Happy Halloween everyone. We are almost at the halfway point of the season, and some teams are starting to come together (Giants, Falcons and Buccaneers) while others are falling apart (Saints, Cowboys and Broncos). Here are some of my observations from last week, as well as a preview of three Week 8 matchups.
When I was flipping through channels during the early games on Sunday, I saw that Kansas City had a lead in the second quarter but had yet to complete a pass, and I thought, “That sounds about right.” This is not a team that needs to air it out to win games. Romeo Crennel has strengthened their defense, and there is enough skill among the running backs and offensive line to win games on the ground.
Steve Smith was back from an ankle injury against the 49ers, and was actually returning punts for Carolina. Awesome. He returned only three punts in the past three seasons, and none last year. Smith clearly wants to win, and at least someone is taking this season seriously for the Panthers. Matt Moore played a really good game, and proved that he makes their offense much better.
DeAngelo Hall single-handedly ruined Jay Cutler’s day with four picks (literally, single-handedly–he was making one-handed interceptions). I seriously don’t understand the hype behind the Mike Martz offense. It hasn’t worked since the “Greatest Show on Turf” 10 years ago, and it certainly isn’t working with the Bears.
It’s funny when I look through the gamecasts, which quarterbacks are playing–Ryan Fitzpatrick, Kerry Collins, Colt McCoy, Todd Bouman, Max Hall, and soon-to-be John Kitna. It’s not hard to understand why there is such a gap between the Steelers, Jets, Giants, Falcons, Ravens, Patriots, Colts and everyone else.
Is Roddy White the best wide receiver in the league? There’s a strong argument that he is. However, Adam Jones took him to school on this play. Gus Johnson, who can make a kneel-down exciting, was calling the game, and this play was almost too thrilling for him.
Kevin Kolb was check-down city again in Week 7. It is no surprise that Andy Reid is going back to Michael Vick. I don’t question his decision, but I have to wonder what will become of Kolb. It reminds me of how the Yankees handled Joba Chamberlain, moving him from the bullpen to the starting lineup and back to the bullpen. His confidence was shattered, and his major league career is in question. Kolb could fare similarly.
Badger alumni alert–Lee Evans caught three touchdowns against the Ravens. If only he was on a better team with a better quarterback, he’d put up Pro Bowl numbers year in and year out.
Drew Brees can’t stop throwing interceptions, and I can’t see the Saints winning the NFC South. At this point, it’s the Falcons’ division to lose.
Brad Childress, it’s time to take control of your team, not Brett Favre’s team. It’s unacceptable that they are letting this guy go out there on a broken ankle when he isn’t even playing well to begin with. Give the reigns to Tavaris Jackson, who has a good arm and won’t make mistakes. Adrian Peterson could be the best player in the NFL right now, and Percy Harvin could be the most electric. Favre is hurting this Vikings team.
London is hosting Denver vs. San Francisco at Wembley Stadium this week. What a gem–that will definitely make the Brits interested in football.
Week 8 Picks
KC (-7.5) over BUF
I feel like I pick the Chiefs every week, but I really like the direction they’re taking and at home their defense is pretty brutal. I like Kansas City here, but don’t be surprised if Ryan Fitzpatrick continues to put up impressive numbers.
MIA (+1) over CIN
Lock this one up. The Dolphins are an infinitely better team than the Bengals, who have a banged up secondary and a struggling offense. Miami is a really good team that should have just beaten the Steelers.
DET (-2.5) over WAS
Matthew Stafford is back this week after being out since Week 1 with a shoulder injury. I think he’s going to make up for lost time and have a big, big outing against a Washington defense that gives up a lot of yards.