Ten Thoughts About Week One in the NFL

by Kyle

1) So much for offenses struggling early! Had an NFL record five games with both starting QB's going over 300 yards passing, topped by Tom Brady's whopping 515 yards (5th best in NFL history). Also had nine teams top 30 points, including two top 40 (Green Bay, Buffalo).
2) Buffalo charges out of the gates fast! While I don't like to get ahead of myself (especially in regards to my Bills), Buffalo looked strong in a shellacking against last season's AFC West winner Kansas City, 41-7. Showing why the Bills passed on drafting a QB, Ryan Fitzpatrick was efficient (17/25, 208 yards, 4 TD), Fred Jackson racked up 100 yards on the ground, and the defense proved capable. As good as the Bills were, the Chiefs were equally as bad. Three turnovers, and only one sack against a young Bills line that bordered on inept last year. 213 yards of offense won't cut it, and if Todd Haley and Co. don't get their stuff together soon, they could be in for quite a long season.
3) Qoute the Ravens, the Steelers nevermore? In my predictions last week, I thought the Ravens would win against Pittsburgh (I might be patting myself on the back a little bit). I don't think anyone not directly affiliated with the Ravens thought they'd decimate the Steelers. The thing that stood out the most (outside of Pittsburgh's 7 turnovers), was the ease with which Ray Rice and Ricky Williams ran over, around and through the Steelers vaunted run 'D' (170 yards). While I do believe Pittsburgh's defense is getting a little long in the tooth, they aren't THAT bad! Expect the Steelers to take out their frustrations this week on Seattle.
4) Cam Newton. At least for one week, the Panthers choice of Newton was validated with a 422 yard effort against Arizona. He will still have his growing pains, as he did throw an interception (and also had one called back due to a roughing the passer call) and really stared down his receivers, not going through his progressions that well. But all in all, a good showing for the rookie signal caller.
5) Packers-Saints kick off the season in style - The league's scheduling got it right with the Thursday night season opener in Lambeau. 800 yards passing combined, and exciting plays abound! Obviously both teams would have loved to play better defense, but you can fully expect these two teams to be playing into late January.
6) Detroit looking like a playoff team - If Matthew Stafford can stay healthy (which is a big IF), Detroit will be ending its decade long playoff drought. Running up 431 total yards was impressive, forcing Tampa to play catch-up and get away from their running game (LeGarrette Blount only had five carries for 15 yards).
7) New Season, Same Cowboys - Despite Jerry Jones' support of his performance, Romo again came up short in late game situations, this time throwing a costly interception late in the game that led to the game-winning field goal by Nick Folk. Romo no doubt played well for a large portion of the game (23-36, 342 yards, 2 TD) against a very good Jets defense, but mistakes doomed last years Cowboys, and things haven't got off to a great start this year. The Cowboys will win games, but I'd like to see them come through late before I can think playoffs for them.
8) Colts offense lacks punch without Manning - Could their season have started off much worse? First, they lose Manning for at least two months (and quite possibly the season) for his third neck surgery, then they go out and get crushed by the Texans. Even if Peyton comes back this season, I still think they will be too far behind to make the postseason. As I said in a previous post, expect the Texans in the playoffs this year.
9) Chicago blows away Atlanta in Windy City - Totally wrong on my prediction in this game. The Bears appeared to show no rust against a team in the Falcons that many think will be in the hunt for a Super Bowl berth. You know its bad when DL Kroy Biermann scores as many points (6) as the rest of the team did...
10) McNabb throws for 39 yards - If you read that statement, you'd think it was an incomplete sentence. But McNabb indeed threw for a whopping 39 yards IN THE ENTIRE GAME. While there is little doubt Leslie Frazier wants the team to run more, you're not going to win many games when you're starting QB has a stat line like 7-15, 39 yards. While he did throw a TD, thats hardly a line a former Pro Bowl QB would have.

If week one is any indication, we should be in for an exciting season, chalk full of surprises. I'll have my predictions for week two up tomorrow.