Week 2 is upon us- lets dissect.
Match Play
Some of this weeks most important matchups:
Randy Moss, WR, NE, VS. Darrelle Revis, Cornerback, NYJ
The case for Revis: This matchup will decide the outcome of this game. Revis is one of the best cover corners in the game and with Wes Welker officially ruled inactive for the Pats, all Revis has to worry about now is locking down Moss. The Jet’s will bring pressure on Tom Brady all game long but Revis will still have help over the top much like how the Jets deployed coverage on Texans receiver Andre Johnson last week. If the Jets can do this with success against a very smart Patriot gameplan than this could lead to a very long and unproductive game for Moss.
The case for Moss: Last week against Buffalo, Moss shined hauling in 12 catches for 141 yards. Even more impressive was his ability to get open on many short and intermediate routes. Once revered as the game’s most potent deep threat, Moss can still get loose over the top while polishing up his game on the underneath routes. The loss of Welker this week puts a huge damper on Moss’ value as Revis will be able to concentrate solely taking away Moss’ game changing abilities. We will see what wrinkles head coach Bill Belichick and company has in their playbook.
Advantage: Revis. As tough as it is to pick against Moss, I think the loss of Welker on the other side will prove costly and the Pats will be forced to run the ball much more than anticipated.
The case for McFadden: For a few seasons now the Raiders have had zero ability to force the ball downfield via the pass. The lack of maturation of quarterback Jemarcus Russell and a no-talent receiving corps has allowed the Raiders to establish a ground and pound running game to some success. Mcfadden is now the focal point of this running game and just last season he torched this Chiefs defense for 164 yards and a touchdown in what has been the most productive game of his young career. The second year back is looking for a breakout season and this matchup could prove to be his first stepping-stone.
The case for the KC defense: On paper this defense is lacking some serious substance. They allowed the usually offensively challenged Ravens to march up and down the field with regularity in last weeks loss. The team will deploy defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey and linebacker Derrick Johnson with the hopes of not having a repeat performance of last weeks drubbing. The Raiders seriously lack the firepower to make that happen but if the Russell can find even just a little bit of accuracy, this defense will find it hard pressed to fill all the gaps and slow this running game down.
Advantage: McFadden. You really think I would have taken it any other way? Even so look for the Raiders to get the ground game going early and often. The Arrowhead crowd should play little part in this long time matchup of divisional rivals.
New Orleans offense VS. Philadelphia defense.
The case for New Orleans: I could throw up the numbers from last weeks beat down of the hapless Detroit Lions but that would almost be too easy. Look, the Saints have weapons. We all know this much. Last season, Drew Brees carried the offense while the team had to deal with injuries to wide receiver Marques Colston and tight end Jeremy Shockey. This season that tandem is back and healthy and has added another element to this already dangerous offense. There is no balance on this team. They will pass on any down and in any situation. With Brees at the helm it is a system that works almost seamlessly and he will look to exploit an Eagles defense that is being a bit over hyped due to the poor play of Panther quarterback Jake Delhomme last week. I would expect the Eagles to cautiously play the pass and this should allow for some seams for flex back Reggie Bush to hit as well.
The case for Philadelphia: The Eagles played inspired defense last week while deploying the usual exotic blitz heavy scheme that kept Jake Delhomme off balance and uneasy. Much of Phillys success last week had to do with the poor decision making of Delhomme who simply looked like he hadn’t played football since Pop Warner, so I am hesitant to give full credit to this aging defense. That being said look for the Eagles to force the issue with a conservative coverage scheme knowing full well that not much will confuse Brees in the pocket. This secondary is still in tact and the aggressiveness of defensive lineman Trent Cole will allow the coaches to back off somewhat on the abundance of blitzes that we have all come to know and love about this defense. There is no use in trying to force pressure on Brees as he will sit back and dump it off to the flats or find the easy one on one coverage and pick the defense apart.
Advantage: New Orleans offense: This game will be a shootout. Even with an injured Donovan McNabb on the sidelines I expect huge offensive numbers from both of these teams. I like New Orleans to slowly dissect the Philly defense and surprise some people this week.
Speed Round: 33 words or less
Storylines:
Anquan Boldin, WR, AZ- Was his lackluster performance last week due to an ongoing contract dispute or was his hammy seriously tweaked? I’ll take the latter. Look for a healthier Boldin to fare much better this week.
Kerry Rhodes, S, NYJ- Talked the talk but can he walk the walk?
Detroit Lions- 18-consectutive losses dating back to the 2006 season. Ouch.
Terrell Owens, WR, BUF- Already calling out teammates. Although in a subtle tone, I think we all know how this story ends.
Mark Sanchez, QB, NYJ- Can he make magic happen again? Will be tested today.
LaDanian Tomlinson/Darren Sproles, RB, SD- No LT means it will be Sproles' load to carry. More importantly, what do we make of LT’s early season injury. It could be the beginning of the end.
Cowboy home opener- What does a billion dollar stadium have to offer the fans? A really cool video board and 60 dollar cheese pizzas.
Irrational thoughts:
Randy Moss TD’s or Darrell Revis INT’s- I’ll take Revis.
Kurt Warner: More TD passes or sacks against- I like the TD’s
Chester Taylor Rushing Yards or Detroit Lions team rushing yards- It’s gotta be Taylor.
Over/Under:
1.5: Jake Delhomme INT’s- UNDER
250: Total Darren Sproles yards- OVER
2: Adrian Peterson TD’s- OVER
0.5: Punts to hit the new Cowboys video board- OVER
2: Jerry Jones facelifts this season- PUSH
Pick’em
I’ll take: RAIDERS, Falcons, Vikings, Packers, Texans, Jets, Saints, Redskins, Cardinals, Bills, Seahawks, Bears, Broncos, Ravens, Cowboys, Colts.
-MJK
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