Through his first two games in the NFL Cam Newton has thrown for 854 yards. He is on pace to throw for 6,832 yards, go 0-16 and finish second in the NFL in passing (to Tom Brady). He did make some mistakes in this game. After leading the Panthers to a surprise 13-0 lead early in the 2nd quarter, the Packers outscored them 30-3 until a garbage touchdown at the end broke the spread. Newton threw three interceptions over that span. The kid knows a lot, but he still has a lot to learn.
Like 2007 All Over Again
The New England Patriots once again look dominant and Tom Brady is rolling up the passing yards and touchdowns at a record pace. A pace that would give him 7,520 and 56 TDs if he keeps it up. When you watch the Patriots you notice how great Tom Brady is, but you also can't help but see how great his protection is. Yes, he gets hit, and even sacked, but on most passing plays he just has so much time to throw.
Just One Play Away
The great comeback story of Michael Vick was temporarily derailed, and it cost the Eagles the game against the Falcons. Vick suffered a concussion when he was tackled into his own teammate. He left the game and never returned. Obviously a Vick injury would kill the Eagles "Dream Team" status. But I also think they need Vick to play the way he did last season, not as he did in Atlanta. Through 2 games (small sample) his completion percentage is down big, a hallmark of his Falcon days when he dropped back and waited for an opportunity to run.
Not a Good Omen
The Kansas City Chiefs have been outscored 89-10 so far this season. I don't really need to go on, there's nothing else to say.
A Brief Rant About the Redskins
The Redskins are 2-0 and in sole possession of first place in the NFC East. I am happy but I am not thriled. The Redskins failed to capitalize on many opportunties (a red zone INT and a blocked FG really hurt) and almost lost this game. Hopefully this was Rex Grossman's stinker and he can turn in a good performance next week in Dallas on Monday Night Football.
Game of the Week
Buffalo Bills 38 Oakland Raiders 35
Break up the Bills. A stirring comeback from an 18-point deficit capped by a touchdown with 14 seconds left. But how long can Ryan Fitzpatrick (109.6 rating) and Fred Jackson (229 rushing yards, 1st in NFL) keep this up? The schedule gets a lot tougher this week with New England at home, but the Bill schedule is littered with teams destined to be mediocre, the Bills will have a chance to prove they really are this good.
Game of Next Week
Atlanta at Tampa Bay
I choose this one because I already mentioned New England at Buffalo, and honestly I don't expect that one to be much of a contest. I really liked the AFC South coming into this season, thinking the Falcons and Saints would be battling for the division lead all year with Tampa Bay as a wild card possibility. So far all those teams are 1-1 after losing to tough NFC foes. The loser of this one falls in arrears in the division and conference race.
If the Super Bowl Were Played Today
New England Patriots 34 Detroit Lions 10
These two teams played in the preseason and Detroit dominated. I don't see that happening again. But the Lions do have the pass rush to potentially give the Patriots fits, but not the secondary. I wanted to give the Bills another nod here because I think once I go New England I never go back, but the Bills barely eked out a victory over the Raiders.
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