Hot starts for N.Y. teams, the Pack stumbles, quick hits and more. Matt Bowen
Every Monday throughout the season, the National Football Post’s Matt Bowen will offer his thoughts on Sunday’s action in the NFL.
Rex Ryan’s pressure scheme
APSanchez continues to impress.
We all understand that the Jets’ rookie QB, Mark Sanchez, looked poised and mature in the pocket for the second week in a row, but what I’m going to take away from this game is the way Jets head coach Rex Ryan challenged the Patriots — and his own players — in New York’s 16-9 win over the Patriots.
In the past, teams have been hesitant about pressuring a Tom Brady offense, not only because of Brady’s ability to get the ball out of his hands quickly, but because of the matchup issues it caused by playing man coverage with little help in the back end. However, that’s exactly what the Jets defense did, and not only did they get to Brady, but they challenged receivers all game long — and that’s the sign of a team playing with a confident coach and confident players. Give the Jets and their defense some credit because they outplayed Brady and they outplayed every one of the Patriots’ offensive playmakers in this game — and that’s why they were the better football team Sunday.
Eli is the difference in Sunday night tilt
APEli stepped up big when the Giants needed him to.
It’s time to buy into some of the Eli Manning hype after Sunday night because the difference in the Giants’ win over the Cowboys in the closing seconds was the play of Manning. The Giants’ game plan was designed to take advantage of the Dallas secondary — their safeties in particular — and challenge the ‘Boys’ corners with down-the-field plays in the vertical passing game. Manning completed 25 passes for 330 yards and three touchdowns — with no interceptions. Add in his poise in the two-minute drill to win the game, and it isn't hard to notice the high level that Manning is playing at right now.
On the other side, the Cowboys will win games this season by running the football. They piled up 251 yards against a very talented Giants defense, but QB Tony Romo’s play killed them. How many times is he going to end drives with poor decisions in the passing game? Dallas won the battle up front on both sides of the ball, but you can’t win when your quarterback plays as poorly as Romo did.
The Packers take a step back
That Green Bay team that lost at home to the Bengals was eerily similar to the Packers of 2008. They couldn’t match up with the speed of the Cincy edge rush at the offensive tackle position, and on defense, they were outplayed up front. Sure, we can call this an upset, but if you hadn’t seen the Packers attack on defense like they did last week in their win over Chicago, you wouldn’t think much of this team right now — because they were physically beaten on both sides of the ball. The question now — the big question — is whether the Packers have the personnel to correct their weaknesses along the offensive line, and whether they can make the adjustment to stop the run moving forward on defense after Bengals RB Cedric Benson carved them up. In my opinion, the defense will rebound under Dom Capers, but I’m not so sure about the O-Line.
Matt Ryan leads the Falcons
Don’t disregard the developmental jump that Matt Ryan has made in his second year as a pro, and in saying that, don’t disregard the bonus that TE Tony Gonzalez gives to the Atlanta offense. Ryan was solid again, throwing the ball efficiently and finishing the day 21 of 27 for 220 yards and 3 TDs, while Gonzalez caught seven passes for 71 yards and a score. I’m warming up to this Atlanta team, and if their young defense can make plays in crucial situations — like they did yesterday — they’ll win football games.
Cutler Shows Up
APCutler brought the city of Chicago back from the brink.
I thought Jay Cutler’s fourth-quarter performance in the Bears’ win over the Steelers at home was telling — because this is why GM Jerry Angelo pulled off the deal to bring in the former Bronco during the offseason. Cutler made the plays that former Bears starter Kyle Orton could not in offensive coordinator Ron Turner’s system — none bigger than the slant route he threw to rookie WR Johnny Knox on a hot read versus a strong-side overload blitz from the Steelers. I’ll be the first to admit the Steelers outplayed the Bears for the majority of this game, but Cutler made enough plays in the fourth quarter for Chicago to come from behind and win. And that’s what you want in your quarterback — wins. A good way to bounce back against the defending champs.
The Ravens’ Red Zone D
You might look at the box score this morning, see that Chargers QB Philip Rivers threw for 436 yards and start to question the Ravens’ defense. But look a little deeper inside that box score because as much as the Ravens gave up in terms of passing yards, they kept San Diego out of the end zone four times — and that’s the stat that really matters when we’re talking wins and losses. Four times the Chargers had the ball in the red zone, but instead of scoring touchdowns, had to settle for field goals, and that’s a major stat that is often overlooked. I don’t think this Ravens defense is playing its best football by any means, but — just like Ray Lewis in the fourth quarter — it’s making plays in crucial situations of the football game. Add QB Joe Flacco to the mix, and that’s why they’re sitting at 2-0.
Brees impresses again
APBrees continues to light up the skies.
Last week, we attributed some of Drew Brees’ success to the fact he was throwing touchdown passes against a below-average Detroit Lions secondary. But when you go on the road and carve up an Eagles secondary that has the talent and ability to match up with the Saints playmakers, you’re playing some good football, my friends. Long day today in the Eagles’ defensive backs meeting room, and the realization from the rest of the league that no one is throwing the ball better right now than Brees. This offense can play.
Niners physical — again
Time to wake up to the fact that Mike Singletary's team in San Francisco might not have the overall talent compared with some other teams in the league right now — especially at the outside skill positions — but that shouldn’t hide the fact that this team is going to attack you physically every Sunday. And as long as Frank Gore can run downhill with the football (207 yards) and the defense can continue to attack quarterbacks, the Niners will compete with anybody. Now, let’s see how far they can take it.
Shootout in Nashville
If there’s a player who’s faster in pads than Titans RB Chris Johnson, I want to see him — because this guy can flat-out fly with the football in his hands. But where was the Tennessee defense we saw on opening night in Pittsburgh? I didn’t think the Texans could match up with Tennessee in their style of football, but when a game turns into a shootout, they can play with anybody because of their offensive weapons. Not something that can carry them for an entire season because to make a run, they’ll have to play defense to survive the AFC South. However, what’s more surprising coming out of this game is the fact the Titans are 0-2. Not good.
Hey, Lombardi, this bet is just getting started.
More of the same for Minnesota
Just as we talked about last week with the Vikings’ win on the road in Cleveland, this team will always rely on the running of Adrian Peterson and their ability to stop the run with their seven-man front — which is what they’ve done to start 2-0. But don’t overlook Brett Favre’s two outings — which were both on the road — because he’s doing what he has to do for this offense to be successful. He’s a completely different quarterback when he doesn’t have to win a game with his arm. The question is, how long will that last?
Quick Hitters
*The good news about the Raiders is that they found a way to win a ballgame in the fourth quarter. The bad news is that they won’t win many with the lack of production from QB JaMarcus Russell (7 of 24, 109 yards). He’s bad right now.
APWarner was lethal on Sunday.
*When Arizona uses a game plan that provides balance in the run-pass game, they can play with anyone. And when Kurt Warner is on like he was yesterday (24-26, 243 yards, 2 TDs), he’s fun to watch.
*Don’t look now, but the Denver Broncos (2-0) are in first place in the AFC West. Give credit to Josh McDaniels and his team, because that win over Cincinnati looks pretty good right now.
*Eric Mangini and the Browns have so many issues that I don’t know how they’re going to win games. They can’t score points, and they don’t make plays on defense.
*The ‘Skins survived at home against a bad Rams football team, but if they don’t improve on their red zone offense or find a way to generate big plays in the passing game, I don’t see them competing in the NFC East.
*Tampa won’t win many games when QB Byron Leftwich finishes the game with 50 passing attempts. That was too easy for Buffalo.
Follow me on Twitter: MattBowen41
The real issue here is the running game in Green Bay... Rodgers shouldn't have to get blasted all game, but when the defensive line knows that Grant can't produce, they are going to key the pass all day.
Patriots fans, are you there?
Going to be a great day of excuses from Pats fans. LOVE IT.
J-E-T-S!!!!!
I still like the Packers. It's just one loss. Rodgers is a quality QB and the defense has plenty of talent. The OL was exposed but the rest of the team is good enough to go a long way in the post-season.
The funniest thing I saw last night was a Jets fan crying at half-time that he'd thought this would finally be their chance to beat my Patriots, yet they were still losing 9-3 despite everything lining up right for them.
He had a smile on his face by the end.
the way the Skins looked yesterday - I wouldn't be surprised if the Lions don't get their first win this weekend.
BEAR. How about that D without Urlacher?
the jets won the superbowl it would seem
Pack just looked soft in all phases of the game yesterday.
About time that this website starts to recognize the Dirty Birds down in the ATL. Matty Ice is the REAL DEAL people, and with Gonzo in the lineup we will win the NFC South.
We match up with the G Men better than any team in the NFC.
Still not buying Minny. Let's see Favre throw for 130 and beat the Bears and Green Bay. Just wait until he does have to win a game with his arm.
"*Eric Mangini and the Browns have so many issues that I don’t know how they’re going to win games. They can’t score points, and they don’t make plays on defense." Plus they have Eric Mangini :)
Jets played well and won. We'll see what the long haul brings.
Rex Ryan is fun and good for the league but I continue to think his approach will backfire in the long haul.
the Pack is completely overmatched. They took a huge step back even compared to last season. Let's face it, and no offense, but the Bengals are average at best. to be beaten up so badly, especially on OL, let's you wonder what real good defenses will do to Rodgers. My prediction is, he will watch from the sidelines with a serious injury after the first quarter in week 4 at the Vikings. the one thing that this 3-4 was supposed to be especially good was against the run. Well, here we go, an average runner like Benson carved them up pretty good. and it was not that he was untouched. He constantly made 3-4 yards after the first contact. 4-12 at best for the Pack. With that OL, you can't win against NFL teams. Heck, you can't even win against the better college teams. I am not a Ted Thompson hater, but he has failed miserably when it comes to field a competitive OL, not only this season but already before. My biggest gripe is play-calling, though. alright, so you know your OL can't hold up, and there is no running game to speak of. So instead of playing the dink and dunk in the west coast offense that you are supposedly running, every other shot is a 30 yard downfield bomb? Come on. And then I hear the talking heads before the season how great McCarthy is. This season offense is all his. Capers D looks alright. The O is horrible. The guy has one winning season as a HC. Unfortunately, that will buy him another 3-4 years as HC. I never dreamt I would say that, but I'd rather have Sherman back. He sucked as GM, but at least his teams played well when he was HC.
the jets deserved to win yesterday's game - out-played and out-coached New England. Congratulations on winning your super bowl....ha ha.
Where did all the Pats fans go?
matt, how much longer do you think we'll have to put up with thompson and mccarthy in gb? i'm out of patience with both of them and their constant excuses. we need a gm who will at least look at free agents to fill holes. do you think we would have any chance at landing bill cowher? i've been a packer fan since the lombardi era and i'm getting too old to wait for those two clowns.
Very disappointing performance by the Packers yesterday, to say the least. Way too many penalties, dropped passes and missed tackles. That team was not ready to play, and McCarthy has to be held accountable for that. It's not time to panic yet, but I am very concerned about the offensive line. Rodgers isn't going to last the season if they don't get it figured out, and now it sounds like Clifton will miss at least the next couple games, which means it will be Daryn Colledge facing speed rushers in Leonard Little and Jared Allen indoors the next two games. That makes me more than a little nervous...
Matt - the Pack will be okay if McCarthy can find a way to get out of his "Teacher" mode and back into his "Coach" mode. He's a great teacher but unfortunately, like most teachers, when he see's you do something poorly, he has a tendency to make you keep doing it until you get it right (ie fail repeatedly). Rodgers needs to grab the situation by the pants and make better use of movement and audibles.
Bears and Jets looked good yesterday - Sanchez is confirming the first impression I had of his being drafted - irregardless of his talent or preparedness, he's a good fit for that team. Liking what the Niners are doing as well.
Bottom line is it's a long season and the only thing more certain than things changing in this league is Nick Barnett talking far more smack than his game can back up. Now he's whining about rotating, he's lucky they even let him play the way he is right now.
It is sure a nice view from the top of the NFC North... Man, rough day at Lambeau, huh?
Men of Troy, I'm still here. What did you want to know?
This just what I love about Patriots fans, coaching staff, players..etc. You guys are sore winners and losers. No New Englander complained when in 07, Brady threw for 50tds, or how Belicheat (camera guy) ran the score up on people just for the fun of it. Even his handshakes are flaky. Then you listen to Boston sports radio and its like someone got executed or lynched. You guys sound very salty up there;-) LOL. Someone did get executed and that was Giselle's hubby. Its a changing of the guard fellas. We finally got our coach, QB, and our identity. Eventually you'll learn to love it. Its just the beginning of the end of you cheaters. Yeah yeah..... I know you have more championships and yeah yeah... you have a hall of fame cheating coach, and how many times you actually beat us. But belief is essential and when you have something to believe in you'll die to uphold and protect it.
@ the end of the day, Belicheat got a little to far ahead of himself. "Betcha that Seymour trade doesnt look so smart now huh. How can you get rid of half of your defense and expect to still stay competitve. Oh yeah, that marks the 4th straight game that REVIS shutdown Moss... Wow, I wish Welker played last night.
hey Packer fans - take it from a Browns fan, it could be a LOT worse.
Look at it this way, your team is only going to lose to the Bengals once this season.
This Browns team looks like they are going to make a run for the #1 pick in the draft. And with the geniuses in charge in Cleveland, they'll probably take Michael Crabtree.
Looks like I'll be spending a lot more time with the kids on Sundays this feel, as the Browns are thoroughly unwatchable.
And this feeling of dread and doom only 2 games into Mangini's 4 year reign.
Sorry Jets fans but there are no less Patriots fans today than yesterday morning. Disappointed? Jets deserved to win their Super Bowl and they were the better team in every aspect.
That being said it's kind of hard to motivate players for a 16 week season when they've already accomplished their goal for the season. Cheap motivational gimmicks like Ryan's will grow old quickly. It's better to be hot and motivated at the end of a season than at the beginning. History's filled with 6-0 teams who missed the playoffs.
Wow, look at all the Jets fans pounding their chests today! Usually y'all let Yahoo Dave do all the talking for you! The fact that yesterday's game was the biggest win in your history since Willie Joe's prediction game is all you need to know about the sorry history of the Jets franchise. Did you guys all call in sick today to attend the parade? One big win and you all come out of hiding...LOL I'm afraid to break it to you, but titles aren't won in September, you played very well yesterday and you deserved to win, but in reality, all you did is hold serve.....
I wonder how much longer Zorn has until the Danny desides to scrap the Zorn project and start all over...yet again. Zorn just looks completely lost out there at times.
Yeah, I feel bad for Browns fans, Frank. That team has loyal, diehard fans who deserve better. Reminds me of growing up a Packers fan in the 80s when they sucked every year and it seemed like there was no light at the end of the tunnel. I can't imagine that Browns fans were all that excited about the hire of Mangini; that guy wore out his welcome with his players in his 2nd year in NY, and I've heard that some players were already complaining about his practices in Cleveland. The Browns already tried the Billichick assistant tree once before with Romeo Crennel and it didn't work, and they should have looked somewhere else.
Finally, I think you guys need to let Brady Quinn take his lumps this year and see if he's the guy, and hopefully provide him with some more weapons in the coming years. That team needs to add a lot more talent, and I don't see them being competitive anytime soon, unfortunately.
I just have to laugh at the Jets fans who want to see Pats fans cry in their cheerios. The Pats lost a football game to a division rival. It stings, but its not like we're going to cry about it. It happens to someone every week in the NFL, and it even happens to the Pats every once in a while.
The Jets played better on Sunday. The Pats didn't execute. The Jets won. Time to move on to next week, the Falcons are coming into Gillette, and the team needs to get busy improving or they'll be in for a long painful afternoon.
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Sep 21, 2009
08:09 AM
The Packers suck SO BAD!