VIEW FROM THE COUCH: WEEK THREE

OBSERVATIONS FROM WEEK TWO
By D'Arcy Maine, NFL Draft Bible

With “cameragate” safely behind us, Sunday and Monday provided some great (and some not-so-great) football. Some teams were decisively impressive (Patriots, Cowboys), some surprising (Buccaneers, Packers), and some just downright depressing (Eagles, Giants, Saints). But I was struck by some teams and players for various reasons and wrote some observations on what we’ve seen so far.

Patriots (2-0)

Like many, I was disappointed and somewhat angry last week at Patriots Coach Bill Belichick and wondered how the cheating scandal would effect the reputation of the team. But what a difference one game makes! Facing arguably their toughest challenge of the season, the Pats came out and dominated against a talented Chargers squad scoring on their first possession and ultimately winning 38-14. Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and the rest of the team showed complete poise and focus after the media-circus week that ensued in Foxborough. The Patriots proved they are undoubtedly the best team in the league- camera or no camera. And watch out for Wes Welker. He will continue to improve as the season progresses.

Saints (0-2)

I predicted the Saints would make it to the NFC Championship this year and let me apologize for that. This team sucks. I can’t think of a nicer way to say it. Last year this team was running on emotion and that, in retrospect, seemed to fuel a mediocre team to success. This season the lack of talent is becoming painfully obvious. In their first two games, they have been outscored 72-24. And, to add salt to the wounds, as of Monday, the Saints are without their starting tight end Mark Campbell for the rest of the season due to injury. Few expected the team to defeat the Colts on opening day but the Saints looked utterly lost against the defending Superbowl Champions. On Sunday, the rested squad faced the Buccaneers- a team who did not win a single NFC South match-up last season- and they were defeated, again. Until the Saints begin utilizing their best weapon, running back Deuce McAllister, last year’s miracle team will have to start looking for another miracle. Don’t expect much from the struggling squad.

Buccaneers (1-1)

As obvious as this sounds- one team’s loss is another team’s victory and so is the case with the Bucs. Quarterback Jeff Garcia has brought new life to the franchise and that became abundantly clear in the victory over the Saints. Last season, Garcia led the Eagles to victory after starting quarterback Donovan McNabb was injured. The Eagles opted to not re-sign the aging QB and the Bucs were quick to sign him in their smartest move of the off-season. Garcia is playing with a chip on his shoulder and seems to want to prove his talent and legitimacy. And, he’s right. Last year was no fluke with the Eagles. On Sunday, he threw for 243 yards and two touchdowns. This team will only improve as Garcia adjusts to his new receivers.

Titans (1-1)

Despite losing to the Colts, 22-20, the Titans looked impressive and certainly proved the Colts vulnerability this season. The Titans defense was impressive allowing Peyton Manning and the Colts to score just two touchdowns. Kicker Adam Vinatieri was brought in on four different drives to attempt field goals because the offense couldn’t get it to the end zone. And while quarterback Vince Young made some youthful mistakes and was sacked three times, he showed his talent and made some solid plays. Young is a gifted athlete who has an improving field vision and will emerge as a top quarterback by season’s end. He is one of the few true option quarterbacks and this will prove to be very efficient for the offense. Young is lacking confidence but once he develops this, the Titans will surprise a lot of people with some unexpected wins.

Packers (2-0)

If a month ago someone had told me the Packers would start the season 2-0, I most likely would have laughed in their face. After beating the Eagles last week, Brett Favre and his team came back this week and routed the Giants, 35-13. In his 149th career win, Favre completed 29-38 passes for 286 yards. I had thought Favre should have retired last season. It appeared the spark was gone but this season the 37-year-old quarterback is winning games and looks like he’s having a great time doing it. Rookie running back DeShawn Wynn looked impressive as he scored two touchdowns for the Pack. This team has heart and they might do some damage as they make a playoff run in the weak NFC. However, don’t expect them to beat the Chargers this week. LaDanian Tomlinson will be looking to make a statement after their embarrassing loss to the Pats and unfortunately, the Packers will be the victim.

Eagles (0-2)

What a disappointment. Thankfully, I never wrote this but I thought the Eagles would be facing the Saints in the NFC Championship game before the season began. The Birds lost to the Redskins, 20-12 during Monday Night Football. Brian Westbrook is an extraordinarily talented running back but unfortunately he has little support from an otherwise lackluster receiving corps. Make no mistake, Donovan McNabb is a great quarterback but it is evident he has not fully recovered from last season’s injury. When he is back to 100 percent, this team could be a legitimate contender but I think it will be too late for this season. Safety Brian Dawkins left the game with a neck injury during the 4th quarter and his status is questionable for this week. Dawkins is a leader for the Philly squad and his absence on the field will have a severe impact for the defense.

Redskins (2-0)

After I wrote about this season being a breakout year for the Redskins during the pre-season, I received several emails disagreeing with this idea. Well, I hate to say it but… I told you so! (After my Saints prediction, I have to gloat about something I did right…) Quarterback Jason Campbell looked convincing during the win over the Eagles and his connection with tight end Chris Cooley was readily apparent and successful. The Cowboys are the best team in the NFC East but the ‘Skins are going to give them a run for their money!