Welcome to the 2nd episode of sportscenter!
We had so much action during week 2 so lets start!
Falcons 10 vs Jaguars 24
The Jaguars and the Falcons reached this match with a 0-1 record and with the win as a must, in a low score game where defenses prevailed the Jaguars escaped with a victory 24-10 after shutting down Falcons offense to 0 during 2nd half, scoring 10 points only at 2nd quarter, is this the end of the scramblers hype? Last week Vick had insane rushing stats, and this week he ended with negative yardage in 1 attempt, our reporters investigated and according our sources the results of original week 1 game had a closer aspect to this week, so maybe the 70 rushing yards were just an oasis in the desert, Vick and GM Fanger probably want to bring back the magic for week 3 as they’ll need to bounce back. Positives for Falcons are the emerging presence of young juggernaut HB TJ Duckett. Talking about runningbacks, Jaguars dominated on this game, having 3 total TD and more than 200 yards in a balanced halfback including start Taylor and backup Elvis. Mark Brunell have underperformed but is a veteran and can shine in any moment, meanwhile Jags identity seems to be rush the ball and defense, usually those 2 lead to championships so lets see.
Bills 31 vs Steelers 24
A win is a win is what Bills fans saying, that after had to work hard for beat a supposedly under construction team as the Steelers. With a 31-24 score in a game was decided in last play redzone interception by wonder boy Hamdan, was so close to score his 4th TD of the day and instead threw an Interception that sealed the game. Talking about the rookie QB, he displayed an exceptional talent and so far is justifying his draft spot and what Steelers paid for him, he has ton of pressure for both of those aspects, at least from the media. On the score, the Bills walk away with the Win and Steelers takes the lose, on the Morale aspect all the opposite, Bills enter week 3 critical matchup for the division vs Pats with more doubts than ever after looking vulnerable in many moments vs teams as Broncos and Steelers, on the opposite Pittsburgh goes 1-1 knowing have been competitive at both games. For Bills, Ricky Williams had an outstanding performance, there’s a reason why GM Collins traded for him, and it’s showing now, the team hopes for beat Pats move around him.
Bengals 16 vs Browns 27
Another rookie QB saw action on the Bengals vs Browns game, Palmer falls to 0-2 record and have not performed as the best QB of the class, while Browns got their first win with healthy QB Tim Couch back on the controls. The game was a defensive battle for most of it, till at 4th quarter both of the offenses scored multiple points. Stats wise is hard to find a player raised the hand for Bengals, collectively handle opponent and kept game competitive for moments but not individual performance for them that worth to highlight, Palmer does need to improve, his rookie numbers are not bad compared vs rest of league, are bad compared vs other rookies. #1 pick has to react. Stats wise the most notable players for Browns was LE Kang with 3 sacks, aside that collective effort win, the Browns are flying under the radar but if they manage to beat Ravens, can win division title. Week 3 vs Raiders and Week 4 vs Ravens are crucial for their playoffs hopes.
Packers 31 vs Giants 0
As expected the SB favorites Green Bay Packers had no mercy and won 31-0 consuming the first shutout in league history, so far the team is working as a swiss clock, with all the players doing their job, can’t do ask more to a defense allowed 0 points, and forced 3 turnovers, 2 interceptions coming from FA grab Shawn Spings, showing that money in some cases can buy happiness, Brett Favre took away the rust and is back on his prime throwing for 3 TD while last week star HB Ahmad Green kept the good season start and added another TD. For the Giants, is a burn the tape kind of game, kind of the process to develop a QB, Romo had an awful game, left some plays and backup did the same, vs Cowboys weak secondary Romo was able to throw 2 TD and 2 INT, this week he couldn’t score and threw 2 INT, the sack stat line is something to worry about have been sacked 10 times in 2 games, 6 of those sacks coming from DT. If that trend continue Romo will end up at IR. Tiki Barber remains as the most notable player on the team and wouldn’t surprise me if ends up being traded soon.
Texans 16 vs Panthers 23 alternative Texans 0 vs Panthers 34
Another “shutout” came on the Panthers vs Texans game, for the official records the score will be 34-0, and in some seasons when we comeback and check those results that what we will remember but for Sportscenter professional journalism we will do an analysis of the game we saw and had Panthers winning 23-16 in a competitive game was close till 4th quarter and had some % chances of being OT and why not 2nd tie for AC and Texans. As I can’t use stats for that game, I’ll do commentaries about teams, Texans are being more competitive than expected, haven’t won a game yet but they’re fighting and the chances of ending with 1.1 seems to decrease now comparing them to other teams having nightmare seasons, not the Panthers seems to found their franchise QB with Boller but tragically he went down with an injury and will lose minimun 10 games, affecting his progression curve, bad news for Carolina and their future. 2nd QB Texans injure and the bountygate rumors starting to gain traction.
Colts 23 vs Titans 20
Kudos to GM Bryan Mellon, he made this interesting game for division an instant classic and a must watch GOTW. All the pre-game taunting burning a Colts Jersey, and doing a video about injuring players, (league is investigating this video and he could be suspended for a year and fined with $500k) while Colts just didn’t engage on this and delivered on field. Colts have the best set of “Blue chips” on the league, but Titans started on this league with an stacked roster and a GM is very good managing teams, experts predicted a high score game with give and take scores and that didn’t happen, instead we had a close defensive game, that Colts managed to win with some scores and then resisted a 4th quarter titans comeback attempt. The star for Colts was LE Freeney with 2 sacks while Peyton Manning still has pre-season rust and not living the expectations. For Titans their rushing game was completely sealed and Corey Dillion could be benched soon, The Bus is awaiting for the opportunity, the Titans won’t be an explosive team, but they’ve gathered many veterans, started with some studs and will compete, both of this teams should be at playoffs. Lets see what surprises GM Mellon has for week 17, meanwhile Gary takes the first round
Saints 19 vs Buccaneers 40
The Buccs and GM Coyle took a massive win here, with Falcons lose, and Panthers not really contending, they have 2 games lead after 2 games, better impossible. Now they have to run and keep running away with the lead, divisional wins can be key and they just added 1 vs a complicated Saints team. Deuce McCallister had a complicated game after a phenomenal week 1 performance, but on this week was the turn for WR Osgood, the rookie is here and showing off why was one of the best picks on the draft value wise.Very good stats for multiple players as the rushing attack for buccs and johnson with more than 100 yards and a TD. The schedule for Saints was hard facing 2 win now teams as Colts and Buccs, so they might be the best or one of the best 0-2 teams. For the Buccs week 3 will bring a “playoffs” matchup vs St.Louis Rams, that will be a good test for the team
49ers 13 vs Rams 37
Talking about Rams, they took an important step beating what can be their only divisional rival (Seahawks could emerge too) The Rams are a team built for win now, and their windows is getting tight, talent around the league will increase and if they want a title better to do it soon. Have been playing lights out first 2 games so that’s a good sign, for the 49ers this was a test game and they failed it, the team depends a lot on Garcia having a good game and doesn’t have a lot of supporting cast, so whenever he has a bad game this will be the outcome. Nothing change for them, as their goal probably going to be wildcard and not division, so this outcome not as damaging as seems. Marshall Faulk had a carrer game with almost 200 yards and 2 TD, while Warner did what should in a precise, high QBR non spectacular game. The only 49ers TD came on a pick six, while Rams rookie MLB Grant becoming an immediate impact player, just what the team needed. Rams face another div leader next week while 49ers play the rising star of Pittsburgh
Cowboys 40 vs Dolphins 21
So many things to say about this game but the most relevant thing was an injury, a more detailed analysis of Cowboys coming up soon at Team News. The Cowboys surprising the world started season 2-0 something not even Dallas fans were expecting considering started league with the worst roster inherited by a failure ownership of Jerry Jones. Too early on the season but so far Cowboys rookie class have been the most impactful one, with rookies carrying the team, one of those rookies broke hearts going down with an injury will kept him 8 weeks off field, not other than QB Simms, his 2 starts, 2 wins, 515 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT, only 2 sacks and QBR of 114.7 are extraordinary for a rookie, even for a vet. Grossman on the other side had 1 big play connecting with rookie WR for 90 yards, a play that made Dolphins game worth it.Sneak Peek of Cowboys article, GM Apolo quote: “The smartest thing to do is losing games, ensure a top pick, easier contract goal, and focus at future, but Dallas didn’t hire me because my brain they hired me because my heart, the team wants to win, and I’ll die before left my team down. We want to be the Cinderella of the league, and we’ll try to be at playoffs race when Simms comebacks”
Vikings 40 vs Lions 30
A win for both teams, Vikings endure the week without their starting QB and Lions stay on the race for a top pick, this division is set to be one of the most competitive in the upcoming seasons, the Lions offense added 2 super stars via draft at Anquan Boldin and Antonio Gates, both of them with somehow slow starts, in big part cause the young QB Kyle Boller, that will likely be a bridge QB before draft the true franchise QB. The Vikings are a SB team, with what can be the most dangerous offense of league, have QB, OL, WR, HB, everything. OL Dominated, and even without Culpepper the backup QB threw for 4 TD, 3 of them to the most unusual receivers including an OL, leaving us with one of the weirdest score boxes football ever seen. Culpepper is healthy and ready for face a hurting team as Chiefs and the real challenge will come at week 4 in a matchup could decide the division, conference and bye week, Lions arrive week 3 on the roles of victims vs a powerful Eagles team, will they shock the league and win that game? Boldin and Gates have to show up for it to happen
Seahawks 31 - Cardinals 15
The Seahawks lost a close game vs Buccs at week one and now starting their win road vs a team under construction as Cardinals, divisional games are never easy so is a good win for a team have found their identity in running the ball, Shaun Alexander will be at MVP talks if he keeps this level, he has almost 300 yards in 2 games, probably just missing the TD for his case. The rookie appeared, EJ Henderson (a personal favorite rookie) doing what is expected of a player like him, he had 3 sacks on this game, and now has a total of 4 sacks, he’s undoubtedly on the talks for DROY. Seahawks are a team flying under radar and easily could be a playoffs team. Cardinals will have to endure more of this results during this season, and fans are wondering: why McCown and not Plummer, only GM Cook knows the answer, but it looks like throw the towel week 1 before try to compete, unless he seeing something else, McCown doesn’t seems as a franchise QB, and team might expecting a top pick for grab a good QB.
Chiefs 16 vs Bears 7
In the words of Mr Breck, the predicted game with the lowest score and just like that it happened, game with 2 teams that lost QB on week 1 with injury, different situations those, Chiefs were built for fight division with Green and Holmes, now they have their 2.1 rookie QB Byron Leftwich, at least they have a very solid prospect that will gain progression, the negative aspect is they paid their future 1st for acquire him, which could result in an overpayment. Yet considering what Steelers paid for Handam, is still not that bad. The Bears are struggling on the QB position and now lost their best player with injury at Urlacher, next week face another hurt and in reconstruction team as Dallas but Cowboys start as favorites. Not much to highlight on this game, except a really good debut as starter for Leftwich, at least QBR wise, only 12 pass attempts
Jets 24 vs Ravens 27
A hidden game of the week, with 2 teams that could be considered playoffs contenders, with similar talent on their roster, main difference between both is the division, Jets being in a harder one, they needed the win more, specially with 0-1 start, they were close only 3 points away but couldn’t recover from the 2nd quarter 17 points by Ravens, and the 4 interceptions from Pennington were the definitive aspect. One of the worst season starts for a QB so far, with 2 TD and 7 INT, I still consider the team has the talent for at least compete, they need to start winning soon those. Meanwhile Ravens without an spectacular QB are relying on their defense and run game, yet Blake is playing as a veteran and without mistakes. Baltimore start of 2-0 and their roster place them as favorites for win division. Will demps 2 interceptions were the key on this game
Raiders 25 vs Broncos 21
There’s rumors both GM Brandon and ChampaTampa placed some beers on the line for this game, with Raiders being clear favorites I can only imagine this is a deep strategy from Champa to get Brandon drunk and Raiders trading all his stars to Cowboys (Yeah, would be very suspicious if do it to Broncos, so I’ll take a bullet for my former PTI Coleague, yeah emphasis on former. and complete the big scheme), sorry Brandon that should be a lesson never to accept drinks from a rival, specially one has spreadsheets for a travel, that level or organization can’t be good for brain. Anyway back to the game, Broncos are not a fun team to watch this season they are on rebuild so will use my media power every week to bring back PTI. American Hero Pat Tillman had a career game, and the Raiders are raising their hand as contenders for win the West, with Chiefs our of the race, is between Chargers and them. It’s hard to tell how good or bad are based on opponent but they have enough talent. Jammal Reynolds was a massive add via trade, immediate productivity, had 3 sacks on this game.
Chargers 9 vs Patriots 25
2 main comments here, disappointed at chargers offense so far and Patriots confirm why they are my SB pick for AFC, yes even above Colts. Chargers offense just can’t work so far, this is a hard opponent, but last week had a “weak” opponent and was the same situation, a team with the talent of Chargers can not allow this kind of performances, they’re just 1 game behind Raiders for division, and it’s likely they win it (With Chiefs having Green, I doubt it) I still have confidence at Breck finding the answer and turning out his team, at playoffs Chargers can beat anybody. The pats giving me championship vibes and my gut tells me Rob is a GM will be at the top of historical wins by the end of the league. He starting with a very good roster, and on the few interactions have had with him (all good ones) he has deep knowledge of the game and a clear idea on how to manage his team. Im happy he joined the league. Back to the game, was a fg battle most of it, with defenses holding all could till pats went away and didn’t look back, 9 fg and 1 TD tells you the kind of game it was, McGahee got his first TD as a professional
Redskins 27 vs Eagles 33 OT
Imo the best game of the week, the Eagles lost at week 1 and had to win here, while Redskins are still building their team but started with a lot of talent, specially on key pieces as super star CB Champ Bailey (with a slow start, but should bounce back), added a stud TE at Witten which got his first TD of career breaking free after a missed tackle by Eagles defender. Surprisingly Eagles not leading division at this point but is the result of schedules, I don’t have doubts they’ll be there (unless have a QB injury), all the investments and heavy aggressive moves Gary made, specially at WR Room are paying up, with an offense being extremely vertical and productive. The game as said above was very fun to watch, and was decided at OT with a pick 6, what a way to end it. McNabb and Coles were the stars on this game, and they avoided Eagles to fall 0-2, it was close but Philly dodged the bullet.
Apolo Comments
*It’s been 2 weeks and 3 teams have lost their QB for long term, Chiefs (Green-Season), Panthers (Bollinger - 10 weeks), Cowboys (Simms - 8 weeks). Lets see how the trend continue, but hopefully the injuries stop, 1 team basically said bye to playoffs and 2 teams have their future QB in jeopardy. Following weeks will tell us more, but I think at this point almost all GM should be worry about it, those that have SB chances, 1 bad hit and it’s over, and those developing QB, maximize game time. Given how few backups QB league has, I wouldn’t be surprised to see teams benching their QB at some games, specially near the end of season
*2 weeks is a ridiculous amount of time to judge a team and their chances, but being season 1, with some notable differences at rosters, specially at QB, I think this have been enough for do solid predictions about what could happen. Specially for decide the playoffs spots, there will be a surprise for sure, but some teams looks as: no way they miss it, and others simply have to think at next season
*My SB prediction stays: Packers to beat Patriots
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