Week One Wrap

This is just something I wanted to start doing. I'm just going to go through a few of the major games this weekend, or ones that surprised me. Basically any thing I have a snippy comment about, I'll try to put in here. I've started with five games (including the opener). Let me know what you think!!

Saints v. Packers (34-42)

A national TV audience didn’t learn much they didn’t already know from this game. Green Bay and New Orleans are still powerhouse offensive teams with an illusion of a running game. Both these defenses surprised me—I hadn’t expected them to give up nearly so many points. Probably just rusty. The NFL couldn’t have hoped for a more exciting game to open 2011.

Steelers v. Ravens (7-35)

Seriously, was there anyone who didn’t watch this and walk away floored? There are two teams who have combined for a margin of victory of only 25 total points in the last six games. The margin of victory for this single game was 28. The Ravens came out and played not only like they had something to prove (which they did), but like the expected to beat down the Steelers. For a team who spent the whole off season saying things like it wasn’t a rivalry because the Ravens didn’t win enough or that Flacco can’t win a Super Bowl, this was the worst thing that could happen. One Steelers’ player said that they were beat like dogs. Good, now maybe they’ll shut the hell up. Take a bow Baltimore.

Lions v. Buccaneers (27-20)

These are the Lions I’ve been expecting to see for years. For now, when healthy, they are as good as hyped. Many said that the Buccs were supposed to win the division this year (though I never said that). This is no cream-puff team the Lions beat. The score isonly as close as it is because the Buccs got a TD with 1:35 left. Up to that point, it was 27-13. Lookout Kansas City—the Lions are coming.

Bills v. Chiefs (41-7)

Whether the Bills are really good or the Chiefs are just that bad remains to be seen. But I think that the Bills are just that good. They weren’t a push-over team last year, despite what everyone thought. Now, executing the small things, they’ve become good. Still no chance of winning the division though. But not quite a miserable season in store this year. However, Chiefs fans should be panicking. The situation in Kansas City is getting worse every game they play.

Giants v. Redskins (14-28)

Please don’t get excited Redskins’ fans. Please don’t. One game does not mean you’re good. Remember last year, they beat the Cowboys who turned out to be bad. I believe this might be a similar case. The Giants looked good on the first drive, but not afterwards. Eli’s pick six made this game for the Skins. Don’t forget that Rex Grossman would show flashes of good play then have terrible games. Celebrate this one – it’ll be one of the only ones.