I can't apologize enough for the infrequency of our posts lately. Some of us have started new jobs. Some of us have been away to wrap up the summer. All of us have spent several nights that might otherwise be devoted to blogging drafting fantasy football juggernauts. The weeks before and after Labor Day always seem to be extremely busy. Nevertheless, the first Sunday of the NFL season is upon us and I couldn't be happier. The 2 hours and 46 minutes between now and the start of Sunday NFL Countdown seem like an eternity. Here are some of the thoughts swirling around in my head as I wait...
First, on the Giants game Thursday night:
- Although the news of Osi Umenyiora's season ending injury was disastrous for Big Blue, I believe that some good will come out of it. Mathias Kiwanuka looked more comfortable in his first game back to defensive end than he ever looked at linebacker. I've said from the start that although I respect the rationale behind the G-Men moving Kiwanuka to linebacker in order to maximize the athleticism on the field, I didn't think he'd ever reach his potential there. You have to be a great athlete to play linebacker, no question. But, it also requires so many quick reads and instincts that are developed over many years of playing the position. Kiwanuka didn't have that. I expect him to have a great year on the defensive line, and I see a future rotation that includes him along with Osi, Tuck, and possibly Jerome McDougle (who I was happy to get because I really wanted the Giants to draft him in 2003).
- As I expected, and as I've been saying since February, the Giants' secondary is much better than people think. Granted, this test wasn't anywhere near the test they will face against Dallas, but I have a great deal of confidence in this group. Aaron Ross, Corey Webster, and Kenny Phillips are all immensely talented (we'll probably never know exactly what was going on with Webster at the start of last season, but he's back). They have veteran leaders in the secondary, and they also have a lot of depth (I really like the way Michael Johnson has developed since being drafted). The Giants begin and end with defense. They are more thin than I'd like. But what I saw on Thursday night is that this is still a very formidable unit.
- Everybody knows that Plaxico Burress and Eli Manning were more in sync last season after having spent the off-season working together. But, I don't think people realized how much Plax's injuries prevented us from seeing what a dominant combination those two can be. As we saw on Thursday, a healthy Plax is virtually impossible to stop. Especially with Jeremy Shockey gone for good, look for Eli to look Burress' way even more in 08.
- If you watched the game, you were most likely struck at how good Brandon Jacobs is. I don't blame you. I watch him every single week, and every single week he surprises me. The guy is more than just a big back. He's more elusive than you'd ever imagine a 265 pounder could be. On top of that, he bulldozes people like I've never seen in the NFL. I've seen guys get hit hard when they weren't expecting it. But, I can't EVER remember seeing a guy in the NFL who was squared up and ready to make a play get their feelings hurt as badly as LaRon Landry did. And, keep in mind that we're talking about one of the best young safeties in the league. With Rodney Harrison and Charles Woodson already in the books, Landry is just another notch in Jacobs' belt.
- I went to sleep frustrated on Thursday night. I was extremely unsatisfied with the way that the game had ended up. However, I feel much better now. The Giants showed me everything I needed to know. They completely dominated the line of scrimmage all night (the Giants offensive line dominated Washington, a playoff team from last year, all night. It was like seeing a college powerhouse blowing a I-AA team off the ball every play). The secondary play was solid. I was frustrated because the G-Men couldn't put more points on the board. But, if they had been able to commit less foolish penalties, this one would have been a blowout. Considering the losses they have suffered personnel-wise, the Super Bowl hangover that must be considered, and the fact that this was opening week, it was a very encouraging performance. What makes me feel even better is that this is a young talented team, and many of these guys are going to be in blue for a long time.
- What exactly are the Redskins going to do with Jim Zorn? I understand that Jason Campbell has had 7 systems in the last 8 years, and the best thing Washington can do is provide him with stability. But, it was a disgrace to see an NFC East team looking as poorly prepared as the Redskins did on Thursday. They had no hurry-up offense. Literally. They were given somewhat of a pass by Madden because it was week 1, but this is the NFL! You have to be ready to go hurry-up in week 1. The Redskins had a legitimate chance to win the game in the fourth quarter, but they just weren't ready. There's no excuse for that. Regardless of how the Skins end up, the Redskins already have the go-ahead to fire Zorn. All they have to do is point to how ill-prepared the team was on opening night.
- I've heard rumors (from Redskins fans) that Bill Cowher is in line to take over Zorn's job next season. I don't buy it. Why in the world would Cowher come and work for Dan Schneider. When I think of the current Redskins regime I think of a team that doesn't build through the draft. I think of a team that pays too much for old wobbly free-agents. I think of a team that makes poor coaching decisions. Joe Gibbs' offense looks like something a high school team runs in 2008 (a trap? really?) and right now it looks like Jim Zorn has already cost them any shot they had of being 1-0. I think of a fanbase that is outraged. I think of the owner buying out local spors radio stations so that a less negative spin will be put on the way the team runs. Now, the Skins fanbase will be loyal to the end. And, whoever is able to bring a championship to this team will be glorified like few other figures in all of sports. But, would Cowher really come back to work for this organization? He's not Lane Kiffin who will work for Al Davis because he's desperate for a head coaching job. Bill Cowher doesn't need the headaches. He can have any of the openings next season if he wants them. There have to be better ones than this.
Other thoughts:
- I love Chad Javon Ocho Cinco. I've heard him criticized everywhere this week. People keep saying that he's become more of a show than a football player. Well, pro football is a show. It's all entertainment. Chad Ocho Cinco is an entertainer. And, as far as a financial move I think this is brilliant (think of the jersey sales). On top of that, let's remember that this is a guy who has always been a great player, and a guy who is going to play through the pain of a torn labrum all season. These media guys kill Chad no matter what he does, but he's the best thing that's happened to them in a long time.
- Week 9 might be the last game Shawne Merriman ever plays.
Here are my picks for today:
- Detroit over Atlanta: I'm sure that playing in the NFL has been Matt Ryan's lifelong dream. Hopefully he'll be able to keep that in mind over the next 17 weeks.
- Buffalo over Seattle: Seattle is banged up at receiver, and Marcus Stroud won't let Julius Jones get loose.
- Jets over Miami: Unless Chad Pennington has Miami ready for everything they will see. Even so, I like the Jets. It's not because of Favre, it's because of Faneca Ferguson and Mangold.
- New England over Kansas City: By 100 points.
- New Orleans over Tampa: Jeremy Shockey will pay huge dividends for an offense that was already dangerous.
- Philly over St. Louis: Philly will be good until McNabb or Westbrook go down.
- Pittsburgh over Houston: Houston will be good, but Pittsburgh is scary on both sides of the ball.
- Jacksonville over Tennessee: David Garrard threw 18 touchdowns and 3 interceptions last year. And, if Tennessee doesn't get turnovers, they won't win.
- Bengals over Ravens: I love these games, and this one if tough to call. But I can't ignore how much the QB matchup (Palmer VS. Flacco) favors Cincy.
- San Diego over Carolina: San Diego was my pick to win it all before Merriman's injury. They still are, and I say that even as I factor in the fact that I don't see Merriman making it through the year. FOUR DOCTORS have told him that he needs reconstructive knee surgery.
- San Francisco over Arizona: I think the Niners are better than you think but they still suck, if that makes sense.
- Dallas over Cleveland: Rumor has it Jessica Simpson is pregnant, which could be great news for the Giants. Nevertheless, Derek Anderson sucked over the second half of last season (remember, they started white hot and then didn't make the playoffs). Look for a two touchdown difference at least in this one.
- Indy over Chicago: Peyton Manning vs. Kyle Orton
- Green Bay over Minnesota: By far the toughest game to call. But, I'm going with Green Bay because I don't think Tavaris Jackson can throw on them and I like Green Bay's defense. I won't crown the Vikes in the NFC North until they prove it.
- Raiders over Broncos: Oakland now has a decent offense to go with a strong defense. Zach Miller catches a lot of balls.
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