runstopper52's Blog
Posted Monday, September 26, 2011 01:04 PM
They are who we thought they were?
Buffalo Soldiers-Who would’ve thought that Tom Brady would match his interception total from last season, four, in one game, much less against the Bills? Neither did Bill Belichick. Any doubts about the Bills being for real can now be put to bed as Ryan Fitzpatrick is no slouch nor is that offense. Fred Jackson gives the Bills a balanced attack as Jackson is one of the few workhorse backs left in the league. Stevie Johnson and David Nelson give Fitzpatrick reliable deep threats as Buffalo has scored 41, 38, and 34 points this season. Not all four interceptions were Brady’s fault, but when your offense is one-dimensional and you attempt 45 passes, odds are a few will take an unfavorable bounce. It would probably help if Chad Ochocinco didn’t drop a 41-yard-touchdown pass here and there.
Lions’ Roar Getting Louder-So the Minnesota Vikings for a third-consecutive week were up big at halftime, this time 20-0. But as the script goes, they crumbled, and Detroit was the latest to benefit from Minnesota’s overall incompetence. Credit them for being consistent though. For the first time this season, Matthew Stafford was backed up against the wall, but he led the Lions to a 23-20 overtime victory and their first 3-0 start since 1980. Don’t talk about playoffs? Shush up Jim Mora, this team looks for real.
Packers Look Scary-The 3-0 team people e... [More]
Posted Tuesday, September 20, 2011 10:33 PM
The top two scoring teams in the NFL after two weeks: Buffalo and Detroit.
Say What?
Lions, Bills, & 4 Wins, Oh My-Granted, two of them are against the injury-ravaged Chiefs, but Detroit and Buffalo are looking to cement themselves as legitimate playoff contenders. It comes as no surprise that quarterback play has sparked the good starts as Matthew Stafford has shown us why the Lions hitched their wagon to him while Ryan Fitzpatrick has instilled life into a once lifeless Bills offense. Detroit has to feel good considering the rest of the NFC. The NFC West as previously concluded is a race to 8 wins, and the Cowboys and Giants have both caught the plague as players continue to drop like Obama’s approval rating. I don’t think they’re ready to take down the Packers, but the path to a Wild Card spot looks to be within reach. The Bills are in a much deeper AFC, including the Jets and Patriots as division opponents, but look like they will be playing meaningful football come December.
Vick’s Return to Old Nest Sour-The Eagles looked like they had taken control of the game late in the third quarter with a 31-21 lead. Vick had been effective, but had also taken a beating throughout the game as the Falcons defense constantly got to the former Atlanta quarterback. The hits piled up, and Vick was eventually forced to leave the game with a concussion. However, nobody thought it would be his ow... [More]
Posted Monday, September 12, 2011 12:53 PM
I sure do miss that lockout talk.
Thoughts
Packers On Cue-If you had any doubts about the Packers contending this season, those should now be gone. Aaron Rodgers looked sharp as did the rest of the Packer offense, putting up 42 points on the scoreboard and almost 400 total yards. They allowed nearly 500 yards to the Saints, but let’s not forget about the fireworks Drew Brees and Co. regularly put up as well. The Packers were able to slow New Orleans down on several occasions, including a goal-line stand to end the game.
Ravens Pummel Steelers-Games between these two tend to be hard-fought, down-to-the-wire, and low-scoring.
Sunday’s was none of the above.
In what may be his coming-out party, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco torched a tough Steeler defense for 224 yards and 3 touchdowns. The stats may not be too eye-popping, but you saw Flacco dissect a Pittsburgh unit with ease, threading one pass after another. Combine that with Ray Rice cruising to 107 yards rushing and an elite defense, folks we may have a runaway in the AFC North.
Falcons Get Clipped-All this offseason hype about a revamped offense, I was among many who jumped on the Falcons bandwagon. The acquisition of Julio Jones was the last piece of the puzzle for Matt Ryan. The offense would become an aerial assault and fade away from the run-heavy approach.
Maybe next week?
Ryan l... [More]
Posted Thursday, September 08, 2011 12:45 AM
The lockout is old news and the Saints and Packers square off Thursday. The only thing missing from this anticipation of the NFL season is Brett Favre overkill…for now.
Packers Set To Defend Title-The Green Bay Packers begin their title defense against New Orleans with the dreaded Super Bowl hangover tossed around. Unlike the many winners before them, Green Bay looks equipped to dominate for the immediate future and make a run at a dynasty. Aaron Rodgers has made all Cheeseheads forget bout his predecessor/alleged sextor, letting his play speak for itself. With a loaded receiving core, a healthy Ryan Grant in the backfield, and a defense which remains intact, look for more of the same from the Packers.
Eagles Do Their Best Heat Impression-There was no championship-esque celebration in the offseason or guarantees of 5, 6, 7 titles, but the Philadelphia Eagles were reeling in big names much like the Miami Heat. Nnamdi Asomugha, Domingue Rodgers-Cromartie, and Asante Samuel give the Eagles the best cornerback trio in football. Jason Babin shores up the defensive line. The linebacker group is weak in comparison, but with the Eagles likely leading most of their games, teams will be forced to pass against the aforementioned three-headed monster with a solid defensive line. The offense got deeper as well with Ronnie Brown backing up LeSean McCoy.
New Cardinal Set To Spread ... [More]