The Opening Drive: Week 3, 2011

We’ve got some week three action on tap in the NFL! Division rivalries, rookie quarterbacks, and a crapper of a Sunday-nighter are on deck. Let’s start The Opening Drive!

(2-0) Houston Texans at
(1-1) New Orleans Saints

Arian Foster’s going to be sitting this one out, so but the Texans’ running attack won’t miss as much of a step as you would think. Though to be frank, I’d be shocked if there’s more than 15o yards rushing between these two offenses. What would be the point? If you want aerial assaults, this is the game for you. I can’t believe in Houston yet… but I might start feeling differently if they can take it to the Saints on the home turf.

Man, we just barely missed out on the utter boredom that would’ve been a week without Michael Vick in the NFL. You should feel lucky. Vick’s return from a concussion means he’s completely cleared to play, but against the Giants’ front four he could be in trouble again this week. That Eagle offensive line is way too suspect to keep Vick safe in the pocket. Philly’s only saving grace is that the Giants are too inconsistent on offense to keep up.

Rookie fight! I don’t even want to talk about the match-ups. I just want to discuss Blaine Gabbert’s hair finally getting the spotlight it deserves. …But if Cam Newton can figure out how to throw for 400 yards and win, perhaps that spotlight gets re-directed.

(2-0) New England Patriots at
(2-0) Buffalo Bills 

When’s the last time THIS match-up featured undefeateds? Or was even that relevant? Well… it still might not be that relevant. We’ll find out. But if the Bills are going to break the 0 for 1000 streak they’re on against Belichick’s Pats, today has to be the day to do it. A home game against a depleted Patriot defense? Now or never. (Or next year.)

(0-2) Miami Dolphins at
(1-1) Cleveland Browns

Last second news on this one, Peyton Hillis is out with an illness. That officially means this game gets nowhere near my television.

(2-0) Detroit Lions at
(0-2) Minnesota Vikings 

On the other hand, I would LOVE to watch the Lions rip the Vikings apart. It would just be fitting and crazy entertaining. That secondary is about to get torched by Stafford and company. And then the Lions will be… 3-0? Wait… that can’t be. Detroit has to lose today… they HAVE to.

(1-1) Pittsburgh Steelers at
(0-2) Indianapolis Colts 

HAHAHAHAHAHA. Thanks to NBC for essentially giving me a night off. This game should be that one-sided.

(2-0) Washington Redskins at
(1-1) Dallas Cowboys 

Tony Romo, God of the Gridiron… and apparent superhero, healed from a punctured lung in five days. I think he’s Wolverine. Anyways, this NFC East rivalry reignites as the ‘Skins try to take a 3-0 lead in the division. That defense is going to provide stiff resistance to Romo, but for some reason I’m feeling the Cowboys today. Odd, I know. Maybe I’ll feel differently Monday night and I’ll come back and edit this to make a different prediction. Giggity.

That sets the table for week three! Get your pigskin on!