A GREAT week 2 in the NFL

I spend just about every Sunday (depending on holidays) sitting in front of the TV for 10+ hours. I watch bits and pieces from every game and follow all of the action on 2 computers. In many years of repeating this practice, I cannot remember a better NFL Sunday (and Monday night) than this past weekend. Thoughts on a few of them....

Peyton Manning is clearly not himself. His throws are slightly off and he seems to be forcing a bit. He can't really be blamed, though. After off-season surgery, he is playing without several offensive lineman, without Dallas Clark and Harrison is passed his prime. Throw in the fact that on Sunday Adam Vinatieri missed a chip shot field goal when the Colts were coming back and they have been getting nothing out of Addai. The Vikings had a chance at home to step on the Colts' throat and put the game away. Peterson was a beast in the first half but anytime the Vikings get 3rd down with more than 5 yards to go - they might as well bring on the punting unit. Tarvaris Jackson stinks and this team isn't going anywhere unless he figures out how to play the position. With the Colts still in the game Manning went to work.

Before the season I thought Aaron Rodgers was going to feel the pressure and his performance would suffer. I couldn't be more wrong. To this point Rodgers is probably the best QB in the league. He has been very accurate and has been able to put the ball in the endzone despite a shaky running game so far. Granted, the quality of teams played is not high but you can't fault Rodgers for that. In the game on Sunday the Packers led by 21, than trailed in the 4th quarter before winning by 23 points. Rodgers was very impressive on the go ahead drive and his performance, and the game itself, should not be overlooked....until you discuss the Broncos game!

The Chargers came out flat and trailed 21-3 in this game before coming back and taking a 38-31 lead. I have been very impressed with Jay Cutler who is clearly the best QB in the AFC West. Denver's offense has been flying and Brandon Marshall had a career game with 18 receptions (2nd to T.O. - 20 in 1 game for the 49ers). The last minute of this game was incredible, though, simply because of a bad call. Cutler clearly fumbled but Denver was given a 2nd life to TIE the game with a touchdown and extra point. I love the call that Shannahan made. Obviously it is unconventional but if you tie the game with an extra point, you leave your fate to a coin toss. If you have a chance to win the game by getting 2 yards and the 2 point conversion
wouldn't you take that? I'm surprised more coaches don't try this (probably because if you fail you get killed in the media). Shannahan has guts and it paid off.

How about the 49ers!?!? J.T. O'Sullivan threw for over 300 yards; the first time a 49ers QB has done this in over 5 years. The defense gave up points but many of them were garbage (49ers blocked a punt but Seattle picked up loose ball and picked up 25 yards for first down and scored on the drive). Maybe the 49ers will be competitive. It would probably take only 7 or 8 wins to win the division anyway. Despite Seattle not having any receivers, I think the 49ers comeback win, on the road in that building (where Seattle never loses) is a big one.

Finally, the shootout in the first half between the Eagles and Cowboys. I was not impressed with Romo early or the Cowboys offensive line. Romo was pressured all night and Barber had way too many carries for 1 yards or less. The Eagles O-line on the other hand was phenomenal. McNabb had all day to throw and he picked apart Dallas' defense. If not for a botched hand-off the Eagles would have stolen a game at Dallas. For now, these two teams have separated themselves from the NFC teams. Maybe put the Giants and Packers in there as well but I'll wait for them to play some better competition.

Fantasy: In my first year playing in a Fantasy NFL league.......
I went up against Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin, and the Packers defense - all with fantastic performances. Unfortunately for that team, I got tremendous production of Seattle's defense (defensive TD, 8 sacks), Anthony Gonzalez (clearly the #2 WR on the Colts), my horses (Barber/Romo - 25 points each), and the guy I still want to trade - Santana Moss (over 30 points). My dominating performance leaves me alone in first place (4-0) and as the overall points leader for the season!

Don't expect Week 3 to provide similar results but if you're not watching the games, SHAME ON YOU!