|
| AFC North |
 |
 |
 |
 |
AFC East |
 |
 |
 |
 |
AFC West |
 |
 |
 |
 |
AFC South |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| NFC North |
 |
 |
 |
 |
NFC East |
 |
 |
 |
 |
NFC West |
 |
 |
 |
 |
NFC South |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
thoughts and observations |
| |
WEEK TWO REVIEW
As I reviewed the happenings of week two for this 2001 season, two things really started me thinking. First, what is going on in the AFC Central? The Titans look like a shell of themselves. They used to win close games, but just don't seem to have it...with or without McNair. The offense doesn't scare anyone, and that will eventually take a toll on the defense. And they can be ran on.
Then, there's the Ravens, who I think were exposed somewhat on defense by the Bengals. Many people wondered how a match-up of that defense would have looked against the Rams in last year's Super Bowl. Well, the Bengals spread them out, and had a lot of success with less guns. That should answer your question. Age is creeping up real quick there, too.
Meanwhile, the Bengals and Jaguars are 2-0, and the Browns looked much better against the Lions. The Bengals were expected to be improved on offense, but the defense is much better. The Jags just don't have depth, but there is plenty of talent in the starting unit. It's going to be real interesting in this division. The Bengals won't be a playoff team, but consider that the Titans play the Ravens and Bucs next, they could easily start 0-4, and they could be in for a long season.
The other thought that hit me was I cannot wait to see the two matchups between the Colts and Dolphins. But first, the Dolphins-Rams matchup of this weekend should be a real barn burner.
I've said before, it usually takes the offenses a little longer to show than the defenses, and it's true. Nine teams scored 24 or more points in five of the thirteen games. That's more than week one, but there were plenty of low scoring affairs. Don't read too much into it, though. Two of the low scoring games involved the Jets and Giants, who had a little more on their mind than the other teams. Both those offenses are capable of more.
The Lions are just plain bad. They would have been much better off putting Charlie Batch in after Ty Detmer's third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh interception. That's just plain being stubborn. The coaches deserved that performance, and Detmer deserved better.
A look around...
Isaac Bruce versus Torry Holt, and why Rice is less
Many believed Holt would surpass Bruce as the Rams' primary wide receiver, but that's not the way things work. Much has been made about Jerry Rice switching positions, and the NFL should list this more. Rice played flanker for all those years in San Fran. Now that he's with the Raiders, he plays split end. It's a different position...totally. And it's not as easy for Rice, so you will see games where he doesn't do much. That's because split end is more the pure speed position. In St. Louis, while there is plenty of movement to get the receivers in various mismatches, Bruce is more the flanker, and as long as that is the case, he will be the top receiver, even though Holt will likely finish the season again with more yardage. Holt runs deeper routes most the time.
Jim Miller and Anthony Thomas
This guy just wins games for the Bears, and has since he has been there. Don't be surprised to see him the starter from here on out, provided he stays healthy, which is hard for him to do. As long as he's in, the Bears offense will move. The Bears also need to get the rookie RB Thomas in the game more. With a bye this week, this team may be pretty tough as the year goes on.
Help Wanted
I'm sure a lot of Chiefs fans are cussing Trent Green right now. Chiefs fans do that to their quarterbacks. However, give Green a break. His only legitimate wide receiver threat was rookie Snoop Minnis, who was knocked out early with a concussion. That means opposing teams can focus their entire secondary, even with a nickel back, on Tony Gonzalez if they want. The return of Derrick Alexander will help immensely, but with an Achilles problem, there could be a lot of tough times for Green. Look for the Chiefs to pursue some receivers pretty hard.
Back In Philly
The Duce is down again. This time it's the shoulder, and it's a torn cartilage. While it shouldn't keep him out long, it will bother him all year. This is a problem, although rookie Correll Buckhalter played pretty well. Look for Buckhalter to get a lot of action, and you may be looking at the next regular tailback for the Eagles.
More On Dallas
There is no doubt that Anthony Wright makes the Cowboys a whole lot better team than Quincy Carter will this year. This bears watching, because we all know Mr. Jones is stubborn. Still, it's hard to deny. Watch this one.
Wither the Vikings
I think the fat lady is finished warming up in Minnesota. The team is now in turmoil, and the only chance they have to win games is with the offense, which is not clicking. I'm also pretty sure there are a lot of Vikings players hoping Cris Carter retires after the season. What an ego. Yesterday, Carter reminded me of that kid on the playground that starts yelling at everyone to do better, even though he wasn't doing anything. Next game, we may see Carter insist for his ball and go home.
Moving on...
| | |
THINGS I KNOW:
The week three matchup between the Bengals and Chargers is suddenly real exciting.
The Bills are pondering the future of Rob Johnson.
I was really wrong about Chris Weinke in Carolina.
It was a painful irony that the Lions and Cowboys were to play in week two, and now square off the final week to determine the second pick of the draft.
Next to Blair Thomas on "big career wastes" will likely be Tshimanga Biakabutuka.
THINGS I CAN PREDICT:
The Rams will click on all cylinders this week, and take out the Dolphins.
The Vikings won't even get a whiff of the playoffs.
The Titans are wishing they hadn't invested heavily in Kevin Carter.
The RCA Dome will soon be know as "The Big Top", because it houses the mirror image of the "Greatest Show On Earth".
If Brian Griese stays healthy, his number this season will be staggering.
Mike owns and publishes SkillPositions.Com, along with a big, expensive, and talented staff. Don't use this work without permission in writing. Mike has been known as the world's only living heart donor. He also thinks morals are paintings on walls, and scruples are money in Russia.
|
|
| | | |
