Now that we’re 2 weeks into the season, it should have given
NFL team fan bases enough time to digest what they’ve seen and begin to over-react.
So let’s examine some over-reactions through 2 Weeks.
Home team in CAPS
Chiefs (+3.5) over EAGLES
The Chiefs beats the Eagles 26-16 on Thursday Night
Chiefs Over-React: Andy
Reid turned this team into champions after being last-place! Well there’s some
merit to that, after all you generally Gatorade
Bath your coach when you win a championship... not in week 3. That doesn’t
have bad karma written all over it – nope, not at all. Not like Chiefs aren’t
on a collision course with division rival Broncos twice this year and potentially
one more time in the playoffs.
Eagles Over-React: The
offense is revolutionary! It kind of is, but at the same time it needs more
than 20 minutes on the field to do its thing. The fortunate thing is they are in probably the worst division in the NFL.
TITANS (-3) over Chargers
Titans Over-React: We
should be 2-0 and we deserve more respect in this AFC! Now hold on – Pittsburgh
Week 1 and Houston Week 2. Pittsburgh is showcasing their devolution and
Houston looks to be this year’s flawed winning team (i.e. Falcons last year). And
at the end of the day, Jake Locker needs to prove it.
Chargers Over-React:
PHILLIP RIVERS IS BACK! THE OFFENSE CAN’T BE STOPPED! Yea hang on there 1
second sport. They choked away Week 1 with Rivers trying to play bocce with a
football and then played an Eagles team that seemingly can’t tackle despite
playing a game that is founded on bringing ball-carriers to the ground.
So Why the Titans? The Chargers did beat the Eagles but boy
oh boy did the Eagles miss some opportunities. DeSean Jackson should have had 4
TD’s on his own. Easily. He repeatedly beat coverage and was open only for him
to step out of bounds as he caught it, or have it go right through his fingers.
The Chargers Run D hasn’t been exactly stopping anyone. Now mind you they have
played Houston and Philly, 2 teams with elite running backs and systems
designed to run.... but Tennessee has a system designed to run. They’ve
invested heavily into it. And surprisingly are getting production out of it. I
say surprisingly because they have 75 carries for 231 yards which is 3.1 YPA.
Not tremendous in 1 light. But also Chris Johnson has 50 touches for 166 yards.
The offense revolves around Chris Johnson being able to break off a big play
here n’ there. But Chris Johnson isn’t that type of back anymore to rattle off
big rushes. Really?
Jake Locker hasn’t been his own worst enemy this year and while still hovering
around that 56% completion percentage, isn’t turning it over.
Browns (+6.5) over VIKINGS
Browns Over-React: We’re
futile and we’re giving up on the season! Actually.... maybe they’re right on
this one. Here’s my quick take on the Richardson
trade. I like the deal for the Browns. The Colts last year went 7-1 at home
and narrowly escaped a win vs. the Raiders followed by a loss to the Dolphins.
3 of their next 5 weeks they play San Fran, Seattle, Denver – aka arguably the
top 3 teams in the league. Are we even sure the Colts will make the playoffs (I
didn’t think so before this trade nor do I think so now)?
Vikings Over-React: Christian
Ponder needs to be released now! It’s not a complete over-reaction.... Certainly
not like this one. Stay classy Minnesota.
So Why the Browns? What exactly are the Browns losing in
this trade... a guy averaging less than 3.5 yards a carry with no runs over 20
yards. Great, they can find that anywhere (See: Willis
McGahee signing) Here’s what the Browns do have. An ELITE defence. It’s
REALLY good and it’ll keep them in games. Like this one.
Buccaneers (+7) over PATRIOTS
Buccaneers Over-React:
We need to choose between the QB and
the coach for this team to succeed! How about just remove both from the
equation... Schiano just seems like he’s 1 more loss away from losing this team
completely. Being the hard-ass on your player’s works when you win. When you
lose things turn sour – and quick. Now Freeman I feel COULD be helped, I just
don’t know if it will happen in Tampa anymore. I think they’re asking him to do
too much on passing plays to find his receivers. The degree of difficulty on
some plays is just too high for a QB that isn’t perfectly precise.
Patriots Over-React: Our
run of success is over because these receivers can’t understand the playbook!
That’s not wrong – but let’s reserve judgement until Gronk gets back. It’s not fair to ask
these wideouts to examine as much as they have to post snap when coverage’s are
designed specifically to stop them. Having Gronk back will open things up and
make the reads a lot easier for the young guys. Its glass half full – what could
have gone wrong, has gone wrong for the Pats... and they’re still 2-0.
So why the Buccaneers? Because despite their offensive inefficiency
the Bucs have been in both games that they’ve played. A dumb penalty by Lavonte
David and a dumb idea to kick a FG and this team could just as easily be 2-0.
Their defence is amazing and Revis Island knows how to deal with Tom Brady.
Plus until Gronk gets back and isn’t limited physically in the offense, I don’t
know that the Pats should be favoured over anyone.
RAVENS (+2.5) over Texans
Ravens Over-React:
We made a mistake giving Flacco all this money and now our offense stinks because
we have no weapons! Try to remember that while Jim Caldwell took over mid-way
last season and was already on the staff, this was his first real off-season to
work with Flacco. Not to mention that they played a Browns D last week that is
deceptively good. They do need weapons on offense but I’m not ready to throw
Baltimore under the bus just yet.
Texans Over-React: We’re
2-0 and this is the year we win in the playoffs! Let’s examine these come from
behind wins. Against the Chargers and against the Titans, 2 teams who right now
we know very little about. Despite their 1-1 records and impressive showing
against Houston, we really don’t know anything about who Houston has played
until this point. Were those good teams that just happened to play great that
day? Or were they bad teams that Houston was barely able to beat?
So Why the Ravens? Because unless it’s the Broncos or
Packers... nobody should be favoured over the Ravens on their own turf. Let
alone a team that is LUCKY to be 2-0.
COWBOYS (-3.5) over Rams
Rams Over-React: Sam
Bradford is making the leap to be a Franchise QB! Are we sure about that? He
did lead the charge to comeback vs. Arizona but that involved a lot of throws
in the 4th quarter when the Cardinals were already up 11 and have no
running game to close out games. And then last week It was 24-3 when Atlanta
decided to just coast it and even when it was finally a 1 score game, they just
upped it again. The stats might be inflated from the ideal situations he’s been
facing. I want to like Sam Bradford but I can’t trust someone whose picture
looks like he’s saying “I don’t know where you family is...”
Cowboys Over-React: You
can’t cover Dez Bryant! While this might be true, the Cowboys need to figure
out a way to run the ball. Having Romo chuck the ball 40 times a game is not a
winning strategy.
So Why the Cowboys? Bad spot for the Rams here, they get a
divisional game coming up on a short week vs. the 49ers. And they should have
gone 2-0 against the 49ers last year, so they’re gearing up for a strong game
again. But having to play the Cowboys just 4 days before then? It’s not a
strong spot for Sam Bradford who has to go up against some premier corners for
the Cowboys.
SAINTS (-7) over Cardinals
Saints Over-React: We’re
2-0 and our D is legit! The 2-0 came by the hair of your chinny chin chins. Yes
you did make a good goal-line stand vs. Atlanta, but they had 4 cracks at it
and that easily could have been a loss. We’re looking at processes vs. the outcome.
You can’t continually put yourself in the position to have to defend that. Week
2? If Greg Schiano doesn’t channel his inner Ron Rivera and go for an idiotic
FG attempt rather than coffin-corner the punt, you could be heading back home
to face ‘Zona with a loss.
Cardinals Over-React:
Carson Palmer is the best thing ever!!! I’m gonna let Cardinals fans have this
one because by comparision – he really is.
So why the Saints? The truth is I can’t quite put my finger
on this one. It feels either Saints blowout or Cardinals win to me with no in
between. But here’s what I do know. The Cardinals needed 4 FG’s and Reggie Bush
to go out and slow down the Lions D to win last week. If you don’t finish off
drives vs. Drew Brees when he’s at home you’ll have problems. And no injury
will slow down the machine that can be the Saints offense... if anything, losing
an RB will help them. Mark Ingram is awful.
Lions (Pick ‘Em) over REDSKINS
Lions Over-React: Stafford!
Megaton! Bush! Our offense can’t be stopped! Actually apparently if anything
happens to Reggie Bush it can be....
Redskins Over-React: RG3’s knee is going to be fine – we were a 2nd
half team last year anyways! I’m reminded of this Chris Rock quote. “You can do
it without a man, but that don’t mean it’s to be done!” Just because you can comeback
in the 2nd half of the season, Redskins fans, that don’t mean it’s
to be done.... then again you do play in the NFC East.
So Why the Lions? Have you seen the Redskins play defense?
It doesn’t matter that RG3 isn’t planting his feet correctly or that the
offense hasn’t run any read-option plays despite having a mobile QB... When the
D puts the team behind the 8-ball from the get-go, it’s pointless. Even a 75%
Reggie Bush with half usage should make this Lions offense move the ball well
enough.
Packers (-3) over BENGALS
Packers Over-React: We
finally have a rushing game! Well it helps when you play the Washington D and
you’re just running in the 4th quarter.
Bengals Over-React: We
can finally win the big games after that Monday Night Victory! Just stop – the Steelers
are making a claim for 1 of the worst teams in the league.
So Why the Packers? Because the O-Line has surprised me for
the Packers and so has the D-Line. They’ve held up relatively well and I think there
are just too many weapons for Aaron Rodgers to use for it to be only a field
goal. There are a few home underdogs this week, and some I like. I don’t like
the Bengals in this spot on a short week.
PANTHERS (+1) over Giants
Giants Over-React: Tom
Coughlin will turn this around! One of the ways to turn this around.... give
David Wilson the ball. I don’t mean like 20 times a game, but give him the ball
in situations he can succeed in. Throw some screen passes to him, get him in
the flat. If you want to use Brandon Jacobs, go ahead, but then make Wilson
your change of pace guy and get him into space. Eli is turning the ball over
and trying to make plays that he shouldn’t have to make because there is NO
running game.
Panthers Over-React: Our
coach can’t make late-game decisions to save his life! Well this part is true,
but you have to figure if you try and try again eventually he gets 1
right........ right?
So Why the Panthers? Because eventually the team’s talent
(and there is PLENTY on this team) will win out and take the game out of Ron
Rivera’s hands. The front 7 has the potential to just uproot anything the
Giants want to do offensively and despite having a banged up secondary, the
nickel package that features Kuechly and Davis can do some damage. And this is
one of the home underdogs I was unsure about.
DOLPHINS (-2.5) over Falcons
Dolphins Over-React: Mike
Wallace finally caught passes and Lamar Miller finally scored, we have the
total package! Actually you know what, this team terrifies me. If there has to
be a random pre-season team to make a run, this is the early season candidate.
Falcons Over-React: Losing
Steven Jackson isn’t a big deal! Usually I’d agree with this, but they might
really need a running game this week. If the plan is to let Matt Ryan drop back
and throw a lot this week, and give Cameron Wake more opportunities attack
Matty Ice, that might end badly.
So Why the Dolphins? Cause they’re good. I said it last week
that their D might be the best kept secret, and I’m sticking by it until its
main-stream. Then I’ll be hipster about it and not bring it up ever again. And
this isn’t a good spot for the Falcons, an out of conference game on the road
when they return next week and get to play the New England Patriots.
49ERS (-9.5) over Colts
49ers Over-React: It’s
just 1 game! Hmmmmmm..... It might be just one game, but now the path to the
Super Bowl is in Seattle’s court (yes offence to the other 2-0 teams in the
NFC)
Colts Over-React: Trent
Richardson is the missing piece! He’s really not. Sorry to break it to you. It’s
a nice piece, but don’t expect to suddenly solve how to keep Andrew Luck
upright, or how to slow down teams defensively.
So why the 49ers? They’re mad. They’re angry. They just got
humiliated on national TV. So what better way to restore some pride than to
take on a creampuff road team that made the playoffs last year, who is starting
a new RB that has some glossy shine to him. The Colts are already a finesse
team and they’re about to walk into the road graders that are the 49ers. If you
aren’t a football fan but you like going to the zoo.... imagine a swan (The
Colts) getting tossed into a piranha tank (The 49ers).
Jaguars (+19.5) over SEAHAWKS
Jaguars Over-React: Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!
WAKE UP! Actually – don’t.... I don’t care, I’ll see you guys next year.
Seahawks Over-React: We
can’t be stopped with a defense like this! Keeping the feet grounded is the
name of the game now. Thankfully we have a QB that is practically a robot when
it comes to media interviews and accountability with a player. Don’t believe
me? Not like there’s a youtube video actually called “Is Russell Wilson is a robot?”
So Why the Jaguars? It’s a let-down game for the Seahawks.
They got the big W against San Fran, they go on the road against another
playoff team in Houston next week. They just have to get up enough to chalk up
a W and get out. And remember last week when Pete Carroll unnecessarily challenged
that fumble late in the game against Jim Harbaugh. That was partially done
because it was AGAINST Jim Harbaugh. This week, former defensive co-ordinator
and new Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley comes to town. Carroll isn’t going to
run up the score against the guy that helped build the Seahawks D.
JETS (-2.5) over Bills
Jets Over-React:
Genoooooooooo!!! Rookie QB’s make mistakes, and he made a few last week.
Thankfully he’s gotten 10 days to get over it.
Bills Over-React: EJJJJJJJJ!!!!!!!!!!!!
That was a nice comeback, except there were some flaws in it....
So Why the Jets? Beacuse if you give Rex Ryan 10 days to
scheme against anyone I feel like it’ll be a dominant game-plan. Because EJ
Manuel never should have been given the ball to win the game last week because
Ron Rivera should have gone for it on 4th down. Because EJ Manuel
wouldn’t have had an opportunity to throw the game-winning TD if a PI on the
opposite side of the field wasn’t called on a play he threw a pick on. I do
like EJ (more than Geno), but last week was a bit of a mirage and I don’t like
him having to go up against Rex Ryan while on the road.
Bears (-2.5) over STEELERS
Bears Over-React: Trestman
is a genius! Hey you know what, he might be. Smokin’ Jay Cutler is being kept
upright and it’s showing progress.
Steelers Over-React: We’re
the Steelers – we’re an institution and we’ll be fine! I don’t know if they
will be. Down the road, sure I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt. But for
this season? This looks flawed. The O-Line is just getting beat. Not even
schematically. Just beat physically. It’s not looking good.
So Why the Bears? The Steelers look poor. Simple as that.
BRONCOS (-15) over Raiders
Broncos Over-React: Our
offense is unstoppable and we’ll dominate like the ‘07 Patriots! Let’s just
wait till Peyton finds himself in some cold-weather games.
Raiders Over-React: Terrelle
Pryor is here to stay! I’m not so sure that he is. Let’s wait till he faces
some actual competition and not the Jacksonville Jaguars. Right on cue – Peyton
Manning and the Denver Broncos!
So Why the Broncos? If this wasn’t a Monday Night divisional
game, I’d go with the Raiders. But I think Peyton is on a mission to just embarrass
teams after his team got embarrassed to end last season.
This Week: 1-0
Last Week: 7-9
This Season: 12-20-1
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