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Week 1 thoughts

I think it’s only right to start out by acknowledging the kind of story sports fans hate. Kevin Everett, back-up tight end for the Buffalo Bills tackled Denver’s Domenik Hixon on a kick return and his head and neck were jarred in the helmet-to-chest collision. He was carried to hospital as his team mates surrounded his motionless body while medical staff came onto the pitch. After being stretchered off, taken to hospital and operated on there was a real concern that he may suffer from permanent paralysis. In much better news, he’s apparently voluntarily moved his arms and legs and the doctors are now much more optimistic of some level of recovery. Get well soon, Kevin.

As for the games themselves, the injury to Everett cast a sombre shadow over what in other circumstances would have been a thrilling climax to the game as the Denver field goal unit sealed victory as they ran onto the pitch with the clock running in the dying moments to convert the kick for a one point victory. Elsewhere there was a mixed bag of results, from routine wins for the likes of Minnesota and Seattle, surprisingly big wins for Detroit over Oakland and (to a lesser extent) New England over the Jets. With a lot of close games, one-sided games, unsurprising games and pretty much every other type, the game of the week for pure entertainment value goes to the Giants visiting the Cowboys. San Diego played a snore-fest against Chicago and Indianapolis ruthlessly dumped New Orleans so the Eli Manning and Tony Romo shootout was the business this week.

I think the row over the Patriots is wholly disappointing on all fronts. New England would be a very good team anyway and using cameras takes this kind of cheating to a new and entirely unacceptable level. If you’re watching the opposition and trying to second-guess them based on memory then, hey, that’s sports. Making a little catalogue and showing such a crude disregard for the rules, and then playing dumb and claiming you misinterpreted a simple rule that a 10 year old could understand, is something that Roger Goodell had a chance to really hit the Patriots hard with and give the head coach a suspension. The money is a large amount but they can afford it, and the Patriots already have two first round picks so losing one is no big issue. Disappointing Mr Goodell, you spoke tough but you missed a chance to make an example that the big franchises can’t just do what they want.

Week 1 offensive star
Patriots offensive line. Even if the Patriots knew what the Jets were going to call, that doesn’t change the performance of the big guys up front who gave Tom Brady all day to wreak havoc against the Jets.

Week 1 defensive star
Patrick Willis. The rookie linebacker was everywhere as he racked up the tackles against Arizona and generally made life difficult for them.

Risers and Fallers

Risers
Chris Brown – After being touted to struggle in a Tennessee rushing game missing Travis Henry, Brown didn’t get a touchdown against the Jags, but he did set the team up by tearing them apart for 175 yards.

Adrian Peterson – Peterson’s performance was definite rookie of the season material if he can keep it. He was meant to be sharing time with Chester Taylor but ended up getting nearly 200 all purpose yards, a touchdown and even recovered a fumble into the bargain.

Antwaan Randle El – This is probably Randle El’s best individual performance ever. Him and Campbell hooked up like a charm and for a young quarterback, he’s now going to seem like a very attractive option when Santana Moss is being covered out of the game.

Marshawn Lynch – When a talented running back is drafted into a team where he’ll be paired with a quarterback of talent but a spotty record, you expect him to be an able part of an improving offense. It turns out he was the driving force as he got himself 90 rushing yards and a touchdown against an able Denver defense.

Mario Williams – After the criticism of his rookie season for not living up to #1 pick status, this is the performance that just might signal the true arrival of Mario Williams. A couple of sacks and a bunch of tackles added to the fact that he generally pestered Huard all evening added up to a great performance for Williams. Oh, he returned a fumble for a score too.

Fallers
Any Browns QB who’s name isn’t “BRAY-DEE!” – Charlie Frye got the nod and was then swiftly pulled after a horrendous start. Derek Anderson almost got the starting spot, probably thinks he’s second in line but the coach knows he’s on shaky ground and might succumb to fan pressure to bring in Quinn.

The Jets fans who cheered Pennington’s injury – I’m sorry, but when Pennington came off there might have been cheers for his replacement but there was a much nastier element in there as well, and there’s just no excuse for it.

Oakland defense – After looking great last year and keeping it in tact over the summer, the Raiders were shown that their defense can’t live off their 2006 reputation as Jon Kitna and friends put 36 points past them as they prepare for a conference game against a promising Broncos offense.

Charlie Frye – After earning the starting job and looking like he’d be safe while they prepped Brady Quinn for after the bye week and the worst of their schedule was out of the way. Well, he had an absolute nightmare, got pulled and swiftly traded away.

The Patriots AFC East opposition – The Jets looked surprisingly tame, the Dolphins ran Washington close but ultimately weren’t great and Buffalo already look like they might be relying too much on Marshawn Lynch. Admittedly, the Broncos pass defense has all the tools to stop people but Losman is still going to have to improve if the Bills are to get better.

NFL Week 2

Game predictions
Atlanta Falcons vs Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags had an astonishingly leaky run defense last week and their offense didn’t live up to the billing. Against a Falcons team that looked incredibly weak on both sides of the ball last week though, they should manage to pull out a win at home. Atlanta might get something out of throwing running backs down Jacksonville’s throat to see if they can replicate Chris Brown’s performance for the Titans last week, failing that Alge Crumpler could see a lot of action.

Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers
The Bills allowed Denver to gain far too many yards at home last week for me to think they’ll do the business against a Steelers attack that did whatever it wanted against the Browns last week. There have been some changes on the defensive side since Tomlin’s arrival that didn’t get a real work-out last week so the Bills should try a few things out to probe for weaknesses. Marshawn Lynch will get plenty of touches, it’s the passing game that needs to be kick-started though. Visiting Pittsburgh with a one-dimensional plan of attack isn’t recommended.

Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns
A tough opening schedule continues for the Browns. After leaking yards and touchdowns against the Steelers, the biggest consolation they can take from the impending visit from Cincy is that the Bengals scary offense looked out of sorts against Baltimore last week. Conversely, their defense showed a surprising amount of backbone when it counted against Baltimore. Whether it’s the usual Bengals or the Bengals of last week who turn up, Cleveland have a heck of a game on their hands as Brady Quinn itches to be handed the keys to the Brownsmobile. Derek Anderson, watch your step very carefully if you get the start.

Green Bay Packers vs New York Giants
Assuming Eli Manning doesn’t play, I think the Packers just might end up getting the win on the road, as their defense looked lively against the Eagles last week and the Giants are without Brandon Jacobs as well. They don’t have a great receiver corps so should Lorenzen step into the breach he hasn’t got a guarantee of a safe pair of hands to throw to. Sure, Shockey is a good tight end, Amani Toomer can do a good job, and Burress showed last week he can get big yards but none of them are sure fire targets week in and week out. Green Bay, meanwhile, will be hoping to test the Giants rush defense before letting Brett Favre see what the secondary can do.

Houston Texans vs Carolina Panthers
Both of these teams exceeded my expectations last week, more so the Panthers and that’s why I think they’ll finish the week 2-0. The passing game was predictable but successful as Delhomme and Smith connected with ruthless ease, but the running game and defense is what surprised me. 172 yards from three players on the run while the defense comfortably contained Bulger and Jackson’s best efforts. Houston were good too, mind. Schaub and the Houston ’06 one-man-offense Andre Johnson showed real chemistry, while the defense threw themselves everywhere to nullify the Kansas offensive unit. The Texans will have enjoyed that victory, but a win on the road against Carolina could be a tall order.

Indianapolis Colts vs Tennessee Titans
The Titans were a lot better than many people expected them to be when they faced a usually stout Jacksonville rush defense. Indianapolis’ defense was much better on all fronts than expected and allowed them to set about pulling apart New Orleans with their offensive unit. With a sense of trepidation after a Vince Young-inspired victory in Week 13 against Indy last year I have to say I don’t see the Titans getting their second win of the season. Addai looked every inch the starting running back, Manning and the guys he threw it to looked as good as ever and the defense continued its playoff form. The Titans should provide an entertaining and feisty resistance, but Indianapolis are likely to continue their good start in Tennessee.

New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
There’s not much that seems to need saying here. The Saints are aching to put a pounding on somebody after being shown up by the Colts, and the Bucs don’t have the firepower to keep up if the Saints are back on form or the defense to stop them. The Buccaneers will only win this if the Saints stop themselves from winning it. I don’t think they will.

San Francisco 49ers vs St. Louis Rams
After the no-show from pretty much the entire Rams team last week, the 49ers do have a shot here providing they can shake off their early season rust and put a performance together. On their own turf, the Rams should have enough on offense to keep San Francisco at bay, as Steven Jackson will likely have a much better week while Marc Bulger should take things slow and steady. Rookie linebacker Patrick Willis had a stellar debut in week 1 and he’ll be snarling around the line looking to do the same again. This isn’t Arizona though, even if the Rams weren’t at their best last week they’ll get the win one way or another.

Dallas Cowboys vs Miami Dolphins
At this stage in the season it’s hard to make concrete judgements early, so what do we make of Tony Romo as he comes off a great week but is set to face a much sterner defense. The ‘Boys have lost their nose tackle which is going to hurt them, but there will be much tougher offensive teams to struggle against than Miami who just don’t seem to have what they need to beat Dallas. It may not be pretty, but the Dolphins offense is going to have to produce a running game from somewhere if they’re to stand a chance because their defense –good as it is- can’t assume that this changeable Dallas offense will be held within touching distance.

Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions
I thought the Oakland defense would smother the Lions passing game in week 1 but Detroit got going just fine before introducing the running game much later on. The Vikings rush defense will have much harder tests than Atlanta this year but if they can shut down the relatively few running games Detroit play and force them to do nothing but pass they will create the turnovers necessary to keep control of the game, try to nullify the danger of Jon Kitna and his plethora of receivers to take their second win of the season.

Seattle Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals
Edgerrin James put on a good show against San Francisco and it was Matt Leinart who stumbled. After a warm-up against Tampa, Seattle will pressure Leinart more than the 49ers did meaning he needs to find his arm once more. It doesn’t look hopeful though, Alexander and Hasselbeck were in ominously good form against an admittedly poor Tampa Bay outfit. Hopefully at home and with another week of practice the Cards’ passing game will find some rhythm and the running game can be maintained. For me though, that’s too many ifs, buts and maybes to pick the Cardinals.

Kansas City Chiefs vs Chicago Bears
Damon Huard is a capable quarterback no matter how it looked last week, and Larry Johnson is still the top-notch running back who’ll be the engine of this Chiefs offense. The obvious thing to do would be to try and compare this to what the Bears will provide points-wise. We all know it’s the defense that keeps them rolling forward though so it’d be a futile exercise as you never know what the Bears are going to do. The Chiefs will struggle to score points which will set the alarm bells ringing when their defense is such that even Chicago should be able to get enough points to close this one out.

New York Jets vs Baltimore Ravens
Another quarterback fitness problem for the Jets isn’t a harbinger for success as they’re readying themselves to pay Baltimore a visit. The silver lining for Mangini’s men is that the Baltimore defense has had guys hurt and didn’t look as impenetrable as usual last time out and Steve McNair was looking iffy before he picked up an injury. The Jets struggled to get going on either side of the ball against the scandal-ridden Patriots and there was more to it than being the victims of signal-stealing. If New York plan on replicating the 10-6 record of 06 they need to get going sooner rather than later, Baltimore are determined not to be AFC also-rans as well and will likely take their first victory of the season.

Oakland Raiders vs Denver Broncos
Oakland’s defense didn’t look the same as the fearsome unit that stuffed so many teams last season as they allowed Jon Kitna to pound them through the air so Jay Cutler, after a promising performance against Buffalo, should fancy his chances to do well at home, especially if Travis Henry runs as well as he did last week. It wasn’t pretty at times, but Henry ground out the hard yards until the defense couldn’t contain him further and he started to really get rolling. The whole Broncos offense is looking much improved over 2006, and the key for Oakland will be to make the most of their improved offense. Denver struggled at times against a lot of teams including Oakland last season, so it’ll please Mike Shanahan that his offense is looking a lot more dangerous with the Broncos showing signs of actually having a Plan B for the first time in a while. I’ve got a feeling Oakland will raise their game to face Denver but they’ll leave Colorado with a defeat I’d imagine.

***Game of the Week***
San Diego Chargers vs New England Patriots
LaDainian Tomlinson has said that a win over the Patriots at this stage would mean nothing, that they want to beat them in the playoffs. Fair enough, but this game is still going to be pretty heated. Aside that I think New England have a slight edge and home advantage, there’s too much quality for both teams and too few flaws to really make it worth doing a comparison. The Chargers have a huge edge on running game, the Patriots have a huge edge on the passing game. The Chargers will hope to do better on offense after grinding it out against Chicago while New England will realise they’re against a much better defense and may have to just grind it out. Any edge HAS to be in New England’s favour though, but I think it’ll be great to watch however it goes.

Washington Redskins vs Philadelphia Eagles
Even though Washington won and Philadelphia lost, neither of the two teams are coming into this key division match-up off the back of a particularly promising performance. Washington have more to be pleased about even aside from the win as their running back tandem worked well and Jason Campbell got a good relationship with Antwaan Randle El going which gives the ‘Skins a bit more diversity. The Eagles, even if McNabb was looking rusty last week against Green Bay, is still a good quarterback so the question of how to keep him and Westbrook quiet will be the one that could stop the Redskins taking their first divisional victory of the season.

PFC Staff Fantasy Picks

As you hopefully saw in the article last week, we’ve introduced a little fantasy football game between a few of the PFC staff for a bit of fun and, if we know anything (which is debatable at times) give anybody who wants it some potential fantasy tips. Whether that’ll work out or not remains to be seen, but we’re gonna do it anyway and hope we get enough right to show we might have some idea of what we’re talking about. First up, here are last weeks picks, scores and the standings going into week two.

Kevin Figg selected Matt Leinart, Willie Parker, Javon Walker and Chris Cooley for his four players, bringing him 6 ½ points for Leinart, 3 ½ points for Parker, 4 points for Walker and 0 points for Cooley and a total of 11 points.

Chris Pokorny selected Drew Brees, Larry Johnson, Santana Moss and Antonio Gates, which means he got 1 ½ points for Brees, 1 point for Johnson, 0 points for Moss and a whopping ten points for Gates giving him a total of 12 ½ for last week.

Ian Hetherington selected Donovan McNabb, Frank Gore, Terrell Owens and Daniel Graham meaning 8 ½ points for McNabb, 8 points for Gore, 14 for Owens and 0 points for Graham for a total of a huge 30 ½ points.

That puts me on top by an astonishing 18 points after the first week, though looking at who was picked it’s clear a lot of luck was involved as there plenty of players selected by Chris and Kevin you’d have expected to do much better than they did. So the order of the standing at the moment is;

Ian Hetherington - 30 ½
Chris Pokorny - 12 ½
Kevin Figg - 11

Moving on, I’m sure those two will catch up on me fairly rapidly so here’s our selections for the next week of NFL games.

Kevin Figg:
QB: Carson Palmer (Bengals) vs. Browns - Palmer had an off day in week one,missing open receivers left and right. That being said, he still completed over 60 percent of his passes and threw two touchdowns against a very good Baltimore defense. Plamer could have a day for the record books this weekend.

RB: Cedric Benson (Bears) vs. Chiefs - Everyone ragged on Benson for having a subpar game in week one. Of course what people neglect to mention is that he was facing one of the best defenses in the NFL in the San Diego Chargers. Look for Benson to establish himself as a force against an average Cheifs defense.

WR: Steve Smith (Panthers) vs. Texans - Smith had a big day against a poor St. Louis pass defense. Expect more of the same this week.

TE: Todd Heap (Baltimore) vs. Jets - If Kyle Boller gets the start at QB, look for him to throw the ball to his big tight end.

Chris Pokorny
QB: Brett Favre (Packers) vs. Giants - In a week full of competitive matchups again, Brett Favre will be looking for more success offensively this week against what proved to be a very porous Giants secondary. The Packers' running game is no where near top form, meaning it'll be up to Favre to get the ball to the team's playmakers as often as possible.

RB: Joseph Addai (Colts) vs. Titans - The Colts won't want to rush their offense on the road against Vince Young, meaning they'll try to put together several long drives. Although the Titans stopped Maurice-Jones Drew last week, it's difficult for any defense to keep the Colts' running game in check with how often Manning changes the plays.

WR: Roy Williams (Lions) vs. Vikings - With the Vikings' run defense being one of the best in the league, is there any questioning that Jon Kitna will throw the ball repeatedly at home? He can spread the ball out all he wants, but Williams is still his top receiver.

TE: Kellen Winslow (Browns) vs. Bengals - After getting rid of Charlie Frye, Derek Anderson completed several passes in a row to Winslow on the team's only scoring drive in Week 1. In desperate need of offense, the Browns should exploit their strength here against a lackluster Bengals linebacking group.

Ian Hetherington
QB: Drew Brees (Saints) vs. Buccaneers – As I said earlier, the Saints are looking to dispel the memory of that drubbing from Indy by routing somebody, unfortunately for Tampa they’re first in line for Payton’s team and I think Brees could have a huge week as they get their season under way.

RB: Rudi Johnson (Bengals) vs. Browns – Naturally, when you think of the Bengals you think of that passing game. It’ll be on the Browns mind and Palmer is likely to get a good passing rhythm going meaning Cleveland won’t be able to give the task of stopping Johnson the attention it deserves.

WR: Steve Smith (Carolina) vs. Texans – The Delhomme/ Smith combo was very much back in business in week 1, so if the running game can provide enough of a distraction then Steve Smith could wreak havoc for big yards and help himself to a touchdown in the process.

TE: Jason Witten (Dallas) vs. Dolphins – Witten had a big week against the Giants, and Tony Romo might see him as a safer option against this Miami D than throwing deep to T.O, especially as linebackers Porter and Thomas will be looking to cause Romo problems personally so quick dump-offs to Witten could be the order of the day.

SCORING SYSTEM:
Quarterbacks: Touchdown = 6 points; 50 yards passing = 1 point; sack, interception or fumble (recovered by defense) = -½ point

Running back: Touchdown = 6 points; 50 rushing/receiving yards = 2 points; fumble (recovered by defense) = -½ point

Wide receiver: Touchdown = 6 points; 50 receiving yards = 2 points; fumble (recovered by defense) = -½ point

Tight end: Touchdown = 6 points; 50 receiving yards = 2 points; fumble (recovered by defense) = -½ point