The NFL is Poop - Week 1

Serves Them Right
For five years Tom Brady was listed on the injury report without ever really being hurt. And when the Patriots finally took him off, he got hurt and is out for the season. I think Matt Cassel has learned enough just by watching that he can still lead this excellent team to the playoffs. But I wouldn't expect more than a 10-6 record and an early-round playoff loss.



A Quarterback's Best Friend
There's nothing like a good running game to help a rookie quarterback out in the NFL. But Atlanta Falcons rookie Matt Ryan didn't even need that much in his debut. Ryan threw a 62-yard touchdown on his first pass in the NFL. The last guy to do that was Michael Bishop in 2000 when he threw a Hail Mary at the end of a half for the New England Patriots.
Once Ryan got rid of those butterflies he got a lot of help from Michael Turner. Turner who has wasted four good years behind LaDanian Tomlinson took his first opportunity to start and ran with it. Turner rushed for 220 yards, including a 66-yard touchdown.



Here's The Kicker
The Jets barely survived a late charge from the Miami Dolphins, and all anyone can seem to talk about is how the Jets almost lost the game because they didn't have a anyone able to kick an extra point after Mike Nugent got hurt. What they're all failing to mention is that Nugent's injury worked in favor of the Jets because without they never would have gone for it on 4th and 13, the situation which resulted in the touchdown. Sure, everything else after it changes but it's worth mentioning. Also, it's conceivable that a punter would be able to kick an extra point but not a 40-yard field goal. But all things considered, the injury to Nugent worked in the Jets favor and helped Brett Favre win his Jets debut.

I Hope It's Not Contagious
LeBron James shakes hands with Adam "Pacman" Jones before the Cowboys game against the Browns.



Not Yet
Despite wearing his new name on the back of his jersey in warmups, the NFL ruled that Chad Ocho Cinco has to stick with Johnson on his jersey during games for the time being.



Game of the Week
Carolina Panthers 26 San Diego Chargers 24
It's very rare that you see an NFL game truly go down to the final second, but this one did, and it was a very exciting finish as Jake Delhomme threw a bullet to the back of the endzone to pull off the major upset.
But one thing struck me, why did the Panthers kick the extra point? The rules require it for some reason even though in the NFL a blocked extra point (or intercepted 2-point conversion) can not be returned for points.
Seems like a useless formality and robs the moment of some incredible excitement.



Game of Next Week
New England Patriots at New York Jets
This game is a huge test for the Patriots, and also for the new-look Jets. The Patriots probably feel (deep down in places they don't talk about at parties) that their season is over without Tom Brady. The Jets could take a huge step towards ushering in the Brett Favre era with a big win in this game. And with the other two teams in the division being so bad (maybe the Bills aren't that bad) the winner of this game has a major leg up for the division crown.

A Brief Rant About the Redskins
Despite the rough season-opening performance I still believe Jason Campbell can adjust to Jim Zorn's system and learn to be a good quarterback. He has all the physical skills which is why we continue to believe in him. The Redskins play the Saints in Week 2, a team with a weak defense, but an offense good enough to put some points on the board. Campbell will have to come through with at least 20 points to earn a win.

Interesting Picture of the Week
Kim Kardashian cheers for her boyfriend Reggie Bush from a luxury suite at the Superdome. She's no Jessica Simpson though. She didn't jinx the Saints, they won 24-20.



Cheerleader of the Week
Melanie of the Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders
Melanie is single (awesome), she loves the Titans (of course) and the Chappelle Show (I wonder if she likes the "I'm Pissing" remix). But my favorite thing about her is that she says her favorite moment as a cheerleader was when they announced fellow cheerleader Brooke's engagement, and the whole crowd booed.



If the Super Bowl Were Played Today
Dallas Cowboys 35 Pittsburgh Steelers 31
All the major AFC contenders either lost a game, or their quarterback, pushing the Steelers to the top of the heap. I expect the Cowboys to remain the class of the NFC all season.