The first Sunday of the NFL regular season is in the books, and what an eventful opening week it was. There is plenty to talk about, from games all across the league.
It seems appropriate to start with the Bears-Lions game, and while there is plenty of other great coverage of that game on the site, I would like to add my two cents. Obviously there was at least one other controversial play in the game, Javhid Best’s second touchdown was very questionable, but that should not matter when discussing the Calvin Johnson play.
The word “process” is already being thrown around quite a bit, and I can’t claim to have knowledge of the rule itself, but I always thought the “process” of catching the football ended when the receiver’s knee hit the ground. Johnson caught the ball, had two feet land in-bounds, and then fell to the ground after contact from a defender. The ball came out after that, which to me is a classic case of “ground cannot cause a fumble”. It will be debated all week, but I would guess the NFL is going to have to change the wording of that rule, so that catches like that are ruled catches.
Moving on to other games, starting with the Tennessee Titans. I said last week I think Vince Young is going to have a great season, and he started off on the right foot today. He looked like a competent pocket passer, and as long as that running game is behind him, he has no reason to not be successful. All he needs to do is make one or two plays a game, avoid the interceptions, and the Titans will go a long way.
Of course, Chris Johnson is already headed to another great season, which helps make any QB look good. His next 75+ yard TD run will tie the NFL career record, he already has four in his career.
The Colts looked rusty, which is odd to see, but not as odd as them not starting the season 7-0. The Texans were impressive, and sent a message with their win. The Colts are still the favorites in the AFC South, and will probably win the division still, but the Texans showed that they are finally ready to compete with the big boys. Having a legitimate running game is the difference, and Arian Foster’s ability to remain a threat all season will be very important.
The Patriots efficient offense is one of the scariest things in football. I’m still not sure if it’s Tom Brady, if it’s the scheme, or if all those receivers are just that good. No matter what it is, anybody who thought the Patriots were done is wrong.
How can you not laugh at Tim Tebow’s NFL debut? Two runs, two yards, and surprise surprise, Tim Tebow can’t put his head down and charge through an NFL defensive line.
The Giants might be better than I thought, but I know that Matt Moore isn’t going to be the Panthers’ starter for long. Jimmy Clausen’s debut as a starter might only be a few weeks away.
The Packers were wildly overrated coming into the season, the second year in a row that has happened, and they came out rusty today. Fortunately Kevin Kolb wasn’t ready for the Packers’ blitzes, and Aaron Rodgers was able to find some rhythm for a few possessions. Charles Woodson and Clay Matthews look like they plan on continuing last seasons’ great performances, which will help cover the Packers’ other defensive holes.
The Eagles are a decent team, and I think they would be smart to make Mike Vick the starter. Once Vick took over the Eagles’ offense started moving, and his legs helped creates plays off the Packers pressure, something that Kolb could not do. It would be a bitter pill for Andy Reid to swallow, but I think it benefits the Eagles chances of winning this season.
Also, way to follow the new concussion rules Eagles, guy collapses on the field, and then is back in two plays later. I smell a fine coming for whoever approved that move.
The NFC West is brutal, and Sam Bradford is quite possibly the best QB in the division. Seattle seemed impressive, though that means little until they play outside their division.
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