Breaking News Wednesday - It's an NFL Circus!

Holy breaking NFL news, Batman! What a crazy day, and it's only 1pm! Let's start with the Saints, yes?

Photo Credit: ESPN.com

NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell brought the hammer down on the New Orleans Saints for their "bounty system" that Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams headed. This disgusting system was finally brought to light, and we all knew that there were going to be serious consequences. I'll be honest, though, I didn't think they'd be this intense. Head Coach Sean Payton is now suspended for the 2012 season without pay beginning April 1, the team will be fined $500k, they will lose a second round draft pick in 2012 and 2013. Additionally, as expected, Williams is suspended indefinitely, which to me, says he's out for eternity. The Saints' general manager, Mickey Loomis, will also be suspended without pay the first eight games of this year's regular season and assistant head coach Joe Vitt is suspended (again, without pay) for the first six games of the 2012 regular season. For more specific information on the penalties, suspensions and overall picture of the sheer amount of trouble the Saints are in, read Adam Caplan's overview here. As a Falcons fan, this brings me immense amounts of satisfaction, but let's be honest, we always want a strong competition with the Saints. It's sad to see a team have this kind of serious infraction, and even harder to watch the fallout after. What happens to Brees and the rest of the Saints is up in the air. Without Payton, this team will undoubtedly be lost. He's one of the best coaches in the league, and it's really unfortunate to see this happen on his watch. However, there is a price to pay for such egregious acts such as this so-called "bounty system" that Williams had in place, and this is the result. We're still waiting to see if there will be individual player fines and suspensions handed out - my guess is it's just a matter of time. Was Goddell too heavy handed? I don't know, but it sure sends a very clear message. 

Moving on to the second piece of serious breaking news...Tim Tebow has officially been traded to the New York Jets for fourth and sixth round draft picks (the Broncos will also receive a seventh round pick). Fourth round?! SIXTH?! That's IT?! Wow. If that ain't a slap in the face. BUT, the Jets may just be a good fit for him, now that I think about it. Either that or (as my friend Jess and I discussed) Rex Ryan is asking to be fired, but whatever. He'll compete with Mark Sanchez (who is having his own set of issues right now) for a starting job that he may just get. I hope Tebow is prepared for New York fans, they're slightly different from the fickle Denver fan. Sanchez, hope you have your big boy pants on...get ready for Tebowmania, part two...this time, with the colorful Jets. Let's hope he has some Jets branded earmuffs for Rex Ryan's meetings, we know Tebows ears aren't prepared for the language he uses.

Days like this make me fall even more in love with football and the NFL (if even possible). This game is full of ups and downs and will throw you for a loop when you're not even remotely prepared for it. It's the business of it, the love for what happens on the field, and the thrilling fact that...well, it's pure entertainment. Keep your eyes glued to ESPN, friends, I'm sure there's more to come (and of course, you know I'll cover it).

Til next time...
S.

**UPDATE** There has been a snag in the Tebow-to-New York Jets trade. Apparently, Tebow has $5 million worth of recapture language...this means the Jets would have to pay back money to Denver. Jets have said they are unwilling to do this. If they can't get through this hang-up, Tebow would be back on the market and the trade would be nullified. Reportedly, the Rams are interested in him and would be willing to be a new trade parter with the Broncos, but if this is true, the terms of the trade change and of course, the question becomes "What of Sam Bradford?" Stay tuned, folks. He may just end up in Jacksonville, after all. Here's the latest from Pro Football Talk.

**UPDATE II**  It's official. The Jets now have Tim Tebow on their roster, for now, as Mark Sanchez's backup. The Jets have agreed to pay half of the $5 million to Denver, which apparently was good enough for them. "Dear Timmy, you're not worth more than a 4th and 6th round pick and half of the $5 mil we wanted. So. See ya. Love, the Broncos." Ouch. Well, here goes. The all-mighty Tim Tebow is now going to be tabloid fodder (Page 6 has to be in heaven right now) and will have to face hungry Jets fans. I'm sure Ryan will use him in the Wildcat - how successful that will actually be remains to be seen. Once again, Pro Football Talk has a great breakdown, which you should read.

Peyton Manning is a Bronco

Photo Credit: USAToday.com

There aren't enough words to describe my excitement about Peyton Manning's choice of becoming the new quarterback of the Denver Broncos. Right, I know, I'm such a homer for the team I grew up watching. But how could a Denver native not be excited about this? I wrote about Peyton visiting Denver, but never really thought he'd actually end up there. As he was choosing between the San Francisco 49ers and the Broncos, every part of me assumed he'd end up in San Fran under Jim Harbaugh, but it after some thought it actually makes a lot of sense as to why he chose Denver.

Manning has always said he wanted to stay in the AFC, and the Broncos fit that requirement. He also reportedly felt more comfortable with Denver's front office  - he has a strong rapport with John Elway and head coach John Fox is willing to hand him the keys to the offense (along with a 5-year and 90-million-dollar contract) and just...well, drive. Manning is one of the most prolific quarterbacks of recent NFL history, but certainly (and inarguably) one of the best ever. The Denver Broncos also have a young group of receivers, and there are rumors floating around about some free agents that are now visiting Denver as a result of the Peyton acquisition (there are also rumors that veteran center and former teammate of Manning, Jeff Saturday, is now visiting with the Broncos). Also worth noting, Eric Decker is about to have a monster season. I'm calling it now.

Yesterday, I was on my friend LaMar's incredible radio program, Life After the Game (listen to yesterday's show here), and talked about everything Petyon. LaMar made a great point that Peyton Manning turns his receivers into Pro Bowlers. Truth, my friend. The Broncos are now instant Super Bowl contenders (even Vegas agreed). All this Petyon chatter is great, but lest we forget the once chosen one, Tim Tebow. In my opinion (and as I said on LATG), the Broncos will trade him. Tebow just isn't the answer, and John Elway has made it well known that he isn't his biggest fan. Sure, he surprised a lot of us, including me, with his run this year, but he's not the long term answer. He needs a different role and a different offensive scheme. I think the obvious needs to be stated - Jacksonville would be a great fit for him. Yes, he'd be the hometown hero, only hours away from where he played college football at UF, but he'd put people in the seats of a stadium and franchise that desperately needs it. It's marketing brilliance. However, there are new reports of him being looked at by big time teams like the Packers and Patriots. We'll see where he lands, but it's safe to say he's out of Denver.

As a Denver native, this is exciting, and I think expectations are high for Manning - pressure can be a blessing and a curse, but I can't wait to see where this season takes the Broncos with him at the helm. Where the rest of the chips fall, especially with Tebow, remains to be seen, but you can bet it'll be a big story.

So. Peyton's in Denver.

How 'bout that, kids. Sounds like Petyon Manning just landed in the Mile High City...simultaneously giving every Bronco fan a heart attack from pure joy. Move aside, Tebow.

Ok. Jokes aside for the moment. Before I launch into what's really on my mind, I feel it necessary to address Manning's press conference as he parted ways from the Colts. There is no question...this guy is a straight up class act. There are a lot of athletes that could really take notes from him (here's looking at you, LeBron). His departure was bittersweet - for him and the organization - and he expressed his thoughts with grace and eloquence. I think it's safe to say most everyone thinks Mannning is a standup guy and would welcome him to their organization with open arms. But is Manning the right choice for my hometown team? Let's analyze further.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, Manning's people are saying nothing's serious, he's just looking around at various cities and facilities who are interested, but let's be real. He's doing his due diligence and he knows there are at least 10 teams interested in his services at QB. Free agency starts next week, and from what I've been reading. it sounds like he wants to make a decision by next week, too. That's quick.

Photo Credit: John Leyba - The Denver Post

Denver really needs a quarterback (apologies, Tebow lovers, but he's not the guy to lead the Broncos to the Super Bowl). However, I'm not convinced Manning is the answer, either. He's a prolific quarterback, immensely talented to a point that is almost outrageous. He's a future Hall of Fame player. So what's not to love? Well. He's 35 and has had neck surgery three times and missed all of last season. I want to believe that if anyone can bounce back, it's him; however, it's neck surgery. That, my friends, is pretty damn serious, especially in the position he's in. At 35, he's no spring chicken (sorry to sound like a grandma) but we need to be realistic here. So, what do Elway, Fox and Xanders do here? My opinion? It's worth the risk. Peyton Manning is a player on par with the greatest of all time. I think it's worth looking into what he can do now. He's been working out, rehabbing and mentally preparing for an entire year, now. He's ready to face the next season and prove he's still got it. Maybe I'm biased (ever so slightly), but I think he's a fantastic fit for Denver and is well matched with John Fox as a head coach. Excuse my excitement over what could potentially not happen, but I'm giddy. We need someone who will be a strong leader. Maybe (just maybe) Manning could be a mentor and teacher for Tebow. This could really be a great move for the Broncos. I'll reserve a total meltdown of pure, unadulterated joy (or disappointment) until there's official word next week, but in the meantime, let's keep our fingers crossed.

Just because I think he's awesome...here's the press conference I mentioned earlier. Class, grace and eloquence that everyone could learn from.

Super Bowl Redux: Pats vs. Giants Part 2 (Plus, a special apology for being MIA)

First of all, I think I should start by recognizing my lack of activity here on my blog. All I can say is, whoops. Sorry! I've been unbelievably busy trying to get my life in order. I've been heavy into some serious changes and have been dealing with some serious curveballs. I will say, though, that the curveballs came, some good, some bad, but I'm right where I need to be. I'm making some big moves on the career front and I'm doing really well. That being said, I hereby promise to stay on top of this blog more than I have been. My bad. (In the event that you do want to check out some of my other stuff in the meantime to see what I've been up to you can go to with video content, BeyondUSports, The Falcoholic and the Atlanta Falcons.)

So, let's just jump right into it, shall we? Let's talk about those two intense playoff games yesterday and, of course, Super Bowl XLVI.

Photo Credit: Al Bello/Getty Images

I think it's safe to say that yesterday in the Patriots vs. Ravens playoff match-up, most people were banking on the boys from Baltimore. It's also equally safe to say it was a hell of a game. Games like that are ones that reinforce why I love this game...it was thrilling, exciting, back-and-forth, and a game that seriously tested both teams' players, coaches and play-calling abilities. The game would've gone into over-time in a serious throw down, but Ravens' kicker Billy Cundiff blew it on what should've been an easy 32-yard field goal with 11 seconds on the clock. It looked like perhaps the hold was wrong or he went into the kick with a weird angle. Either way, the ball went wide left and that was the end of the Ravens' run to the big game. Ray Lewis spoke about the missed FG in his post-game interview, and was quick to make the point that the loss couldn't be hung on Cundiff. Fair. It is a team game, after all. I think Cundiff should maybe hire a bodyguard...at least temporarily. Joe Flacco (and his 'stache) actually had a decent game. He threw for 306 yards and 2 touchdowns. It's clear he looked like the superior QB in the match-up, actually. Pats' QB Tom Brady had a weirdly-off game, which maybe made Flacco look even better. He threw for 239 yards (decent enough) but no touchdowns. Even he admitted in the post-game presser that he wasn't at his best and that the defense really were the guys who stepped up. Right? The Patriots' defense put a stop to Ray Rice (who, by the way, is the league's rushing leader) and did a solid job of forcing turnovers, including one at the end of the game which shifted momentum right before the Cundiff's missed field goal.  Regardless, Mr. Brady is now on the same level with my personal football idol, John Elway, with 5 trips to the Super Bowl. The biggest question here is can Brady, Belichick and company face the Giants again, this time with a very different outcome? My answer is yes.

I'm going to rewind to recap the 49ers vs. Giants match-up before we cover the all-important redux of the 2008 Super Bowl between the Giants and Pats. I won't lie, folks...I was really rooting hard for the Niners (not just because one of my best friends, Jess, is a life-long fan - I've included a screen shot of part of our conversation mid-game. Yes, guys, girls do talk football on the regular.) because I really do think the team deserved to go to go all the way. John Harbaugh did a hell of a job in his first year as head coach, Frank Gore is a beast, Alex Smith proved he's not just some wannabe QB and Vernon Davis (and his man-tears) were pretty epic. I hate to admit this, but Giant's quarterback Eli Manning finally proved that, yes, he is elite. He threw for 316 yards and 2 touchdowns and had no interceptions. These stats are impressive on their own, but even more so considering how highly touted the 49ers defense has been all season. On the flip-side, the Giant's D looked solid and limited Smith to 196 yards (ouch) and was only 12/26. Gore was plugged up as well, and had no touchdowns and only 74 yards. Without totally re-capping the game in statistical babble, the Giants outplayed the 49ers, and have miraculously have found themselves back at the Super Bowl, facing the Patriots again. Good grief. What a day in football.

NFL.com

So here we are, a week away from the Super Bowl, a redux of 2008 (and unfortunately, not "HarBowl" part 2). In case you missed that game, I'll give you a recap in a nutshell. The Patriots looked awesome and poised to win. The Giants came back and played defense that made the Patriots look beatable, a feat that had yet to be accomplished at that time. Eli Manning set up a fourth-quarter drive that ended in the game winning play with the only TD catch that mattered by wide receiver Plaxico Burress. They proved that favorites and talking heads on sports stations can call the game all they want, but at the end of the day, when a team puts everything on the gridiron, that's what wins games. So, let's talk about this rematch and who has the goods this year to win it all. The Patriots are less cocky as they enter this rematch versus the last time they walked in against the Giants. The Giants, on the other hand, come in hot again but now they have the ego. As usual, this game will come down to turnovers and defense. Brady and Manning are on equal planes when it comes to elitism, so what happens on the defensive side of the ball will determine who walks away with the win. I think New York's pass rush is better, but I think the Patriots have a better offensive line and the Brady-to-the-Hernandez/Gronkowski duo is dangerous. It seems obvious to me that this game will be close, but I'm going to give the edge to the Patriots...it's hard to disagree with Brady (and his Justin Bieber hair) and Belichick. Just a few more days until we find out.

...Til next time.
S.

Suh's Bad Behavior

Andrew Weber/US Presswire

Part of me wants to make a snarky, "well it's because he went to Nebraska" comment, but I'll reserve bias because it really doesn't have anything to do with it (maybe).

Yesterday, as I was watching the Packers vs. Lions game, all I could see was a whole lot of nothing the first half, and then a whole lot of self destruction by way of penalties and bad decisions the second half for the Lions. This post, however, has nothing to do with the Lions late-season self destruction or thinning secondary due to injury. This is all about Ndamukong Suh.

Suh was ejected from the game after he pounded the head of Packers' offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith, followed by a giant stomp on him.

Hold up. 

I'm sorry, in what world is that okay behavior? Grow up, Suh. He said later about his behavior, "I want to apologize to my teammates, my coaches and true fans for allowing the refs to have an opportunity to take me out of this game." Right...okay. He continued, "What I did was remove myself from the situation the best way I felt, with me being held down." I'm sorry, is it just me or is this just a giant "I'm the victim" play by Suh? He has lost his mind if he thinks anyone thought this wasn't intentional. To me, the worst part of this is he genuinely feels like he didn't do anything wrong. I hate to say it, but all of America would have to disagree here.  As ESPN.com blogger Kevin Seifert said, "...if Suh didn't intend to do what he did Thursday, he needs to be examined for involuntary leg and arm movement." While I got a small laugh out of this, it's incredibly true. There's no room for any sort of doubt in this situation. Suh has established himself as a dirty player. Once you go there, there's no going back.

Let's do a reality check here, real quick. Obviously things happen. Football isn't exactly a delicate sport, but there really is no place for behavior or actions like Suh's. Period. End of story. This situation makes me disappointed for a number of reasons. I liked Suh (despite that whole he-went-to-Nebraska thing) and actually found him rather interesting and well-spoken. Above all else, though, he was a bad-ass player with so much talent he almost didn't know what to do with it. Impressive. He single-handedly changed the Detroit Lions' defense and their team as a whole. Now, he's changing it for different reasons. Suh has been fined many, many times - last year for hits on Jay Cutler and Jake Delhomme, this year for a nasty hit on Andy Dalton in the preseason.

Let's talk numbers, now. Suh has now received three personal foul penalties this season alone, making his total number seven since his rookie season last year. He's now tied (ironically) with his teammate, Cliff Avril for the most personal foul penalties in the league since last year. Suh can say backwards, forwards, upside-down and sideways that he was justified in what he did and that there was reason for it...fine, let him. He's wrong. Obviously Suh doesn't care about his public perception and has a total lack of respect for the rules of the game, his coaches, teammates, fellow players and the NFL as a whole. Unbelievable.

My opinion? Suspend him for the rest of the season. It's time for Roger Goodell to make a point, and Lions coach Jim Schwartz needs to step in and back him up. There is no room in this game for actions like Suh's. His talent is undeniable, his behavior is unacceptable. Let him learn his lesson.

Until next time...
S.

LSU vs. Bama...I'm Still Waiting

Image Courtesy SportsNola.com

Ok. I feel like I need to write something. This "pre national championship" game has been mediocre at best thus far. I love that these two teams are major rivals and both fan bases are incredibly intense and passionate...but come on this is silly.

It's currently the 3rd quarter and this is what I've gathered: both teams have fantastic defenses, both teams have overrated offenses, neither team is playing quite right, and I've heard the guys in the booth mention Julio Jones one too many times (FYI: he's playing for the Falcons now...they obviously missed the memo). So...can we get something big going in the next quarter and a half? I know both these teams have it in them, and I get the argument that they're so evenly matched that of course this is a low scoring game. To that I say "duh." But, 6-3? Seriously? Sigh.

Stay tuned...full post-game recap to come tomorrow...hopefully with a few more points and a lot more excitement.

...til next time.
S.

**UPDATE** LSU just had a huge interception by cornerback Morris Claiborne. Glad they decided to inject some excitement into this game (finally). It was then lost on me when they couldn't convert and had to settle for another field goal...it's now 6-6...and I'm bored again.

Kerry Collins Goes to IR

Bob Levey/Getty Images

I wrote that the Colts' choice of Kerry Collins as the starting QB was a bad choice a while ago, and boy was I right (yep, that's me giving myself a big ol' pat on the back). Collins, poor guy, has been placed on the injured reserve. He fell victim to a concussion back in week three against the Pittsburgh Steelers and hasn't been cleared since. It also might be interesting to note that Peyton Manning, who is out for the rest of the season, is still on the active roster. I guess that's Indy's (and Jim Irsay) way of doing him a solid.

So here we are, two quarterbacks later, and Indy is still in turmoil. Curtis Painter, the season is in your hands. What a bummer for such a great team. Looks like the "Suck for Luck" campaign is still on.

Not The Cheerleaders!

Seriously, Michael Vick. NOT cool. I can't even imagine seeing a big QB coming near me on the sidelines and kicking a football at me (or my girls). I get that he was in mid-play and got excited (or frustrated or whatever) and subsequently apologized, but that doesn't mean it was ok. Michael Vick, get it right. And for goodness sake, don't take it out on the cheerleaders!!

Tebow Named Starting QB in Denver

Well, shock me not, Denver Broncos. This has been coming since Kyle Orton's rough start this season. There's been consistent outcry in Denver for Tebow to step in as the starter, despite being at the 3rd spot behind Brady Quinn. Last Sunday against the Chargers, Tebow ran for a touchdown and and threw for second one after stepping in for Orton. Now, as a result, it's his time to step out as the starter to prove himself to Broncos Nation.

So what now? The team must stand behind Tebow as their starter (Quinn ran off to see his girlfriend, by the way) and work with him to win games. The Broncos currently stand at 1-4 (ouch) as they travel to Miami to take on an 0-5 Dophins team...ironically during a game that will honor the 2009 Florida Gator team that won the national title. Based on his performance at the game, he deserves the chance to start and lead this broken down team to hopefully salvage the season.

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

I've never been a huge Tebow supporter, even as a Broncos fan, but I'm willing to see what he's got, just for the sake of seeing it. Honestly, at this point, anything is better than the status quo. So let's see what he's got. I hope that the team is doing this because they feel like he's the best option and really believe in him. Is it just me, or does it kind of seem like he is just a castoff from the McDaniels era? I can't believe I'm saying this right now, but let's give him a chance. Here's the issue I do have with the new starter - he's inconsistent and his throwing motion is questionable. I feel he's a moving target for defenses with a strong pass rush, and his inconsistencies make me very nervous. Let's see what happens in the next few games before we judge head coach John Fox one way or another.

My closing thoughts? Don't blow it, because there's been enough heartbreak in Denver. I surely hope he doesn't give anyone a reason to dislike him more (he's got PLENTY of supporters) and prove to John Elway and John Fox that they should keep him.

Tact Is A Good Thing...

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

I can't help but shake my head. In an appearance on the "Cooley Zone" on the LaVar Arrington Show With Chad Dukes, Washington Redskins TE Chris Cooley had some choice words to talk about Dallas Cowboys' QB Tony Romo. I know, I get it...the 'Skins and Cowboys are big time rivals, but is this really necessary? Cooley said the week before he wanted to "fight Tony Romo" and this week he touched on how Romo choked the game away against the Lions. Cooley said, "It's amazing to watch him choke like that...I'm just saying, if I'm up 24 points in the third quarter, if I'm the head coach, I feel like I could probably just take a knee for the rest of the game, put it away and there's no way that Detroit is gonna drive on you that many times." Oh yes, there's more. He continued, "The only way you're gonna give up that many points is turnovers, right? It's hilarious to watch him throw pick-sixes, too, back to back. I loved it."

SportsAge/Icon SMI

It's one thing to have that kind of smack talk come from a former/retired player...it's entirely another matter when the player is still in the league! I know, I know...the rivalry, whatever. Here's the thing, he's just made it a hell of a lot harder on the Redskins' defense next time they meet up, and I guarantee you the Cowboys' offense is looking for him, and revenge for being an ass. Oh, and in case you're wondering, Cooley went off again on Romo about how he could beat him in the cage and referred once again to the 24 points he gave up. Yeesh.

 I know Deion Sanders also chimed in on the Romo-hate-a-thon, but he handled it in a slightly better way. He's right though, Romo does need to be called out, but not the way Cooley did it.

Boys will be boys, I suppose. In the meantime, click here to listen to Cooley sharing his joy in Romo's collapse.

....Til next time.
S.

Broncos Lose Again and This Video Sums It Up

Knowshon Moreno needs help riding a bike. The Denver Broncos need help getting to the end zone. 'Nuff said.

Around The League...Week 3

Well, there's no doubt that the NFL isn't short of drama or action this year. Week 3 had plenty, so let's dive into the top takeaways.

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Tampa Bay Wins (Sloppily) -  Ay yi yi. This game was a mess, literally and metaphorically. In a duel in rainy conditions, Tampa Bay looked like the team with more potential. Atlanta looked sloppy, inconsistent, and fell victim (again) to turnovers. There is no way this team will make the playoffs if they continue to look so disorganized on both sides of the ball. It pains me to say this, considering the team is loaded with talent and potential. Matt Ryan did his best, but without a strong offensive line, he fell victim to multiple sacks and looked like he had no time to even launch the ball. He threw interceptions and fumbled (on top of those nasty sacks), and looked like he had hit a serious slump. He needs to be able to make decisions smarter, faster and stronger...he needs to take control. He did manage to connect with Roddy White, Julio Jones, Harry Douglas and Tony Gonzalez, proving that the offense can work, but the O-line needs to step it up so that there's time to make it happen. On the flip-side, what's going on with Roddy dropping passes? He never does that! It's so unusual...I get it, it was raining, not an excuse, quite frankly. Especially for a Pro-Bowler like him. Harry Douglas continues to look studly, so if he can get open, Ryan needs to start relying on him. Defensively, missed tackles were (yet again) the theme of the game. I couldn't believe it. I could've jumped in there and snagged LeGarrette Blount (yep, all 5'4" of me!). Seriously, guys, c'mon. There were moments that looked fantastic and there were moments that made you facepalm and want to cry yourself to sleep (yep, I'm totally talking about the Corey Peters off-sides moment, among others). Redeeming factors for the defense? Not many. I guess Thomas DeCoud's interception counts. Then there's Matt Bosher...yep, gonna leave it at that. So what do I think? I think a few things need to happen. One of which needs to include letting Matt Ryan be Matt Ryan. Let him call more plays and run a no-huddle offense. Something needs to be done about the O-line...there are no words to even articulate how abysmal it looked. Defense...it's all about the secondary...just as it always has been. I hope that there's a sense of urgency and a fire lit under them, because that's a big NFC South loss. By the way...Matt Bryant, thank the good Lord for you...because you're the most stable and consistent kicker of all time. In life. Period, the end.

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

As far as the Buccaneers go, they looked equally sloppy, but were able to pull out a big win. Josh Freeman is going to have an incredible career as an NFL quarterback...believe it. Despite throwing a couple of picks and having his moments of uncertainty, he looked like he's about to grow into the big boy quarterback shoes he's been placed in. Can you tell I'm impressed? LeGarrette Blount is insane. I hate to admit it, but he's legit. Their offense is about to hit a big stride, and I'm thinking they're about to put away some big wins. What surprised me this time around, though, was their defense. Turner did nothing, Ryan did nothing, and they looked like they had become supermen in the off season. They forced multiple turnovers and sacked Ryan 4 times. Moral of the story? I think Raheem Morris' Bucs are about to come into the picture in a very real way, and they have absolutely started on the right foot. I'm looking forward to watching more of them this season.

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The Ravens Steamroll The Rams - Woahza. A massive 37-7 win by the Baltimore Ravens certainly makes a statement, doesn't it? Joe Flacco looks like he's a new man this season, and threw for a career-high 389 yards. Flacco's favorite target? Rookie Torrey Smith. Smith caught an impressive three touchdown passes...in the first quarter. I know, right? Impressive. It became clear that Flacco and his offensive line were ready for St. Louis' blitz package, which they ran just about every play (or so it seemed). The Ravens' defense seemed to match their offense with hunger, drive and passion. Let's just face it, they all played like a boss. Ray Lewis did what he does best, and stripped the ball from Rams QB Sam Bradford, which resulted in a pickup by Ravens defensive lineman Haloti Ngata who returned the ball to the end zone for a touchdown. Yup. That's a whoopin'.

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Poor St. Louis. It hurts my soul to see them lose like this. Sam Bradford is one of my favorite up-and-coming QBs in the league, and I am just itching to see him succeed. I think the pairing of him and new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is a good one, but it needs to click (obviously). The only touchdown resulted from a pass from Bradford to Brandon Gibson in the second half. Bradford was just 16 of 32 (what!!) as he was, simply put, abused by the Ravens' defense. Speaking of defense, the Rams had none. Zero. Nothing. They were consistently burned and couldn't stop Flacco. What happened to the St. Louis Rams from the preseason? They had defense...where did it go? Steven Jackson was a non-factor in this game, and his injuries are a major issue. He's incredibly talented, but needs to get better before he even thinks about stepping foot back on the field. I can only hope to see better things out of St. Louis. I think they have a lot of people pulling for them.

Adam Bettcher/Getty Images

Detroit Finally Wins in Minnesota - Two words. Matthew. Stafford. Aside from being a beast on my fantasy team, he's made it abundantly clear that he is the man in Detroit. A healthy Stafford is an effective Stafford, and he's the one that will lead this team to the playoffs. Count on that. The Lions came back from a wicked score of 20-0 at halftime to prove that they're not the ones to be messed with. The Amazing Matt Stafford (new official name) threw two TD passes in the second half that launched the Lions back into the game, and drove it straight to overtime. Calvin Johnson also proved that he has turned a corner, and connected with Stafford for seven catches, 108 yards and two touchdowns. Keep an eye on Jahvid Best, too...he's a key part of that offense. The Lions' defense played poorly in the first half (clearly), but came out in the second half with a new attitude, just like the offense. Ndamukong Suh is the most passionate player I've seen in a long time. He is the future of that defense. It seems to me that the two sides of the ball work in tandem, which is a good thing...so when they're good, they're great, and when they're bad, they're terrible. It's a good thing they came out great in the second half. They all need to give a big ol' high five to their kicker, Jason Hanson, who kicked the game-winning OT field goal from 32-yards out.  Oh, and by the way, the Lions are now 3-0 for the first time since 1980.

Jim Mone/AP Photo

The Vikings are mediocre at best, but they still took a very difficult loss on their home turf against a rival. Brutal, no matter how you spin it. The defense worked well in the first half and held the Lions to -7 yards (yep, seriously). McNabb looked like he feels comfortable with his new teams' offensive play book and hit a stride with his receivers...in the first half, anyway. Adrian Peterson rushed for 78 yards and a single touchdown, which, to him, is disappointing I'm sure. I don't think this loss is one that means the Vikings are in for a rough year. I actually think they look pretty darn good. If they can get McNabb stronger and confident, then they'll be successful. Their defense will be decent, so if they can just get the mechanics right, they'll have a shot at the playoffs.

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Vick Goes Down...Again - Yikes for Michael Vick. Cheers for Eli Manning. Let's rewind, real quick. Last week, in Atlanta, Vick was knocked out of the game with a concussion. He started against the Giants, despite the injury. This week, Chris Canty knocked Vick down, bruising his non-throwing hand (despite initial reports that it was broken). Is it me, or does Vick have a giant target painted on him? While he was in the game, he looked inconsistent and hesitated when throwing. Eagles' backup QB Mike Kafka came in after Vick was injured and was immediately intercepted. Whoops, so much for that whole "dream team" thing. LeSean McCoy did look good, and ran for 128 yards and one touchdown for the night. Decent, especially after losing their starting QB. Defensively, they looked okay, but Nnamdi Asomugha does make a big difference for Philly.

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Manning was the man last night as he put up big numbers. 254 yards through the air and 4 TD passes is quite an accomplishment for him so early in the season. While he was certainly great, the real hero of the night was Victor Cruz. The man had two touchdowns and looks like a total pro. He is, hands down, one of my favorite receivers in the NFL. I think he's got it all (is he still available for Fantasy Football?). Ahmad Bradshaw had a solid showing, complete with a touchdown, helping the Giants gain the W. Aaron Ross had two interceptions and Antrel Rolle did what Antrel Rolle does. Game over, and a big 29-16 win for the New York Football Giants.

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Buffalo Wins...Against The Patriots - 34-31 thanks to a winning field goal from Buffalo's kicker Rian Lindell. Yep. The Bills won...not only did they win, they did so against the Patriots, the top contenders to win the Super Bowl. Could the Bills really be playoff bound? Is it possible for them to play for the AFC East title? All are realistic possibilities this year. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for an impressive 369 yards and two touchdowns, helping to break the 15-game losing streak against New England. Fitzpatrick is beginning to look like a real NFL QB, and may possibly be another bench-to-starter success story that I love so much. Like Detroit, the Bills came back from a serious 21-3 deficit at the half to achieve a big win. The Bills' defense intercepted Tom Brady four times. Four times!! What the what!? One of those four interceptions was returned for a touchdown by Drayton Florence. Stevie Johnson and Fred Jackson had big days, helping out their QB and putting numbers on the board. You'd have to be blind to not see the momentum that this team is gaining as they are now 3-0 and building confidence. I mean, I would have never thought this would happen so soon for the Bills, but I gotta say, I'm impressed and happy for both the team and their fans. It's been a long time coming. Hopefully they can keep the winning train moving along the tracks and can really show that Buffalo is in it for real this year.

Gary Wiepert/AP Photo

So what happened to the Patriots? Everyone (me included) expected them to cream the Bills. In one of maybe only a few losses the Pats will have this season, Tom Brady looked uncharacteristically rattled. His four interceptions in this game equalled the total number of interceptions he had all of last year. The brutal loss even overshadowed a huge achievement by Wes Welker who had a career-high 16 catches and a franchise record of 217 total yards. Equally impressive was Rob Gronkowski who caught two touchdown passes from Brady. This situation says one thing: the Patriots are flush with talent, but it takes more than that to win. A lesson for many teams, actually. They have a ways to go, and they will get there, I have no doubt. However, this game was a stark wakeup call, and maybe one that New England needs.

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Tony Romo is One Tough Cookie - He might be the toughest QB I've seen in a long time (further proving naysayers wrong). He may not be the most accurate or have the strongest arm, but no one can deny his strength - physically and mentally and passion for the game. He fought through injury (a broken rib he received last week) and extreme pain to garner a big win in a rivalry game. We even saw him get a second pain injection (ouch) on the sidelines. He continually had wobbled snaps (thanks to his center and miffed snap count) and somehow couldn't quite get all the way in for a touchdown, but by goodness, he and the Cowboys fought hard for it. But here's the question, are the Cowboys really any good? By all measures, this game was really just...disappointing. Romo couldn't throw a TD pass and they relied on Dan Bailey to save the day with six field goals. Dez Bryant and Jason Witten also played hurt and stepped up big time to perform decently, I suppose. (They really need Miles Austin back). The Cowboys' defense generally looked improved, but certainly looked like they finally had the heart and motivation they've been talking about over the past few years. Anthony Spencer did come flying in with a forced fumble that Sean Lee recovered, stripping away any chance the Redskins had for a last second touchdown. The Cowboys looked like they had an infusion of hope put back into them, and already are improved from last year's terrible start, and move to 2-1.

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

The Washington Redskins, on the other hand, do what they always do. They come close, but not quite there. The defense laid into Romo pretty heavily, and even I had to to turn away a few times after watching some bone crushing hits on the already-injured QB. At least the 'Skins took advantage of a weak point in the Cowboys' offense? (I'm not totally sure how I feel about that, but that's the game). Rex Grossman...yikes. What more can you say about Rex Grossman? One touchdown pass a quarterback does not make. On the other hand, Roy Helu did have a decent game...so there's always that. Similarly to the Cowboys, most of Washington's points came from their kicker, Graham Gano, despite having one field goal blocked. Well, Mike Shanahan, you have a big job in front of you to figure out what went wrong and making appropriate changes on the field. Good luck.

Other Things Worth Noting:

Tony Dejak/AP Photo

• Browns Beat Miami  - A win is a win, right?  A one point victory (17-16) for Cleveland is a moral victory. Things worth noting from this game? Colt McCoy looks good and continues to improve while Miami's defense is absolutely terrible.
• Maybe Oakland Is For Real - A big win over the highly-touted NY Jets, the Raiders are back on the NFL radar.  The Raiders' defense is fierce and they're the ones that won this game.
• Houston is Good...New Orleans is Better - Drew Brees is incredible. His 370 yards and three TD's feel like they can only be achieved in video games. Mark Ingram also showed up when it mattered for the Saints with his first NFL touchdown. The win proves that NOLA is still a force to be reckoned with; however, the Texans are the real deal. Matt Schaub and company really gave the Saints a run for their money, and I really believe this is going to be a statement year for Houston.
• 49ers and Bengals...meh. - That really says it all. 49ers won, but it was boring. The Bengals rookie QB Andy Dalton needs a lot of work.
• The Broncos Continue to Break My Heart - Woe is a Donkeys fan. Seriously. Kyle Orton was intercepted twice and sacked once. I guess Denver's defense was good enough, but goodness gracious. Ugly. But hey, nice work on the part of the Titans.
• Carolina Snags First Win - Granted, it was against Jacksonville, but it's still a win for Cam Newton and his team. The 16-10 victory was a moral one for the Panthers, too, especially after playing surprisingly well in their past two games. Jacksonville's rookie QB Blaine Gabbert did ok and did have a touchdown pass, but it was really Maurice Jones-Drew who carried any offense the Jags could muster. Yay for Panthers, Yikes for Jaguars. 
• Chargers Edge Out Chiefs - San Diego eked out a 20-17 win against Kansas City that was only sealed because Chiefs QB Matt Cassel was intercepted by Eric Weddle. Bottom line on this one? Chargers look mediocre and hopefully can improve, and Kansas City is still decimated by injuries. 
• Green Bay Still Looks Great - The Packers pulled out a 27-17 win against the Chicago Bears, only adding fuel to their intense rivalry. As usual, Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley showed up big, while Chicago fell flat. Jay Cutler had an impressive 302 yards but was intercepted twice. Ok, so I admit, the Packers may have been a bit sloppy, but they still looked awesome. So what's the lesson here?  Green Bay > Everyone else.
• Seahawks Win Over Cardinals - Yup. I got nothing. Larry Fitzgerald is awesome. That's about it.
• Indy ALMOST Wins - Poor Colts. They came so close to beating the Pittsburgh Steelers and showing that all hope isn't lost. With Petyon Manning still out (and as owner Jim Irsay announced today, he's likely out for the season), backup Kerry Collins started and then later was knocked out with a concussion. In came 3rd stringer Curtis Painter. Painter is clearly in need of coaching but isn't totally bad. He's got potential, I'll leave it at that. Joseph Addai was the hero for Indy and brought the Colts back up to be neck-and-neck with the Steelers. A last second field goal by Shaun Suisham sealed the win for Pittsburgh, but it was ugly. Not sure what's going on with the Steelers this year, but they should consider figuring it out...fast.

Got comments, questions, compliments, or anger to unleash? Do it in the comments below, please!

Til next time...
S.

Around The League...Late Notes

Whoops, sorry I've fallen behind. With the start of the season brings a whole bunch of chaos into my life...but believe me, it's chaos of the best variety. So let's talk real quick about some important stories around the league.

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

What the heck happened, Falcons? Seriously. What happened? As I was in Chicago, a lonely Falcons fan among the masses in Bears jerseys, I felt oh-so-sad. Do you even want to know how many missed tackles there were on the part of the Falcons' D? I didn't think so. Not worth mentioning because it's so cringe-worthy. C'mon Brian VanGorder, you're my favorite! You call me Sara Smiles and you have the coolest mustache ever. Seriously, though, this is your year to prove all those naysayers wrong. Falcons' defense is worthy of the big time, but the play calling has to change. All I have to say is fix the secondary, fix the defense. Ray Edwards, are you there? You can do this. As far as the offense went (or didn't) there were major problems. Ryan couldn't get the ball to any receiver and he looked like he was having a hell of a time being protected by the offensive line (reminder: Todd McClure is out). The run game was the only thing that had the tiniest bit of life, thanks to Michael Turner (but then again, he did have a fumble so...). So what now, because last time I checked, having Michael Vick and the Eagles back in the Georgia Dome is a terrifying thought. However, they are beatable. So what has to be done? A lot of improving, for one. Vick will run. Expect it, stop it. Vick will throw, so cover deep. There can be no missed tackles this game, period, end of story. The Eagles have some serious weaponry on both sides of the ball that has to be taken seriously. Let's incorporate an important factor here, too...Vick's return to the Dome. You and I both know crowds will be loud for him. Falcons fans need to band together and cheer for the birds...not for Vick. Will they rise up? We'll see...

CBSSports.com

Peyton Manning isn't coming back, Kerry Collins isn't the answer and Andrew Luck is being scouted. Yup. Luck may be going to Indy. It's clear Manning's injury is as serious as it gets. The Colts obviously did him a favor by keeping him on the active roster and paying him, anyway (he deserves that much). This whole thing has to just be killing him, too. Kerry Collins obviously isn't the answer here - if you watched the game you're saying "duh" - and had an abysmal QBR of only 2.3 (!!!) and fumbled three times. Woah. The Colts' 34-7 loss to the Texans was painful to say the least. Something must change with the play calling or who is on the field...or both. All I can think is what a shame this is. It's bad news for Manning, Collins, Jim Irsay, Jim Caldwell, and the Colts as a whole. I like that organization, and it pains me to see it like this, but what goes up must come down, I suppose. This is why it makes sense (to me, anyway) that Irsay was scouting Stanford QB phenom Andrew Luck. Is it a bad idea to think about drafting a new QB when you have one of the premier ones already? Yes and no. We don't know what Manning's future holds. He may be forced into retirement, he may come back with a fiery vengeance. Maybe Irsay is smart to protect his investment, but it may just be too early for that.

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

Denver needs to get it together and there's more Tebow drama. Ask anyone within the Broncos organization and they'll tell you there is no QB controversy. Ask any fan in Denver and you'll hear another story. Kyle Orton disappointed beyond words on Monday night against the Raiders. While I was pleasantly surprised with the improvements on the Broncos' defense, the other side of the ball looked a hot mess. Seriously, they made Oakland look like a top tier team (for the second year in a row). So, when fans began chanting for Tebow, what are they saying to John Fox (and John Elway)? Just put the kid in. Never in a million years would I have predicted this, but I actually feel bad for the kid. They need to either release him or give him a shot. Granted, they need to give Brady Quinn a shot first, since he's number two on the depth chart anyway. Orton needs to step up, and in Bronco country, there's little patience for messing around, and they're hungry for a better team...and maybe a win or two.

Rob Carr/Getty Images

What the heck happened with the Steelers? Ok, let's take a few steps back here. There is no excuse for what happened against the Ravens. 35-7...really? Those towels clearly weren't so terrible (sorry, couldn't resist). The Ravens forced seven turnovers and it just wasn't Big Ben's day. Oh, and paging Troy Palamalu...was he lost on his way to the game? He barely showed up! This whole thing pains me just because I really think Mike Tomlin is the coolest of the cool. It had to have been a painful loss for him, too, since Baltimore is such a tough rival. I'm sure this was a one time thing, and these guys will be in top shape come this Sunday for the game against Seattle, and I'm certain the Seahawks will face the wrath of a hungry Steelers team who want redemption from total embarrassment from the week prior. I think this was the first and last time we'll see the guys from Pittsburgh fall apart in the way they did. They're fierce competitors and despite criticism that they're getting "old" I think they're still top contenders to win it all.

So what happens in week two? I'm not sure. No one is, and things are such a toss up this year. Got thoughts/comments/questions/reasons to yell at me? Post 'em in the comments section.

Til next time...
S.

Time to Make a Statement

Jimmy Cribb/AtlantaFalcons.com

The Atlanta Falcons are playing the Pittsburgh Steelers tonight in their third preseason battle, but it's far more than just another preseason game. The Steelers are one of the few teams (alongside the Saints, Packers, and Patriots) who benefited from a short training camp period because of their already stable team chemistry and strong veteran presence. The Steelers are already strong contenders for the Super Bowl title and are ready to duke it out among the league's best. They came out, guns a-blazing last week against the Philadelphia Eagles and ripped them a new one. They proved that they are back and are hungry to redeem themselves from last year's championship game. Big Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu, Hines Ward and James Harrison are back and want blood - the statement they made last week says it all. It's critical that the Falcons step up to the challenge.

I'm hearing that the Birds are going to keep their first team offense and defense in at least through the first half. Good call, Coach Smith. It's obvious to me (and everyone else) that the offense this year, with Matt Ryan at the helm again and his weapons in the backfield in Douglas, Jones, White, and Gonzalez, will be one of the top in the NFL. The team also has an underrated run game with Michael (the Burner) Turner and Jason Snelling, plus the addition of rookie RB Jacquizz Rodgers. However, it's consistently been the first team defense that has been the proverbial Achilles' heel for this team. The Falcons' defense has suffered from injury across the board and has had issues with depth. This year, with some key starters healthy again, I think the guys in red and black will prove every naysayer wrong. I'm also hearing through the rumor mill that Ray Edwards may play a quarter or two, which will finally give Falcons fans a chance to see what impact he will have on the secondary (and hopefully it's a big one). Hopefully we will see Brent Grimes, John Abraham and Jonathan Babineaux come up with some big plays again, and I really believe this is the year Dominique Franks comes of age.

Jimmy Cribb/AtlantaFalcons.com

The Steelers are the first real opponent of strength that the Falcons have faced this preseason. It's also fair to say that this is a game that needs to be treated as the real deal - not just another preseason game to test second and third stringers and figure out new plays. This is the dress rehearsal for the regular season, especially with powerhouses on the schedule like the Eagles, Packers, Colts, and (this year) the Buccaneers. Time to step up and answer back, Falcons! I have total faith.  It all goes down against the Steelers tonight in Pittsburgh, and it's the Falcons chance to make the strong (and loud) statement they should.

By the way - here's a great "cheat sheet" put together by AtlantaFalcons.com writer Daniel Cox about some of the facts of tonight's Pittsburgh-Atlanta match up.

Until next time...
S

The Peyton Manning Effect

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Peyton Manning is, without question, one of the best quarterbacks in recent history. He's a future Hall of Famer and all around good guy. He's literally everywhere you look - commercials, to SNL, and participating in community service efforts. One place he isn't? On the field. Manning had surgery on his neck in May, and seemingly isn't ready to be on the field come the Colts' season opener in Houston.

Manning on the PUP list is bad for a whole myriad of reasons. The first of which is obviously the QBs health. Let's face it, he is the face, name, and heart of the Colts - talented, well spoken, and a clear leader...this team needs their guy back. Of course we're all concerned for Manning's health - he's a guy that people want to see do well - but he can't push this. Neck injuries are serious, and the Colts organization is taking it as such; but, without him on the field, it's clear the team won't perform or start the season the way they should. Adding to the already stressful chaos, the Colts signed Kerry Collins into a backup position. They lured the guy out of retirement and planted seeds of doubt into their own team's minds. Bad juju, folks. It's easy to see why Jim Caldwell and company don't necessarily have total faith in Curtis Painter (or Dan Orlovsky...), but was it a good move to bring in a QB who has been hitting the links, not the gym, without any sort of established bond with the team? Yes, he's a veteran quarterback with far more experience than Painter, but is it really the right move, even if he's not starting the next game, or even the one after that? I know the NFL isn't really about making guys feel good, but talk about a confidence buster for Painter. It seems that I'm not alone in this feeling, as members of the Colts, including Pro Bowl wideout Reggie Wayne, have stepped out in support of Painter.

Getty Images

Manning is a pro. He's a competitor. What else? He wants to play. He's started all 208 regular season games of his career and is, hands down, one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the league. Manning's bad days are akin to most NFL QB's good ones. That's saying something. Yes, I have an affinity for the oh-so-charming Peyton Manning, and have an incredible amount of respect for him, but I think this situation, (which is out of his control) is going to throw the team into disarray. Add in the signing of Kerry Collins and you have a team confused with a ton of different opinions. I'm not sure starting Collins (which is what will inevitably happen) against Houston is the right move - the Texans are finally in contention for the AFC South title, and look poised to win.

I think one of two things will happen for the Colts in 2011. Either Manning will come back stronger (think Tom Brady) and lead the Colts to the season they deserve...or the Colts will struggle. There really is no gray space here, and it's hard to predict which will happen. Manning is strong, and most absolutely a fighter, and no doubt everyone is watching...and waiting to see what will happen.

Of course.

Terrelle Pryor to the Raiders? Face palm. Of course he went to the Raiders. 

Image: Cal Sport Media

Way to enforce your own stereotype, Al Davis. I hope this gamble pays off and I hope Pryor can find stability in Oakland. He is everything Davis and the Raiders love...big and fast. It makes sense in other ways, too, though. The Raiders have had instability at QB for a while, and Jason Campbell is not the answer (neither are Oakland's backups).  I pray he has a good mentor and someone in his corner helping him along the way, because, well, let's face it...the Raiders aren't the most stable of football clubs. Pryor needs coaching, mentoring, and he needs to grow into an NFL ready quarterback. It would not be the smartest decision to put him out on the field to be eaten alive. This is a kid who has a ton of potential for development and I hope he was worth sacrificing another 2012 draft pick (in this case, 3rd round). Here's hoping that he finds what he's looking for and that the Raiders don't waste time in developing Pryor's talent. 

Take-Aways from the First Preseason Games

Over and done kids...the first Preseason games are in the books. I don't know about you, but I've never been so happy to have football back...even if it was just preseason and teams only played their starters for a grand total of 3 minutes per game. The key to the preseason? Watch the first quarter...that's where you get the real idea of what a team will look like. Regardless, it was great to see players back on the field doing what they do best. As usual, I have a few thoughts and take-aways from all of Week 1's preseason clashes.

We may as well start with the Broncos and Cowboys. Fitting match-up based on mascot alone, eh? Ok, let me be honest here, I was really excited to see the Donkeys come out of this one with a win. Womp, womp. What's with the play calling? I had flashbacks to the McD days...not a good thing. With Teborton (as the Denver media is affectionately calling them) drama still going on in the background, everyone was anxious to see who would really look like the superior QB. I hate admitting it, but Tebow actually looked alright and I think he did a decent job of quieting the drama surrounding training camp and the QB battle. In my mind, Tebow is consistently inconsistent and has a bizarre way of throwing the ball, but he surprised me with his accuracy (less the interception) during this game. He ran too much and was too predictable but I'll give credit when it's due. Good work..for now, and he could win the starting job if he has a good showing over the next few weeks...maybe. As far as Orton goes, it's just more of the same. One drive was all he really got, and I think Bronco fans were really able to see the power and talent of Knowshon Moreno and Willis McGahee. I love McGahee in Denver and I think he'll be a powerful part of the offense. The Cowboys looked more put together this year to me. Romo looks like he's come back and is ready to prove Cowboys haters wrong after breaking his collarbone last year. We'll see if Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, and Jason Whitten can do to make him look better...and maybe he'll keep his starting job. I'm interested in what happens with Dallas in their next preseason game.

Patriots and Jaguars. Well, one thing is for sure, Belichick sure isn't afraid to run up the score...in the preseason. Overkill, maybe, but it drives the point home that the Pats are ready for the 2011-12 season and are coming out guns a-blazing. Ryan Mallett proved that he's a rookie who can step in right away if need be and that he'll make the transition from college QB to NFL QB with a lot of ease. Not to mention the incredible accuracy and strength in his arm! Plus, learning under Tom Brady is a major perk. It wouldn't shock me to see him get some playing time in the regular season, too, and look for him to be dealt a-la-Matt Cassel in the coming years. As a side note, Brian Hoyer looked fantastic too, a pleasant surprise. On the other hand, we have the Jags. To his credit, Blaine Gabbert did okay for his debut. There's no reason why David Garrard should be overtly nervous, but with some time, coaching, and settling of nerves, Gabbert could step into the starting position. It'll be interesting to see what happens with him against the Falcons this week.

Seahawks and Chargers. Meh and meh again. Sorry Seattle and San Diego fans. I have a hard time getting excited seeing these two teams...so much disappointment over the past few years. It broke my heart to see Russell Okung hurt himself again, but it sounds like he'll be able to bounce back, but good lord, keep that man in a bubble until he touches the field. On a positive, Tyler Polumbus, a friend of mine from high school and fellow CU alum stepped in for him - I was happy to see that. Tarvaris Jackson. 15 yards and two sacks...Yikes. I'll leave it there. I was glad to see Ryan Mathews back on the field for San Diego. I'm hoping to see more production from him this week...and maybe get some sort of impression from the Chargers...good or bad.

Colts and Rams. Indy is good...there's no doubt, but every team goes through the "cycle" of football, if you know what I mean. Time effects everything...mostly by making guys older. The guys played without Manning and Freeney...that should say a lot. Anyway, let's look at what happened here. Kavell Conner and Pat Angerer both looked sharp against St. Louis and will prove their worth in the regular season, no doubt. Rookie Anthony Castonzo looked decent, barring some rookie mistakes, and will be a major help to Manning this season. I kind of felt "meh" about this game...sort of vanilla, but the Colts are good, and when they have their starters in, I think it will be more explosive. The Rams look great, and Sam Bradford is just so cool (yep. I said it). Tight End Lance Kendricks is a stud and Bradford will have fun throwing to him. To Josh Daniels' credit (ugh), the offensive line is solid and the offense as a whole looks like it's clicking, and possibly exceeding expectations. Cadillac Williams surprised me and I think he's got a lot of power behind him and may have more success in McD's offensive schemes than he did in Tampa. I'm looking forward to watching the Rams this year - I think they're a very interesting team...

Bears and Bills. This game was all about Jay Cutler. The man got sacked. Shock and awe. Caleb Hanie didn't fare much better in the sack department, but he was better than I anticipated. Marion Barber looked good...strong, actually. I like him to move up the depth chart and I think he will. Chicago's defense suffered a number of injuries - not good - and depth is clearly an issue here, too. They do have Urlacher, who is a beast of a linebacker, and a few other key guys to keep things in place. The Bears, like many other teams, have a lot of work to do, but do look improved from last year, but clearly need to focus on the pass protection..I almost feel bad for Cutler. The Bills...at least they have Shawne Merriman. Other than that, it's a sad story. I feel for you, Bills fans.

Eagles and Ravens. I'm already over the "dream team" talk about the Eagles, by the way. Let's see how the produce first, shall we? I don't mean to be dismissive, it's abundantly clear the Eagles are insanely talented, and there's no doubt Michael Vick has found his groove with the Eagles and he showed people he's the same guy he was last year...I'm sure he'll have a hell of a season again this year. I'm going to stay quiet about the Eagles as a whole, I want to really observe their choices during the preseason, but I am excited to see them down here in action for the Falcons home opener in September. The Ravens surprised me with their performance...it was seriously lacking. Their offensive line struggled and Tyrod Taylor is not the answer as a backup in the Quarterback position. Their defense, which usually scares the daylights out of me, looked a less than lion-ish and I think if they want to be a serious threat this season, they have a lot of work to do. With John Harbaugh at the helm, though, I'm sure areas of weakness will be addressed quickly.

Cardinals and Raiders. It pains me deeply to say this...the Raiders look half decent. Denarius Moore is a powerhouse and it finally looks like Darrius Heyward-Bey will be a real playmaker this year. Here's the bad news though - they lost WR Chaz Schilens and S Hiram Eugene. Not good. On the Cardinals side, Kevin Kolb made his debut in red and white. Discarding his first play, he actually looked really good out there, and it's clear he's got chemistry with Larry Fitzgerald. The downside to this is that defenses will read this and start with double and triple coverage over Fitzgerald...so who does Kolb throw to in that situation? We'll see. The defense looks improved and I think they'll be seriously tested this year...but for them, and for coach Ken Whisenhunt, that's a good thing.

Ok, on to my personal favorite of the first round of preseason games...Falcons and Dolphins. The Dirty Birds may have lost but damn they look good. The loss on the board doesn't matter, because it's the starters that counted in this game. Matt Ryan + Julio Jones = Raining Touchdowns. Jones may as well have wheels for legs, he's so fast. He's a dynamic, interesting receiver with room to grow but has easily and quickly made the transition from college wideout to pro receiver. I love it. Watching him in person is an experience that touches on religious... the kid is unbelievably talented. Combining him in the backfield with Roddy White, Harry Douglas, and Tony Gonzalez is genius. The Falcons' first team defense, simply said, put the Fins and Chad Henne to shame. Two big interceptions by the birds' defense sent a quick and serious message. Even though there are still concerns for the Falcons' secondary (we'll see what Ray Edwards brings soon) it's clear that Mike Smith and his staff have taken last year's lessons seriously and are ready to compete in 2011. As far as the Dolphins go...well, at least no one booed Henne off the field or chanted for a different quarterback. Always end on a positive note, right?

I'll get off my "Falcons totally dominated" soapbox and move on to the Lions and Bengals. It brings me such joy to see the Lions do well. They deserve it, and their fans deserve it. Matthew Stafford is healthy (!!) and showed he's back...with a vengeance...seriously. Calvin Johnson looked great, and everything was clicking on both sides of the ball. I couldn't stop smiling. Super Bowl or bust for Detroit at this point. The Bengals, on the other hand, had a rough start. Andy Dalton had a less than perfect first time out. He was hit hard by Ndamukong Suh (who is a beast, by the way) which (I think) scared the daylights out of the poor guy. He was accurate and completed most of his passes, but they just didn't have the yardage necessary. AJ Green did look good for Cincinnati and there's potential if he can get it moving with Dalton. We'll see.

Oh the Buccaneers and Chiefs. What a game. Let me say this loud and with total sincerity: The Bucs scare the crap out of me. I said it. Raheem Morris is a young, vibrant coach who is willing to do (and say) anything to muscle his way to Indianapolis for the Super Bowl. Josh Freeman is an incredibly dynamic and mobile young gun and has turned into a leader. He comes across charismatic yet humble and more than anything....driven. I'm telling you right now, I take this team very seriously. They have Adrian Clayborn. Monster. They have Dezmon Briscoe who stepped up in a major way. The O line was studly, and the D held their own. Soon we will all see if the Bucs are who we think they are when the play preseason game 2 against the Pats. I doubt anyone at Raymond James Stadium is shaking in their cleats...they're ready (and they're not Jacksonville...). I'm interested in the Bucs matchups with big Patriots guys (read: Haynesworth). Anyway, back to game 1...the Chiefs have a lot of work to do. It totally bums me out that Ricky Stanzi may not be the answer there (long term anyway). We'll see though. Clearly Cassel will have a stronger start in the regular season, but a 25-0 loss is not a fun way to start things off. I think that KC's defense is their biggest concern. They need to sort out the holes immediately. They're in a weak division so maybe it won't be as painful...cruel football truths, I suppose.

Let's move on to the Redskins vs. Steelers shall we? What I saw in a nutshell: Grossman is decent (sort of), Hightower looks pretty awesome, and the offensive line was strong. The Skins' rookies look like they need development - and as much as I like Leonard Hankerson, the kid needs catching drills. Dropping passes, even occasionally, isn't acceptable in college, so it's definitely not kosher in the NFL. A final yikes goes to Evan Royster. If he wants to make a career in the pros he has a lot of learning to do. The Steelers weren't playing at 100% with Troy Palamalu and James Harrison both out due to injuries. Those two being absent leaves big holes for the Steelers and without them on the field, there's an obvious (negative) impact. Steelers offensive isn't the issue here, it's the defense. When Polamalu and Harrison are healthy, they'll be back to being a top tier, competitive team.

Saints and 49ers. Welp. Then there was the Saints. It's Drew Brees. He's awesome. Their defense is sick. They're so good it makes me sick. But it doesn't mean they're impenetrable. On the other side of the ball, Mark Ingram proved why he was a good 1st round draft pick. He's going to have a clear and intense impact for the Saints where Reggie Bush didn't. It didn't surprise me at all to see NOLA tear up the 49ers. However, it was nice to see moments of greatness from Frank Gore...once again he'll be a major part of the San Fransisco's offensive plans, especially since Quarterback situation is still a mess. Are Smith or Kaepernick really the answer? Maybe for now but likely not in the long run.

Carolina and the NY Giants. Woah...holy Cam Newton. He sure came out ready to silence haters, didn't he? He was confident and ready and, in my opinion, won the starting job over Jimmy Clausen for the regular season. Newton has to work on his accuracy and consistency, but he is on the right track. As a whole, though, the Panthers were a hot mess, and have a long way to go before they are a real contender in the league, let alone in the NFC South which is stacked with talent right now. DeAngelo Williams had a disappointing performance (just because it's preseason?). The Giants had a nice interception for a touchdown and Jason Pierre-Paul had a few big sacks that are sure to be confidence builders. Obviously the NYG's have nothing to stress about when it comes to pass rush, but their offense struggled and it's going to be an uphill battle for Tom Coughlin and his team.

Browns and Packers. Let's start with Cleveland here. Colt McCoy has chops. He had a strong showing and displayed accuracy and a sleek calmness under pressure. It's intimidating walking into a game against the 2010 champs, and let's be real here, the Packers are still stacked and scary. The lil' Browns that could held their own and put up a W on the board. The Browns' receiving group looks strong and even better yet? Cleveland's defense. This was definitely a major win for Cleveland and their fans. The Pack? I don't even need to expend much on this because they're just awesome. Period, end of story.

And finally...the New York Jets and Houston Texans. My friend Toni was sure happy last night (Facebook status update: "TOUCHDOWNNNN TEXANSSS!"). Yes, the rumors are true, the Texans beat the Jets, and looked pretty good while doing it. New defensive coordinator, Wade Phillips (strange to type that he's now with the Texans, not the Cowboys) took the mindset of "meet me at the Quarterback." Houston had seven (!) sacks last night alone...I'm thinking this is an omen of what's to come. JJ Watt, Brooks Reed, and Jesse Nading are insane...simply insane and are going to be major factors guarding that end zone this year. As far as the offense goes, I have one thing to say: Chris Ogbonnaya for the win. One more thing, actually...Matt Leinar...not so bad. If the offense can get it together and fix depth issues (aka injury issues) then they have a chance to be a real contender this year. The Jets are, well...the Jets. Mark Sanchez was easy going and had no real trouble. He seemed more put together and calm, and I think he's happy to step into a leadership role. His backup, Greg McElroy was nervous and jumpy and took some hits but eventually settled a bit. He has a lot of work to do, but the potential is there. The defense looks strong and improved from last year, and I think the real question marks are on the offense's shoulders this year. I'm interested in who Sanchez will target. The Jets are one of those fast-paced, loud, in your face teams but I dig that. Actually, for your viewing pleasure, here's an extra special video of Rex Ryan's 2nd quarter meltdown.





Ok...take a deep breath. That was nuts...and I love it! Welcome back, NFL. Good to have you.

Until next time,
S.