lets hold off on the fellating, even if they beat the mighty 49'ers.

[CubbieBum]

The Vikings have played the Browns and the Lions. Lets hold off on the fellating, even if they beat the mighty 49'ers.

 

They went 10-6 last year and if Brett Favre can pass against a good defense like the 49ers it means they are quite a bit better than last year's team because the offense isn't one dimensional. Considering the team with the best record from last year is 0-2, the Superbowl champ is 1-1, the Colts don't look as good as last year and have lost some key players and the Patriots are 1-1 they might be the top team. It would be between Minnesota, Giants, Atlanta, Jets and Baltimore. This week the Giants are on the road, Jets play Tennessee and Atlanta is at New England. The only one who has a true easy win is Baltimore but even they play a rival in Cleveland.

[Flames24Rulz]

Greetings one and all,

 

I'll be at the Rams v. Packers game on Sunday with my Dad. After last Sunday's turd of a game, I am optimistic the Pack will handle the Rams easily.

 

Jarret Bush is by far the worst player on the Packers roster, and I have no clue how he stays in uniform. Another great move by Packers management. Green Bay will not make the playoffs (again) this year because our offensive line is a giant piece of human excrement.

 

If Rodgers doesn't have time to throw the offense doesn't work. I think the offense is a little too focused on going vertical, and I would like to see a lot more quick slants in the offense to get the ball out quicker. That was the formula for success in 2007, and our receivers are all great YAC guys.

 

Awesome post, especially the last part. I have no idea why we're getting away from what works with this offense. The best part of this offense is that all the receivers that we have are excellent at YAC. I think I counted like 2 or 3 slants the whole game out of the 39 passes that Rodgers threw on Sunday. Unacceptable.

 

I'm convinced Jarrett Bush is a cat too.

[ELCABALLO45]

Wait, we cut Rouse and kept Bush?

 

Hahahahhahaha. Jarret Bush is to Ted Thompson as Corey Patterson is to Dusty Baker.

 

Except the part where Bush has not done anything... ever.

 

In what universe is Brett Favre vs. Shaun Hill an intriguing matchup?

 

Favre for the Favre reasons and Hill for the proving himself reasons. He's 9-3 as a starter but has gotten very little credit. Beat Minnesota on the road and he will get a lot more credit and the Hill beating Favre will likely be talked about along with it. It's not the most intriguing aspect to the game by a long shot but it is something to watch for.

 

I see what your saying about Hill, but pointing out his win-loss record is not a great way to show how good he is. I think Orton has a winning record as a starter as well.

[Banedon]

The Vikings have played the Browns and the Lions. Lets hold off on the fellating, even if they beat the mighty 49'ers.

 

They went 10-6 last year and if Brett Favre can pass against a good defense like the 49ers it means they are quite a bit better than last year's team because the offense isn't one dimensional. Considering the team with the best record from last year is 0-2, the Superbowl champ is 1-1, the Colts don't look as good as last year and have lost some key players and the Patriots are 1-1 they might be the top team. It would be between Minnesota, Giants, Atlanta, Jets and Baltimore. This week the Giants are on the road, Jets play Tennessee and Atlanta is at New England. The only one who has a true easy win is Baltimore but even they play a rival in Cleveland.

 

Why are you ignoring the Broncos? They beat two teams of the same quality (or better) than the Vikings did.

 

More seriously, why are you ignoring New Orleans? They've been the most impressive NFC team so far if you ask me.

[Exile on Waveland]

The Vikings have played the Browns and the Lions. Lets hold off on the fellating, even if they beat the mighty 49'ers.

 

They went 10-6 last year and if Brett Favre can pass against a good defense like the 49ers it means they are quite a bit better than last year's team because the offense isn't one dimensional. Considering the team with the best record from last year is 0-2, the Superbowl champ is 1-1, the Colts don't look as good as last yearand have lost some key players and the Patriots are 1-1 they might be the top team. It would be between Minnesota, Giants, Atlanta, Jets and Baltimore. This week the Giants are on the road, Jets play Tennessee and Atlanta is at New England. The only one who has a true easy win is Baltimore but even they play a rival in Cleveland.

 

Why are you ignoring the Broncos? They beat two teams of the same quality (or better) than the Vikings did.

 

More seriously, why are you ignoring New Orleans? They've been the most impressive NFC team so far if you ask me.

 

I'd also like to add to this vis-a-vis the Colts. Last year at this time, the Colts were 1-1 with a home loss to the Bears and a road win over the Vikings in which they rallied from a 15-0 third quarter deficit. So far, the Colts look better than last year (and I think that will continue, though who knows what that means record-wise).

 

Second, the "key players" they've lost are: Marvin Harrison, end of list. Now, Harrison is one of the greatest receivers of all time, and one of my favorite players of all time. However, he's unfortunately been a cipher since 2006. The past two seasons he combined for 80 catches and six touchdowns while playing only 20 games due to injury (for comparison's sake, that's worse than every season of his since Manning's rookie year). Love him, but he was no longer a key player -- see his current unsigned status. Anthony Gonzalez is currently hurt, and if he can't come back to near full strength, that would likely be a devastating injury to a key player.

 

And, obviously, I'm not exactly ready to dismiss teams like the Steelers, Patriots, Titans, etc. For what it's worth, Baltimore has probably been the most impressive team so far to me.

Edited September 24, 2009 by Exile on Waveland

[Guest]

Considering the team with the best record from last year is 0-2, the Superbowl champ is 1-1, the Colts don't look as good as last year and have lost some key players and the Patriots are 1-1 they might be the top team. It would be between Minnesota, Giants, Atlanta, Jets and Baltimore.

 

Haha. Yeah, let's just start the playoffs now. We've seen everything we need to know.

[Banedon]

There's pretty much no dancing around the east coast bias anymore....

 

SportsBusiness Daily reports that ESPN has hired Kraft Sports Group to sell local advertising for the fledgling ESPNBoston.com.

 

That's Kraft Sports Group. As in Robert Kraft. As in the owner of the New England Patriots.

[jersey cubs fan]

That has a lot less to do with ECB than with their ongoing issues of conflicts of interest.

[dew1679666265]

For what it's worth, Baltimore has probably been the most impressive team so far to me.

 

I definitely agree with this. If I was going to assign a best team in the NFL right now (which it's too early to do that), it'd be Baltimore.

[Keener98]

Im not sure I get the Baltimore love. They allowed 24 points to the Kansas City Chiefs, who had their backup QB starting. Their allowing over 300 yards a game so far. Yea they have put up some points, but they have also given up quite a few.

[dew1679666265]

Im not sure I get the Baltimore love. They allowed 24 points to the Kansas City Chiefs, who had their backup QB starting. Their allowing over 300 yards a game so far. Yea they have put up some points, but they have also given up quite a few.

 

There's a lot of assumption going on (as there has to be this early in the year), but my thinking is that the defense will improve back toward last year's state and the offense has been extremely impressive (ranked 2nd in points and 3rd in yards).

 

Like Exile said, though, the Pats, Titans, Steelers, etc. are going to improve at some point and it's too early to really name a team the best in the NFL.

[Exile on Waveland]

Im not sure I get the Baltimore love. They allowed 24 points to the Kansas City Chiefs, who had their backup QB starting. Their allowing over 300 yards a game so far. Yea they have put up some points, but they have also given up quite a few.

 

The 24 points Baltimore gave up against the Chiefs included a blocked punt returned for a TD and a 2-yard TD pass following a 70-yard interception return. The Ravens allowed a total 188 yards and only 29 rushing.

 

The Chargers gashed them pretty good -- through the air only, though -- but they have a strong offense. I think it's fair to assume the Ravens defense is better than that, regardless.

[CubbieBum]

The Vikings have played the Browns and the Lions. Lets hold off on the fellating, even if they beat the mighty 49'ers.

 

They went 10-6 last year and if Brett Favre can pass against a good defense like the 49ers it means they are quite a bit better than last year's team because the offense isn't one dimensional. Considering the team with the best record from last year is 0-2, the Superbowl champ is 1-1, the Colts don't look as good as last yearand have lost some key players and the Patriots are 1-1 they might be the top team. It would be between Minnesota, Giants, Atlanta, Jets and Baltimore. This week the Giants are on the road, Jets play Tennessee and Atlanta is at New England. The only one who has a true easy win is Baltimore but even they play a rival in Cleveland.

 

Why are you ignoring the Broncos? They beat two teams of the same quality (or better) than the Vikings did.

 

More seriously, why are you ignoring New Orleans? They've been the most impressive NFC team so far if you ask me.

 

I'd also like to add to this vis-a-vis the Colts. Last year at this time, the Colts were 1-1 with a home loss to the Bears and a road win over the Vikings in which they rallied from a 15-0 third quarter deficit. So far, the Colts look better than last year (and I think that will continue, though who knows what that means record-wise).

 

Second, the "key players" they've lost are: Marvin Harrison, end of list. Now, Harrison is one of the greatest receivers of all time, and one of my favorite players of all time. However, he's unfortunately been a cipher since 2006. The past two seasons he combined for 80 catches and six touchdowns while playing only 20 games due to injury (for comparison's sake, that's worse than every season of his since Manning's rookie year). Love him, but he was no longer a key player -- see his current unsigned status. Anthony Gonzalez is currently hurt, and if he can't come back to near full strength, that would likely be a devastating injury to a key player.

 

And, obviously, I'm not exactly ready to dismiss teams like the Steelers, Patriots, Titans, etc. For what it's worth, Baltimore has probably been the most impressive team so far to me.

 

The Colts were a better team last year. The Colts struggled to start last year but that was mainly because Peyton was getting his timing down. Right now they have no Marvin and Gonzalez is hurt with no guarantee of being what some think he could be. They have Wayne and Clark, which is much better than most teams but not as good as what it has been. The defense is the same crap defense, plus Sanders is hurt, and the offense isn't as good.

[CubbieBum]

Considering the team with the best record from last year is 0-2, the Superbowl champ is 1-1, the Colts don't look as good as last year and have lost some key players and the Patriots are 1-1 they might be the top team. It would be between Minnesota, Giants, Atlanta, Jets and Baltimore.

 

Haha. Yeah, let's just start the playoffs now. We've seen everything we need to know.

 

Yeah because that is what I was suggesting.

[CubColtPacer]

The Vikings have played the Browns and the Lions. Lets hold off on the fellating, even if they beat the mighty 49'ers.

 

They went 10-6 last year and if Brett Favre can pass against a good defense like the 49ers it means they are quite a bit better than last year's team because the offense isn't one dimensional. Considering the team with the best record from last year is 0-2, the Superbowl champ is 1-1, the Colts don't look as good as last yearand have lost some key players and the Patriots are 1-1 they might be the top team. It would be between Minnesota, Giants, Atlanta, Jets and Baltimore. This week the Giants are on the road, Jets play Tennessee and Atlanta is at New England. The only one who has a true easy win is Baltimore but even they play a rival in Cleveland.

 

Why are you ignoring the Broncos? They beat two teams of the same quality (or better) than the Vikings did.

 

More seriously, why are you ignoring New Orleans? They've been the most impressive NFC team so far if you ask me.

 

I'd also like to add to this vis-a-vis the Colts. Last year at this time, the Colts were 1-1 with a home loss to the Bears and a road win over the Vikings in which they rallied from a 15-0 third quarter deficit. So far, the Colts look better than last year (and I think that will continue, though who knows what that means record-wise).

 

Second, the "key players" they've lost are: Marvin Harrison, end of list. Now, Harrison is one of the greatest receivers of all time, and one of my favorite players of all time. However, he's unfortunately been a cipher since 2006. The past two seasons he combined for 80 catches and six touchdowns while playing only 20 games due to injury (for comparison's sake, that's worse than every season of his since Manning's rookie year). Love him, but he was no longer a key player -- see his current unsigned status. Anthony Gonzalez is currently hurt, and if he can't come back to near full strength, that would likely be a devastating injury to a key player.

 

And, obviously, I'm not exactly ready to dismiss teams like the Steelers, Patriots, Titans, etc. For what it's worth, Baltimore has probably been the most impressive team so far to me.

 

The Colts were a better team last year. The Colts struggled to start last year but that was mainly because Peyton was getting his timing down. Right now they have no Marvin and Gonzalez is hurt with no guarantee of being what some think he could be. They have Wayne and Clark, which is much better than most teams but not as good as what it has been. The defense is the same crap defense, plus Sanders is hurt, and the offense isn't as good.

 

The Colts offense is better because the offensive line is playing so much better than last season so far. Receivers can be replaced in the offense (especially when they are paired with other great receivers already on the field) but the line giving Peyton time to throw is essential and that was way too much of a problem last year (and the line has shown signs of being better in the running game this year as well).

 

The defense is still unknown (played well in week 1, played very badly in week 2). The special teams is around the same (punting is better than last year, not sure about coverage yet). The offense looks to be better so far though and that should definitely help.

 

6 of the 9 games in the Colts winning streak last year were by 7 points or less (and 2 of the 3 others were against the Titans 2nd team and only beating the 0-16 Lions by 10). They were extremely flawed last year and only beating teams because Peyton wouldn't let them lose most weeks. This year they appear to be slightly less flawed and do seem to be better.

[CubbieBum]

 

The Colts offense is better because the offensive line is playing so much better than last season so far. Receivers can be replaced in the offense (especially when they are paired with other great receivers already on the field) but the line giving Peyton time to throw is essential and that was way too much of a problem last year (and the line has shown signs of being better in the running game this year as well).

 

The defense is still unknown (played well in week 1, played very badly in week 2). The special teams is around the same (punting is better than last year, not sure about coverage yet). The offense looks to be better so far though and that should definitely help.

 

6 of the 9 games in the Colts winning streak last year were by 7 points or less (and 2 of the 3 others were against the Titans 2nd team and only beating the 0-16 Lions by 10). They were extremely flawed last year and only beating teams because Peyton wouldn't let them lose most weeks. This year they appear to be slightly less flawed and do seem to be better.

 

Not being able to get off the field defensively against Miami shows how bad the defense is. The offense scored but Miami was 25th in pass defense last year and 23rd so far this year so it was a team they could score quick on. What happens when they play top teams who can actually stop the pass?

[Exile on Waveland]

The Vikings have played the Browns and the Lions. Lets hold off on the fellating, even if they beat the mighty 49'ers.

 

They went 10-6 last year and if Brett Favre can pass against a good defense like the 49ers it means they are quite a bit better than last year's team because the offense isn't one dimensional. Considering the team with the best record from last year is 0-2, the Superbowl champ is 1-1, the Colts don't look as good as last yearand have lost some key players and the Patriots are 1-1 they might be the top team. It would be between Minnesota, Giants, Atlanta, Jets and Baltimore. This week the Giants are on the road, Jets play Tennessee and Atlanta is at New England. The only one who has a true easy win is Baltimore but even they play a rival in Cleveland.

 

Why are you ignoring the Broncos? They beat two teams of the same quality (or better) than the Vikings did.

 

More seriously, why are you ignoring New Orleans? They've been the most impressive NFC team so far if you ask me.

 

I'd also like to add to this vis-a-vis the Colts. Last year at this time, the Colts were 1-1 with a home loss to the Bears and a road win over the Vikings in which they rallied from a 15-0 third quarter deficit. So far, the Colts look better than last year (and I think that will continue, though who knows what that means record-wise).

 

Second, the "key players" they've lost are: Marvin Harrison, end of list. Now, Harrison is one of the greatest receivers of all time, and one of my favorite players of all time. However, he's unfortunately been a cipher since 2006. The past two seasons he combined for 80 catches and six touchdowns while playing only 20 games due to injury (for comparison's sake, that's worse than every season of his since Manning's rookie year). Love him, but he was no longer a key player -- see his current unsigned status. Anthony Gonzalez is currently hurt, and if he can't come back to near full strength, that would likely be a devastating injury to a key player.

 

And, obviously, I'm not exactly ready to dismiss teams like the Steelers, Patriots, Titans, etc. For what it's worth, Baltimore has probably been the most impressive team so far to me.

 

The Colts were a better team last year. The Colts struggled to start last year but that was mainly because Peyton was getting his timing down. Right now they have no Marvin and Gonzalez is hurt with no guarantee of being what some think he could be. They have Wayne and Clark, which is much better than most teams but not as good as what it has been. The defense is the same crap defense, plus Sanders is hurt, and the offense isn't as good.

 

Again, Harrison was a cipher the last two years. We can pretend the Colts lost the 1999-2006 Marvin Harrison (average season: 16 games, 103 catches, 1,402 yards , and 13 TDs); however, they lost the 2007-08 Marvin Harrison (average season: 10 games, 40 catches, 441 yards, and three TDs). Devastating loss that is not.

 

This year's Colts team is more talented than last year, with bigger and more talented DT's, a first-round RB to pair with Addai, and, so far, a superior offensive line. The only place -- repeat, ONLY -- area they have less talent is at WR. That deficiency will be diminished once Gonzalez returns (if he does, which is obviously a major concern). There is very little reason to believe this year's version is worse than last year's Colts -- besides anachronistic Harrison worship, or believing the loss of Dungy will be debilitating. Now what record all that will translate to, who knows?

[Exile on Waveland]

 

The Colts offense is better because the offensive line is playing so much better than last season so far. Receivers can be replaced in the offense (especially when they are paired with other great receivers already on the field) but the line giving Peyton time to throw is essential and that was way too much of a problem last year (and the line has shown signs of being better in the running game this year as well).

 

The defense is still unknown (played well in week 1, played very badly in week 2). The special teams is around the same (punting is better than last year, not sure about coverage yet). The offense looks to be better so far though and that should definitely help.

 

6 of the 9 games in the Colts winning streak last year were by 7 points or less (and 2 of the 3 others were against the Titans 2nd team and only beating the 0-16 Lions by 10). They were extremely flawed last year and only beating teams because Peyton wouldn't let them lose most weeks. This year they appear to be slightly less flawed and do seem to be better.

 

Not being able to get off the field defensively against Miami shows how bad the defense is. The offense scored but Miami was 25th in pass defense last year and 23rd so far this year so it was a team they could score quick on. What happens when they play top teams who can actually stop the pass?

 

It was one game against an anomalous offensive scheme -- one that perplexed an 11-win Patriot team last year to the tune of 38-13 in Foxboro.

[Flames24Rulz]

Can any of you Colt fans give me a scouting report on Matt Giordano?

 

From my recollection of him, he wasn't anything great but he was a serviceable safety.

[CubbieBum]

 

The Colts offense is better because the offensive line is playing so much better than last season so far. Receivers can be replaced in the offense (especially when they are paired with other great receivers already on the field) but the line giving Peyton time to throw is essential and that was way too much of a problem last year (and the line has shown signs of being better in the running game this year as well).

 

The defense is still unknown (played well in week 1, played very badly in week 2). The special teams is around the same (punting is better than last year, not sure about coverage yet). The offense looks to be better so far though and that should definitely help.

 

6 of the 9 games in the Colts winning streak last year were by 7 points or less (and 2 of the 3 others were against the Titans 2nd team and only beating the 0-16 Lions by 10). They were extremely flawed last year and only beating teams because Peyton wouldn't let them lose most weeks. This year they appear to be slightly less flawed and do seem to be better.

 

Not being able to get off the field defensively against Miami shows how bad the defense is. The offense scored but Miami was 25th in pass defense last year and 23rd so far this year so it was a team they could score quick on. What happens when they play top teams who can actually stop the pass?

 

It was one game against an anomalous offensive scheme -- one that perplexed an 11-win Patriot team last year to the tune of 38-13 in Foxboro.

 

The Colts have always had issues against great running teams. They can't stop the run especially without Sanders.

[Magnetic Curses]

water=wet

[CubColtPacer]

Can any of you Colt fans give me a scouting report on Matt Giordano?

 

From my recollection of him, he wasn't anything great but he was a serviceable safety.

 

Giordano was a confusing type of player. From my observations, he was unbelievably fast but not necessarily as quick. He was a big hitter but I don't remember him being a good safety against either the pass or the run (although not absolutely awful at either). He was a good special teams player.

 

He's the type of safety who will really impress on certain plays but doesn't really hold up to scrutiny over a full game. Some people really liked him as a Colt though and couldn't understand why he kept falling further down the depth chart each year so there are definitely differing opinions about him out there.

[CubbieBum]

 

Again, Harrison was a cipher the last two years. We can pretend the Colts lost the 1999-2006 Marvin Harrison (average season: 16 games, 103 catches, 1,402 yards , and 13 TDs); however, they lost the 2007-08 Marvin Harrison (average season: 10 games, 40 catches, 441 yards, and three TDs). Devastating loss that is not.

 

This year's Colts team is more talented than last year, with bigger and more talented DT's, a first-round RB to pair with Addai, and, so far, a superior offensive line. The only place -- repeat, ONLY -- area they have less talent is at WR. That deficiency will be diminished once Gonzalez returns (if he does, which is obviously a major concern). There is very little reason to believe this year's version is worse than last year's Colts -- besides anachronistic Harrison worship, or believing the loss of Dungy will be debilitating. Now what record all that will translate to, who knows?

 

A player is more than just the stats he put up. Harrison had been on the Colts as long as anyone. I would assume he had some kind of leadership role especially with the receiving core. Also while he didn't have great stats the last couple years he was still focused on by defenses and opposing teams still worried about him dominating them. He is a bigger loss then you seem willing to admit. Its a small sample size obviously but from what I've seen the Colts passing game hasn't gotten in the endzone a whole lot because once they get into the redzone Peyton doesn't have a arsenal of targets like he has always had. He has Wayne and Clark. Everyone knows those are the only two reliable targets in the redzone and the two Peyton is going to want to get it to the most.

 

The run game should be better but the Colts live off of the passing game. So the way I look at it is the Colts passing game won't be as good and the defense is as bad as ever = a worse Colts team.

 

Then again Jax and Tennessee don't look as good so the Colts might benefit from that. They also get to play the NFC West.