Week 1 is in the books. It was a great opening weekend for the NFL filled with excitement and great play from many surprising players. Here are Week 1's quick hits:
- The best teams in their respective conferences are the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens. Each of these teams looked convincing in their week 1 wins and shown that they will likely be there at the end of this long season. What is interesting to watch is that both teams have good quarterbacks, but rely on an "old school" mentality of power football and tough, hard nosed defense. In this age of QB's and only teams with elite play at that position getting recognition, the Niners and Ravens are establishing their dominance with smash mouth football.
- RG3 had a better showing in his first week than any other rookie QB. The Washington Redskins are also the best team among the rookie QB teams. RG3, however, was convincing as a top flight player at the position. He looked poised throughout the entire game in a very tough environment down in New Orleans. What I enjoy about RG3 is his dedication to becoming a passing QB. He is without a doubt unbelievably talented and gifted as an athlete. What will amplify those talents is his accurate, strong arm. He is clearly moving that direction and will be an elite QB throughout his career.
- Preseason means NOTHING!! Here are a few examples:
- The NY Jets scored zero touchdowns and looked really inept most of the time on offense. Week 1 brought about 5 offensive touchdowns and a very impressive performance from Mark Sanchez and his entire unit.
- Seattle was very impressive going undefeated and gaining a big bandwagon following heading into the season. Week 1 brought a loss at Arizona, who many panned as the worst team in the NFL outside of Indianapolis.
- Philadelphia was picked by everyone to win the NFC East and looked convincing through the preseason with a 4-0 record. Week 1 brought a lucky victory against a basement dwelling team in Cleveland, leaving the Eagles with more questions than answers.
- The Denver Broncos are a team to be reckoned with. Pittsburgh may not be what they have been on defense in the past few years, but they always bring a toughness to games that challenges the best of offenses. Peyton Manning not only withstood the Steelers onslaught, but had a couple drives that were extremely impressive and reminiscent of Manning a few years ago. This was, once again, only Week 1 and many things can change. The one thing that always changes with Manning over the course of the season is he gets better. His timing and efficiency will get better assuming he stays on the field. This will ensure a division win for the Broncos and a possible deep playoff run if the defense stays healthy and productive as well.
- Adrian Peterson is a freak. The man ran for 84 yards on 17 carries and scored 2 touchdowns. 8 months ago he tore his ACL and MCL. On Sunday he made everyone forget about that with an electrifying performance. AP really is "All Day" and maintains his status as the best RB in the NFL. There is always the concern he came back early and could risk exhausting the knee before the season ends, but at this point he is a freak and let's enjoy watching him power his way through defenses each week. Good luck this week Indy.
Week 2 starts tomorrow night with a big divisional game between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. It is an early must win for the Packers against a team that looked good last week.
Bears +6 at Packers
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