NFL 2010: Week 1 Recaps! (cont.)

Part II!!

Falcons 9 at Steelers 15 in OT
As I write up this blog, the more I realize that Week 1 was filled with low-scoring defensive struggled games. This was the only game to go into overtime and even then, no touchdowns were scored in regulation. With QB Ben Roethlisberger serving a four-game suspension, back-up Dennis Dixon performed well enough, throwing for 236 yards and 1 INT. Falcons QB Matt Ryan would perform similarly, throwing for 252 yards and 1 INT, with the INT going to recent insurer of $1 million worth of hair S Troy Polamalu. The two teams will head into overtime tied 9-9. The Falcons would stutter deep in the own territory and punt to the Steelers. One play in, RB Rashard Mendenhall would scamper down the sidelines for the game-winning 50 yard TD run. What a way to end the game.

Chargers 14 at Chiefs 21
The final game of Week 1 was another divisional game. The Chargers, as always the favorite to win the division, hit a stumbling block in Kansas City as the Chiefs hold on to win at home. QB Philip Rivers threw for 2 TDS but it wasn't enough to stop the Chiefs big plays. Even as the Chargers produced more yards and used up more time on the clock, their defense gave up a 56 yard TD run by RB Jamaal Charles and the special teams gave up a 94 yard punt return TD by rookie WR Dexter McCluster. I've always felt the Chargers were overrated, but then again, I am always biased towards Philip Rivers, dating back to his days at N.C. State.

Ravens 10 at Jets 9
In what was perhaps my second favorite match-up of the week, the Ravens narrowly beat the Jets in New York on Monday night. The Jets, if you are familiar with reality TV, had been on a show called Hard Knocks, chronicling one NFL team during the offseason. They had plenty of exposure as a tough and rugged team, led by the foul-mouth coach, Rex Ryan. Given their late run in the playoffs last year, the Jets were (self)anointed the presumed AFC champions this year. There had been a bit of trash-talking the last few days by both teams leading up to Monday night. But ultimately, the two teams who were tops on defense would have to "man up" on gameday. It was to be a defensive and physical struggle, and boy was it nothing but. The entire game was tight as can be with little room for any offense. The Ravens would best the Jets offensively as QB Joe Flacco was able to find newly acquired WR Anquan Boldin many times downfield. Boldin would catch for 110 yards in his debut. Flacco would test the Jets defense (number one last year) downfield and the Jets became the benefactors of many pass interference and defensive holding calls. An unprecedented amount of third down conversions were made by Jets penalties. The Jets offense, on the other hand, was mediocre as second year QB Mark Sanchez threw for a total of 76 yards and had only one pass completed for over 10 yards. Both teams needed this win, but I think the Jets had more at stake since they still have the Patriots to deal with in their division.

Packers 27 at Eagles 20
The era of QB Kevin Kolb in Philadelphia hit a premature hurdle in the first week of the season. He left the first half with a concussion and did not return. Michael Vick would replace him and provided a more than adequate performance as he threw for 175 and 1 TD AND ran for another 103 yards. He definitely showed signs of why he is dangerous as a running QB. However, his effort was not enough as Packers QB Aaron Rodgers led the Pack to three scores, himself throwing 2 TD passes. A top three fantasy pick at QB, Rodgers looked a bit pedestrian in the first half and finished with only 188 yards, the 2 TDs and 2 INTs. For the Pack, they need a bit of refinement on offense if they want to live up to expectations. For the Eagles, at the moment, Coach Andy Reid has stated Kolb will be the starter if healthy. After Sunday's game, how can you not at least give Vick a chance to prove himself?

Cardinals 17 at Rams 13
The St. Louis Rams have had some bad years as of late, and as such, been "rewarded" with high draft picks. This past year, the used the number one draft pick on Oklahoma QB standout Sam Bradford. Immediately, he was anointed the starter. As for his first game, hard to say how good or bad it was. On one hand, he threw up 255 yards on 32 of 55 passing, with 1 TD. He did have three costly INTs, but the way I see it, it was expected. It seemed the gameplan by the Rams was to throw, throw, throw and throw some more; way to be be thrown right into it. The Cards had recently adjusted to a new QB as well. With the dismissal of Matt Leinart, the team belonged to Derek Anderson. Anderson threw for 297 yards and his lone TD was to Pro Bowler WR Larry Fitzgerald. RB Tim Hightower, despite two fumbles, would rush for the other Cardinals TD.

Whoo.....that was a doozy. Realistically, I could write more, but not less. Hope I can keep this up all season. Onward to Week 2 we go!