NFL SUNDAY #1, WHAT I SAW
Sunday gave us spectacular images as the league paid homage to the attacks of 9/11. Each was done in a very respectful way, thankfully Cindy Lauper or Christine Aguilera botching the lyrics to the National Anthem. Like most big things the NFL undertakes, it was done very well & without a hitch.
Then came football & from Dexter McCluster's fumble of the opening kickoff to Nick Folk's 50-yard field goal to beat the Cowboys last night, there was a lot to absorb. Here's some of what I saw.
Four of last season's division winners got pounded.
Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Atlanta & Kansas City got roughed up, all losing by at least 18-points. Not one of the games was even close. Pittsburgh surrendered 7 turnovers in their 35-7 whipping in Baltimore. These teams hate each other & Baltimore's 2-point conversion & 4th quarter deep throws just heightened the tension between these two AFC North rivals. It marked the 1st time the Ravens behind Joe Flacco had ever beaten a Ben Rothlisberger-led Steeler team. I can't wait to see the November 6th rematch in Pittsburgh.
So much for the big talk from Peyton Manning's teammates regarding his absence. They said, "we're not a one-man team," "we're pros too, we can step up & make plays too." Wrong, they got hammered by Houston 34-7. It was 34-0 at half. I didn't watch much of the game, so I can't comment on what happened in the 2nd half, but it looks like a long season for Colts fans.
Atlanta looked horrible in Chicago yesterday, nothing like the 13-3 team they were in 2010. It was 30-6 at the end of three & Falcon QB Matt Ryan had a very difficult afternoon. A lost fumble, an interception, sacked 5 times & knocked down another 11 times, it wasn't pretty. Jay Cutler had a decent game in his first start after injuring his knee in the NFC Championship game last January. Brian Urlacher scooped a Ryan fumble & returned it for a touchdown, grabbed an interception & led his team in tackles with 10.
For my review of the Chiefs' all-time worst beating in a home opener, scroll on down.
Rams lose & get beat up in the process.
It didn't go well in St. Louis' home opener versus the Eagles. Philly won 31-13, but the loss wasn't the worst news to come out of the Edward Jones Dome yesterday. Rams' QB Sam Bradford suffered some sort of an injury to his right index finger. X-rays were negetive but he said there wasn't much feeling in the finger, not good news. Slot receiver Danny Amendola suffered a dislocated elbow that included torn ligaments. He could be lost for the season. After rumbling 47-yards for a touchdown on the games first snap from scrimmage, Steven Jackson sustained a quad injury that sidelined him the remainder of the game. Also troubling was the offensive line of the Rams, thought to be pretty solid, gave up 5 sacks & 11 other hits on their quarterbacks. I don't know the exact number, but Rams receivers dropped a bunch of passes that should have been caught. Rookie TE Lance Kendricks, who had been sensational in the preseason, dropped 3 that I saw. The "Dream Team" Eagles looked so fast on that dome turf. I look forward to their Sunday night game in Atlanta next week. Jeremy Maclin even played a few snaps, catching one pass for 20-yards.
Lions looked like the real deal, the Bucs....not so much.
Nothing looks better to Detroit fans than QB Matthew Stafford standing tall into the 4th quarter. Keep him upright & the Lions can be competitive with anybody is the belief. He looked very good, throwing 3 touchdowns, two to Calvin Johnson. The vaunted Lion front four held Tampa Bay to just 56-yards rushing. Buc cornerback Aqib Talib, high-stepped it down the sideline with an interception for a score but the Lion receivers had the last laugh, catching 305-yards worth of passes. Kansas City is in for a long afternoon next Sunday in Detroit's home opener.
And the battle of Ohio goes to Cincinnati......really?
Really, rookie Andy Dalton threw a TD pass before being knocked out of the game just before half. He was relieved by veteran backup Bruce Gradkowski, who spotted a wide open A.J. Green for a 41-yard winning touchdown pass. Colt McCoy threw a pair of touchdowns but the Browns usually reliable ground game was shut down, gaining just 83-yards & a 3.2 average. Cincy wins the battle of Ohio 27-17.
Chargers overcome another special teams disaster thanks to McNabb
As I watched the opening kickoff brought back 103-yards for a touchdown by Minnesota's Percy Harvin, I'm thinking "here we go again." Special teams killed San Diego last season, probably kept them from winning the AFC West. But that wasn't the only issue. Charger kicker Nate Kaeding tore his ACL during the return & will be lost for the season. Punter Mike Scifres filled in admirably, kicking a 40-yard field goal & all 3 extra points. San Diego also lost starting defensive end Luis Castillo to a broken tibia. He could be back in 8-weeks. Donovan McNabb's Viking debut was dreadful, 7 of 15 for just 39-yards. He might just be done. Chargers win 24-17.
Cam sets rookie records in loss to Cardinals
In NFL history, only five rookie quarterbacks threw for over 300-yards in their debut. Make it six, with one exception, Cam Newton didn't throw for 300-yards, he threw for 422-yards. I've been tough on newton, but his first NFL start for a 1-15 team, on the road, in a dome, was amazing. He completed 24 of 37 for two touchdowns & 1 pick. He also ran for a touchdown. He looked to be in charge from the outset. New Arizona QB Kevin Kolb was even better, two long touchdown passes & no interceptions. The game was tied 21-all with 7:27 left in the game when Carolina punted to rookie Patrick Peterson. He returned it 89-yards for the game winner.
Don't kick it to Ted Ginn Jr. whatever you do.
With less than 4-minutes remaining in the 4th quarter, Seattle had just scored to close the gap to 19-17 at San Francisco. They kickoff & Tedd Ginn Jr. runs it back 102-yards for a score. less than 90-seconds later, the Seahawks forced to punt, kicked it to Ginn one more time. He took the punt back 55-yards for another score. Before the last 4-minutes, this game was almost unwatchable, 12 punts, 20 penalties & less than 450-yards total offense for both teams combined.
Romo hands a win to the Jets.
I've never been a fan of Tony Romo or Mark Sanchez. The main reason was on display last night. They make two great plays, then one terrible one. They commit too many turnovers & seemingly at the most inopportune time. They both lost fumbles in the 4th quarter, Romo's was at the Jets 1-yard line. Romo also threw an interception in the 4th quarter. The Cowboys had never lost a game they led by 14-points or more in franchise history. They have now. Sanchez threw his pick in the 3rd. In the end it was a 50-yard field goal by former Cowboy kicker Nick Folk to win it 27-24.
So much for the new kickoff rule hurting returns.
With all the negative talk regarding the NFL's new kickoff rule, we saw 3 kickoffs taken back for touchdowns in the first 14 games. Ted Ginn Jr, Randall Cobb & Percy Harvin all accomplished the feat.
Rich's Football Report on the Radio tonight at 6:10 CDT.
I hope you'll join me tonight, I know it's during the first game of the Monday Night doubleheader, but tune in if you can, either on KRMS 1150AM, 97.5 FM or live internet stream on the website at www.krmsradio.com Lots to talk about, I hope to have updated news on the injury situation for both St. Louis & Mizzou plus my take on what we saw yesterday at Arrowhead Stadium. We'll have a trivia question good for two rounds of golf at Old Kinderhook plus a $25 gift card for the Trophy Room restaurant & bar. Both are good for 1-year, so if you can't get down to the lake until next spring, you'll be setup for a great afternoon of golf on the most beautiful public course in the state of Missouri. Give me a call at 302-7000 locally or toll free at 877-330-1150. We'll also take email questions at www.live@krmsradio.com
Then came football & from Dexter McCluster's fumble of the opening kickoff to Nick Folk's 50-yard field goal to beat the Cowboys last night, there was a lot to absorb. Here's some of what I saw.
Four of last season's division winners got pounded.
Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Atlanta & Kansas City got roughed up, all losing by at least 18-points. Not one of the games was even close. Pittsburgh surrendered 7 turnovers in their 35-7 whipping in Baltimore. These teams hate each other & Baltimore's 2-point conversion & 4th quarter deep throws just heightened the tension between these two AFC North rivals. It marked the 1st time the Ravens behind Joe Flacco had ever beaten a Ben Rothlisberger-led Steeler team. I can't wait to see the November 6th rematch in Pittsburgh.
So much for the big talk from Peyton Manning's teammates regarding his absence. They said, "we're not a one-man team," "we're pros too, we can step up & make plays too." Wrong, they got hammered by Houston 34-7. It was 34-0 at half. I didn't watch much of the game, so I can't comment on what happened in the 2nd half, but it looks like a long season for Colts fans.
Atlanta looked horrible in Chicago yesterday, nothing like the 13-3 team they were in 2010. It was 30-6 at the end of three & Falcon QB Matt Ryan had a very difficult afternoon. A lost fumble, an interception, sacked 5 times & knocked down another 11 times, it wasn't pretty. Jay Cutler had a decent game in his first start after injuring his knee in the NFC Championship game last January. Brian Urlacher scooped a Ryan fumble & returned it for a touchdown, grabbed an interception & led his team in tackles with 10.
For my review of the Chiefs' all-time worst beating in a home opener, scroll on down.
Rams lose & get beat up in the process.
It didn't go well in St. Louis' home opener versus the Eagles. Philly won 31-13, but the loss wasn't the worst news to come out of the Edward Jones Dome yesterday. Rams' QB Sam Bradford suffered some sort of an injury to his right index finger. X-rays were negetive but he said there wasn't much feeling in the finger, not good news. Slot receiver Danny Amendola suffered a dislocated elbow that included torn ligaments. He could be lost for the season. After rumbling 47-yards for a touchdown on the games first snap from scrimmage, Steven Jackson sustained a quad injury that sidelined him the remainder of the game. Also troubling was the offensive line of the Rams, thought to be pretty solid, gave up 5 sacks & 11 other hits on their quarterbacks. I don't know the exact number, but Rams receivers dropped a bunch of passes that should have been caught. Rookie TE Lance Kendricks, who had been sensational in the preseason, dropped 3 that I saw. The "Dream Team" Eagles looked so fast on that dome turf. I look forward to their Sunday night game in Atlanta next week. Jeremy Maclin even played a few snaps, catching one pass for 20-yards.
Lions looked like the real deal, the Bucs....not so much.
Nothing looks better to Detroit fans than QB Matthew Stafford standing tall into the 4th quarter. Keep him upright & the Lions can be competitive with anybody is the belief. He looked very good, throwing 3 touchdowns, two to Calvin Johnson. The vaunted Lion front four held Tampa Bay to just 56-yards rushing. Buc cornerback Aqib Talib, high-stepped it down the sideline with an interception for a score but the Lion receivers had the last laugh, catching 305-yards worth of passes. Kansas City is in for a long afternoon next Sunday in Detroit's home opener.
And the battle of Ohio goes to Cincinnati......really?
Really, rookie Andy Dalton threw a TD pass before being knocked out of the game just before half. He was relieved by veteran backup Bruce Gradkowski, who spotted a wide open A.J. Green for a 41-yard winning touchdown pass. Colt McCoy threw a pair of touchdowns but the Browns usually reliable ground game was shut down, gaining just 83-yards & a 3.2 average. Cincy wins the battle of Ohio 27-17.
Chargers overcome another special teams disaster thanks to McNabb
As I watched the opening kickoff brought back 103-yards for a touchdown by Minnesota's Percy Harvin, I'm thinking "here we go again." Special teams killed San Diego last season, probably kept them from winning the AFC West. But that wasn't the only issue. Charger kicker Nate Kaeding tore his ACL during the return & will be lost for the season. Punter Mike Scifres filled in admirably, kicking a 40-yard field goal & all 3 extra points. San Diego also lost starting defensive end Luis Castillo to a broken tibia. He could be back in 8-weeks. Donovan McNabb's Viking debut was dreadful, 7 of 15 for just 39-yards. He might just be done. Chargers win 24-17.
Cam sets rookie records in loss to Cardinals
In NFL history, only five rookie quarterbacks threw for over 300-yards in their debut. Make it six, with one exception, Cam Newton didn't throw for 300-yards, he threw for 422-yards. I've been tough on newton, but his first NFL start for a 1-15 team, on the road, in a dome, was amazing. He completed 24 of 37 for two touchdowns & 1 pick. He also ran for a touchdown. He looked to be in charge from the outset. New Arizona QB Kevin Kolb was even better, two long touchdown passes & no interceptions. The game was tied 21-all with 7:27 left in the game when Carolina punted to rookie Patrick Peterson. He returned it 89-yards for the game winner.
Don't kick it to Ted Ginn Jr. whatever you do.
With less than 4-minutes remaining in the 4th quarter, Seattle had just scored to close the gap to 19-17 at San Francisco. They kickoff & Tedd Ginn Jr. runs it back 102-yards for a score. less than 90-seconds later, the Seahawks forced to punt, kicked it to Ginn one more time. He took the punt back 55-yards for another score. Before the last 4-minutes, this game was almost unwatchable, 12 punts, 20 penalties & less than 450-yards total offense for both teams combined.
Romo hands a win to the Jets.
I've never been a fan of Tony Romo or Mark Sanchez. The main reason was on display last night. They make two great plays, then one terrible one. They commit too many turnovers & seemingly at the most inopportune time. They both lost fumbles in the 4th quarter, Romo's was at the Jets 1-yard line. Romo also threw an interception in the 4th quarter. The Cowboys had never lost a game they led by 14-points or more in franchise history. They have now. Sanchez threw his pick in the 3rd. In the end it was a 50-yard field goal by former Cowboy kicker Nick Folk to win it 27-24.
So much for the new kickoff rule hurting returns.
With all the negative talk regarding the NFL's new kickoff rule, we saw 3 kickoffs taken back for touchdowns in the first 14 games. Ted Ginn Jr, Randall Cobb & Percy Harvin all accomplished the feat.
Rich's Football Report on the Radio tonight at 6:10 CDT.
I hope you'll join me tonight, I know it's during the first game of the Monday Night doubleheader, but tune in if you can, either on KRMS 1150AM, 97.5 FM or live internet stream on the website at www.krmsradio.com Lots to talk about, I hope to have updated news on the injury situation for both St. Louis & Mizzou plus my take on what we saw yesterday at Arrowhead Stadium. We'll have a trivia question good for two rounds of golf at Old Kinderhook plus a $25 gift card for the Trophy Room restaurant & bar. Both are good for 1-year, so if you can't get down to the lake until next spring, you'll be setup for a great afternoon of golf on the most beautiful public course in the state of Missouri. Give me a call at 302-7000 locally or toll free at 877-330-1150. We'll also take email questions at www.live@krmsradio.com
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