Write On Sports LLC - "Without the Need for Unnecessary Windup; NFL Week One Review" by Matthew Wolf

Without the Need for Unnecessary Windup; NFL Week One Review

2006-09-12 21:57:40 | By: Matthew Wolf

Featured Game Not only by me, but by the powers that be [bias alert: I'm a Fins fan].

Miami at Pitt

From Miami's perspective: I'm not sure that I've ever been in the process of saying "Player x looks pretty good" RIGHT AS HE IMPLODED, but it happened Thursday with Culpepper. He did not play a perfect game up until he fell off the cliff, but he was pretty good, probably a B+. Neither of the picks he threw were of the "oh my god that's horrible" variety. But still, he's got some making up to do...I don't care what the stats say, Ronnie Brown is GOOD. He probably should have totaled 15 yards Thursday. Miami's run blocking was deplorable, but he made the absolute most of it. If that line gells, he'll be very good statistically ... Miami's defensive schemes were very questionable. They blitzed often on third and short, forcing Batch to throw the hot read, which was inevitably 6 yards and a first down. Miami's defensive penalties were a killer too. For all the hype about Saban being a defensive backs coach - Miami's defensive backfield was poor ... I don't think the missed challenge really made a difference, but my god how do the ref's blow that? Unreal. That said, Saban's challenging skills are no good. He missed several winners.

From Pitt's side: Pitt's lines controlled the game. Miami probably wins if they could have prevented the 7-8 minute, grinding drives Pitt put together. The D-line was all over the place. Very good schemes, very good players ... I don't know that Big Ben could have improved on Batch's game. He was very measured throughout, and made a great read on the long TD. The fumble was bad, for sure. But a very solid performance overall. Willie Parker looked solid. He's may not be a pro bowler, but barring injury he'll have 1250 and 8-10 tds. They ran him like Buffalo runs McGahee, and he looked legit. I would not be surprised to see him among the better fantasy players this year.

Initial reaction:Pitt is going to be in every game they play, and will crush weak offensive teams. Still, I see 10-6, 11-5 at best. They could easily have lost this game and they just don't strike me as truly elite. Maybe Big Ben will make a big difference. Miami should also do about 10-6, assuming Culpepper can avoid all the devastating picks. Which, of course, is assuming quite a bit. He really looked good for 3 quarters, made some great throws, however his 4th was scary.

Random thought: At least twice, teams ran the misdirection flip pitch play, and Madden called it a "college option." I mean, that's not even close. Just because they pitch it like a college option QB would ... seriously. I know its not really a big deal, but its just unbelievable. He gets paid an awful lot of money, it would be nice if he knew what an option was. Does he just not care at all. At least the season has started.

THE REST

Cincy/KC

Very impressed with Cincy all around. I thought Palmer played a smart game, though the stats don't show that. Rudi looked really good running the ball. The defense was very solid too, though I have no idea how that guy didn't get a flag for nearly decapitating Trent Green. I don't think he was plausibly "blocked into it." I'm usually not one for being too protective of the players, but that was pretty brutal. KC seemed like they could move the ball pretty well at times, but just sputtered whenever it mattered. Larry Johnson is the real deal, they need to run MORE. And Damon Huard is really their backup? The dude lost the QB battle to Fiedler in Miami 5 years ago and hasn't been heard from since.

Initial Reaction: KC is really in trouble without a passing attack, and Huard isn't the guy for it. Green is apparently out for a few weeks, so this team could concievably be buried from the get-go. But expect Larry to do his fantasy thing. Cincy will be right there. The defense looked good, and they won handily with Palmer able to gain confidence without working too hard. A very positive start.

Ravens/Bucs

Looks like I was right to jump off the Chris Simms bandwagon after his playoff performance last year--this one was worse. The Bucs looked like a high school team out there, they were just out of their league. Jamal was running very well for Baltimore, and Ray Lewis looked like a new man, all over the place making plays like it was 2001 again. McNair played pretty well, though he definitely looks like a shell of his old self. Still, a shell of McNair seems to be much better than the whole Boller (or Wright).

Initial Reaction: Baltimore should be taken seriously. Tampa should not.

Pats/Bills

New England was pretty pedestrian, considering how well they ran the ball. "I was wrong #1" for 2006, I thought Maroney would be a typical backup this year. Looks like he could be a legit player. Great game. NE looked pretty lackluster, though. They did not push the envelope much at all and were fortunate that Losman inexplicably took that safety. Losman actually was pretty good up until that point. I'm watching him in particular because I have been witness to some knock down arguments about whether he'll be good or out of the league by next year...this game really didn't show much either way. Still, the Buffalo offense looks pretty unimpressive. Willis may end up with good stats after this year, but I don't see that many huge games.

Initial Reaction: NE will be where they always are and the offense will improve. This is probably what we can expect from the Bills, good defense keeping things interesting, but the offense just is not able to win games.

Falcons/Panthers

Vick looked like the NFC championship game version of Vick on Sunday. Doing just enough to make plays, not making mistakes and letting the ground game churn up yards. That offense looked pretty impressive. Warrick Dunn looks primed for another big year. Carolina was really flat. Defense couldn't muster much, and Delhomme looked awful. Is Steve Smith really that important to him? Wow. I think they could have played another couple of quarters and Carolina wouldn't have put up more points.

Initial Reaction: Atlanta looked like the team they were supposed to be last year. D line injuries could be a concern, but they should be in the mix all year. Not an elite team, but a very good one. I'll give Carolina a pass on this one...just because. They can't be this bad.

Peyton/Eli (Indy/NYG)

The Mannings battle was pretty ugly for the most part. Peyton should have had 3 picks in the first half, and Eli was saved by some tremendous catches by Plexico. What was the deal with all NYG's offensive penalties on receivers and TEs? Is this some new "point of emphasis" or are they just totally undisciplined? Tiki looked phenomenal, has not lost a step. Jacobs ran really well too, but not at the level that he nees more time. Tiki really could have another season like last year. The Colts' RBs were average, though I think Addai clearly looks more explosive (and, frankly, just better) than Rhoades. But Indy never really tried to establish the run. Eli's pick at the end was horrifyingly bad. If it was Culpepper or Plummer (and, of course, it was those guys too) EVERYONE would be killing him today. I know he's a golden boy and it was a big pro-Manning night, but he definitely got a pass from Madden and the boys last night.

Initial Reacition: The Colts don't look as dominating without Edge...we'll see how that progresses. I expect a LOT more Addai. The Giants are the same as last year...potential for a lot of points, potential for a lot of turnovers, and a good defense. They should win a lot of games, but I'm sure they'll lose many that could be won.

Denver/StL.

Plummer--disaster. The Broncos ran well, but his picks were inexcusable. Is he just truly never going to turn the corner? Is the Cutler nonsense in his head already? Least favorite line in every NFL column this week: "I don't want to bring up Cutler, but..." You just did. And the no-Martz effect felt immediately in StL--can you imagine Martz settling for 6 FGs? I bet they lose that game if he was coaching. Linehan looked boring, but got the job done. Jackson looked like a stud, he could really run up some numbers this year. That team really needs some red zone work, though.

Initial Reaction: Two decent/good teams with offensive problems. QB controversy in full effect in Denver.

Dallas/Jax

Bledsoe was awful. After the first quarter, I thought Dallas with TO would be unstoppable, but credit to the Jags for turning things around. Fred Taylor looked great, Matt Jones really came on, and they handled everyone's SB darling. Dallas will be tough, but they aren't all that good. Same QB nonsense, everyone is already buzzing about Romo. I thought Dallas simply should have run more.

Initial Reaction: Wildcards, anyone?

Cards/Niners

AZ looked great on offense (well, passing anyway), but their defense looked terrible. SF was moving at will. That was like a Pac-10 game. Still not much ground for Edge, but with Fitz and Boldin, the Cards can get away with it against SF. I don't see them beating good teams that way, though. SF fans had to be pretty happy with Smith. V. Davis looks like he'll be a star if he learns how to catch.

Initial Reactions: More of the same from these teams.

Saints/Browns

I didn't see much of this game, it was the only game I didn't watch because it wasn't on in the bar I went to ... but the higlights and stats seem impressive for Bush. Braylon really cost Cleveland with that late drop/int though. You just can't have that. What a terrible play.

Initial Reaction: No Reaction.

Hawks/Lions

That Seattle/Detroit game was sad to watch. Two teams doing nothing interesting. I think Kitna just might not be the guy, his throws made Pennington's seem like lasers. Just noodling lobs all over the field. And Mike Williams wasn't active? If he's not as good as that Furrey guy ... well, that's just depressing. So much for all those "Mike Williams is gangsta" tshirts around USC. But Seattle didn't exactly inspire confidence in a repeat of last year, either.

Initial Reaction: Early stuff for the Lions, we'll see if they can grow into Martz's offense. Not a lot here to be excited about. Seattle gets a pass--hey, they still won. Nobody will remember this game...well, by tomorrow.

NYJ/Tenn

Barely saw the Jets game because I really didn't care, but Pennington looked good and Collins looked like Collins. Initial Reaction: These could be the worst teams in the NFL. Oh wait, see below...

SD/Oakland

Looks like Oakland could be atrocious this year. The line was awful, Brooks was awful, the defense can't stop the run ... these are things that lead to lots of losses. For SD, a great way to break in Rivers. Just a casual afternoon running 40+ times and dominating the line of scrimmage.

Inital Reaction: Oakland is in for a long year. Shell was supposed to be the motivator, not an Xs&Os savior. Ugh. SD could really be tough. We'll have to see how Rivers plays with some pressure.

Minn/Wash

Missed this one due to the awesome 4:30 pacific start time. Nothing like a missed FG at home to start off the season. Stats suggest the Minny offense could be pretty decent.

And Finally: Pack/Bears

Green Bay ... dear lord. Chicago's D is good and all, but Favre was awful. Missed guys all over the place, terrible throws, just had nothing yesterday. He sure knows how to dump it off to Ahman Green, who is going to have great numbers this year catching swing passes and running draws into nickel defenses. Are the Bears really this good? I doubt it. They just got a bye in week one. I'm a sucker for thinking Favre at home against a rival would have elevated his team. If anything, they looked worse than last year.

Initial Reactions: Bears=wait until they play a real team. GB=better hope Koren Robinson his the answer...(laughing).