NFL week one: First impressions
Patriots 23 Bills 21
Tom Brady continued his streak of week one dominance as the Bills suffered a heart-breaker in a very hard fought game. EJ Manuel making his first NFL start didn’t dominate the game, but showed flashes of a great quarterback. The big surprise of this game was how the Bills defense was able to cause turnovers and frustrate the Patriot offense. In the end, Tom Brady is still the best QB in the two minute drill.
Ravens 27 Broncos 49
Peyton Manning threw seven touchdown passes and embarrassed the world champs on opening night. Much was made in the off-season about the losses in the Ravens defense, and it definitely showed on Thursday as everyone looked lost and confused out there. The mix of Peyton’s greatness and a team without an identity (without Ray Lewis) combined to make this one of the best passing performances of modern times.
Vikings 24 Lions 34
Reggie Bush made an immediate impact in the Lion’s offense. Last season, Detroit struggled to get any production from the RB position and Bush quickly changed that as he not only ran the ball well, but was able to score on a 77 yard screen pass that changed the game. For the Vikings, Adrian Peterson looked solid, but no other part of the offense did.
Chiefs 28 Jaguars 2
This was the most dominating performance of the week. The Chiefs defense made Gabbert look like a Pop-Warner quarterback as Andy Reid got his first win with the Chiefs.
Buccaneers 17 Jets 18
Geno Smith led the last minute drive as he got a win in his first start. The game changing play was when Smith was hit late out of bounds by a Bucs linebacker that put the Jets in position to kick the game winning field goal. This was the story of the game as Tampa Bay committed 13 penalties and were very sloppy.
Packers 28 49ers 34
San Fran still looks like the team to beat, although a questionable ruling helped them win the game. Colin Kaepernick showed that he could not only run the read option, but could also sit in the pocket and throw the ball as he carved up the Packers for over 400 yards passing.
Giants 31 Cowboys 36
Sad to say, but the GMEN have never been sloppier, but we fans should remain optimistic. A Tom Coughlin coached team will never again give six turnovers. You had to feel that Eli was going to lead them down the field for the win until Scott was slow to turn for the screen. But even though that was a huge mistake, it was correctable. Scott is a very tough runner who is going to help the GMEN down the road as is Wilson, who has to stop fumbling! The defense hung in there and had a good night and they certainly played well enough to win. Terrell Thomas looked great and should be an inspiration to us all. I am more excited now than ever about the Giants. We have never had three receivers who are as dynamic. Anytime we lose to the Cowboys it’s tough, but the GMEN are poised to go on a tear.
Dolphins 23 Browns 10
The Dolphins suffocated the Browns offense and their leads to win. In a very poor offensive game both ways, neither team were able to establish a running game nor able to move the ball much. It was an impressive performance by Brian Hartline who had over 100 yards receiving and a TD catch. For the Browns, the only bright spot on offense was tight end Jordan Cameron who was able to haul in a TD catch.