Joe's Final Drive: Week 2

Week two had its fair share of upsets and surprises. (Not the least of which were my Bears!) Let’s take a look at the week that was in my Week 2 edition of the Final Drive!

(2-0) Atlanta Falcons       28
(0-2) Carolina Panthers   20

That Matt Ryan kid’s pretty good. Atlanta’s acquisition of Tony Gonzalez could be the most underrated move of the offseason. For Carolina, Jake Delhomme only tossed one interception. I’d call that an improvement.

(1-1) Cincinnati Bengals   31
(1-1) Green Bay Packers   24

HA! That’s just embarrassing for Green Bay fans. You take down your division rival in week one just to fall to the lowly Bengals the next week. Carson Palmer hasn’t been himself for a few years; maybe this is the season he can get back on track as being one of the best QB’s in football.

(1-1) Houston Texans    31
(0-2) Tennessee Titans 24

I told you they needed this game, but that didn’t stop the Titans from giving up 357 yards passing and 4 touchdowns to Matt Schaub. After holding down the Steeler offense, Tennessee’s defense looked lost without Albert Haynesworth. Even Chris Johnson’s near 300 yards of offense couldn’t save them. Texans could be on the rise, but give it a week or two, then pass judgment.

(2-0) New York Jets             16
(1-1) New England Patriots   9

Shocker. Holding down Tom Brady and the Patriots to three field goals? That’s impressive. Rex Ryan’s defense is the real deal, but let's hold off on putting Mark Sanchez in the hall of fame. There’s still time, but things have to get right in Bean-town if the Pats want to win this division.

(2-0) New Orleans Saints 48
(1-1) Philadelphia Eagles 22

Kevin Kolb passed for 391 yards in his first start and LOST. That’s what happens when you get in a shoot-out with Drew Brees. He’s going to win that battle. Is there a better quarterback right now? The Saints should scare the jock straps off most teams.

(2-0) San Francisco 49ers 23
(1-1) Seattle Seahawks     10

Mike Singletary’s hard-nosed style has gotten the Niners off to a superb start. Frank Gore racked up 207 yards on only 16 carries. Matt Hasselbeck left the game with a fractured rib. If he’s out for any length of time, it could be disastrous for the Seahawks’ season.

(2-0) Baltimore Ravens     31
(1-1) San Diego Chargers  26

Uh… don’t look now, but the Ravens have an offense. Joe Flacco isn’t just “managing” the game anymore. In San Diego, what was Norv Turner thinking with that Darren Sproles run up the middle on fourth down? Shoddy play-calling.

(2-0) New York Giants     33
(1-1) Dallas Cowboys      31

The opening of “Jerry World” (or “Jerry Land,” who cares) didn’t go exactly as planned. Romo just looked lost at times as he threw three interceptions. Still, when you run for 251 yards, you should win. But Eli Manning and the Giants calmly came back and got the field goal to win it. He’s shaping up to be an elite QB.

(2-0) Indianapolis Colts   27
(0-2) Miami Dolphins      23

Another game where a team rushes all over their opponent and still manages to lose. The wildcat didn't net the Dolphins a victory. The Colts defense just couldn’t get off the field on third down, but they still had Peyton Manning. With few opportunities, Manning made the most of his time and put up 27 points with under 15 minutes in time of possession. Still, he scores too fast.

I’ll be back with the Opening Drive later in the week! Thanks for reading!