With 16 games in the regular season, losing your first two isn’t a cause for panic, but it is a cause for concern. In the Week 2 edition of the Opening Drive, here are some teams who need to avoid an 0-2 start.
Carolina Panthers (0-1) at Atlanta Falcons (1-0)
What’s the over / under on Jake Delhomme interceptions in this NFC South match-up? I’m going to set that line at 2. Though after 9 picks (and 2 fumbles) in his last two games, I’m being generous. His leash could not be shorter. If Atlanta takes down the Panthers, they could share the division lead (or own it outright) after only two games. Expect heavy doses of both teams’ running attacks.
Just stay down Jake.
Houston Texans (0-1) at Tennessee Titans (0-1)
In this AFC South contest, the Titans may need a win more than any team this week. The Texans are used to being mediocre, but Jeff Fisher’s squad is coming off a season with a 13-0 start. Falling to 0-2 behind the Texans and Colts would dig them a shallow but ugly hole.
New England Patriots (1-0) at New York Jets (1-0)
Jets safety Kerry Rhodes says his team wants to “embarrass” the Patriots. We’ll remember that when Randy Moss, Wes Welker or Joey Galloway is burning you for a score. Honestly, no one needs to give Bill Belichick’s team more bulletin board material. With rookie QB Sanchez facing an exotic Patriot defense, this one could be over early.
Do you REALLY want to make Brady angry?
New Orleans Saints (1-0) at Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)
Now we’ll see if Drew Brees can rack up the same stats against a good defense as he did versus the Lions. Philly’s D is hard-hitting and aggressive, but their blitzes could leave openings for the big play. If Kevin Kolb ends up starting this one in place of Donovan McNabb, I don’t know if the Eagles can match points with the Saints.
Arizona Cardinals (0-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)
After dropping their opener to San Francisco, the Cardinals need this game to keep pace in the NFC West. Kurt Warner best find his offense again, or the Cards will be two games behind in the West race. Jacksonville’s owner is apparently already on Tim Tebow watch, thanks to their craptacular ticket sales and impending TV blackouts.
Back to the old Cardinals already?
Seattle Seahawks (1-0) at San Francisco 49ers (1-0)
Seattle sure looked great in their 28-0 whomping of the Rams. Now it’s time to test that resolve against Mike Singletary’s Niners, who just defeated the defending NFC champs. The prize at stake is an early lead in the NFC West.
Baltimore Ravens (1-0) at San Diego Chargers (1-0)
San Diego barely squeaked by the Raiders, while Baltimore had trouble with the Brody Croyle-led Chiefs. Both teams need to prove they’re better than those scores would suggest. Item of note: How many carries will Tomlinson lose to Darren Sproles? My guess is quite a few, bum ankle for LT or not.
New York Giants (1-0) at Dallas Cowboys (1-0)
In the regular season debut of the behemoth that is Jerry Jones’ new stadium, Tony Romo has to deal with the pass rush of the New York Giants. If they can stop the Giants’ rushing attack and claim victory, the hype will be back in Cowboy land.
Have fun watching the games this weekend, and tell your friends to check out my blog or follow me on Twitter @JoeAnello!
Keywords: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Drew Brees, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Jake Delhomme, Joe Anello, Kerry Rhodes, Kevin Kolb, Kurt Warner, LaDainian Tomlinson, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, NFL, Opening Drive, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Tim Tebow, Tom Brady
