With some downright horrendous match-ups this weekend, this edition of the Opening Drive is shorter than usual. Just writing about Cleveland versus Buffalo would put me to sleep. Let’s get things going with the most anticipated games of week four!
Cincinnati Bengals (3-1) at Baltimore Ravens (3-1)
While it’s way too early for the winner of this game to be named AFC North champion, it will give one team a sizeable advantage. If the Bengals can pull off the victory, there will be no questions as to their legitimacy. Unfortunately, they’re facing a Ravens squad that is fuming after their loss to the Patriots last week. Ray Lewis and that swarming defense will try to make a statement at the expense of their division rival.
Atlanta Falcons (2-1) at San Francisco 49ers (3-1)
Fresh off of a bye week, the Falcons need to ramp it up a notch if they’re going to leave San Francisco with a win. Their running game has failed to produce at last season’s high level and Matt Ryan has not been getting the ball downfield. The Niners, on the other hand, just blanked St. Louis 35-0 in week four. Mike Singletary’s team is persevering despite a low-powered passing attack. Throwing safe passes, running the ball and not being afraid to punt have been the key to success in San Fran.
New England Patriots (3-1) at Denver Broncos (4-0)
Drama! The Patriots’ former QB coach and O-Coordinator Josh McDaniels welcomes his mentor Bill Belichick into Mile-High for an AFC showdown that could place his Broncos among the conference’s elite. Against Tom Brady and the Patriots offense, Denver’s defense will meet its biggest challenge so far this season. Without running back Fred Taylor, the Patriots will struggle on the ground, forcing Brady to air it out against Brian Dawkins, Champ Bailey, and the Denver secondary. Lucky for him he has Randy Moss and Wes Welker as receivers. This is without question the game of the weekend.
Happy times in Denver.
Indianapolis Colts (4-0) at Tennessee Titans (0-4)
Two teams at opposite ends of the AFC South will face off on Sunday night. Peyton Manning is MVP of the first four weeks, (alongside Drew Brees I say) leading his Colts to a 4-0 start yet again with his aerial assault. Tennessee is a disaster, with a porous secondary and middling pass rush. That spells death from above for the Titans on NBC. This one could be over by halftime.
Peyton: "Shouldn't I get paid as a player AND a coach? I mean, everyone knows I do both."
New York Jets (3-1) at Miami Dolphins (1-3)
On Monday night, the Jets will look to keep pace or pull ahead of the Patriots. The Dolphins just want to climb closer to .500. Mark Sanchez will need to rebound from a very rookie performance last weekend. He’s up against an underrated and pass-rush-happy Miami defense. Coach Tony Sparano wants his team to build off their 38-10 dismantling of the Bills last week in which Chad Henne was efficient and protected the football. His second start needs to be better if Miami is to win.
Other notes:
-Donovan McNabb is likely to return to action as the Eagles take on the Buccaneers. Nice slow warm-up.
-Washington heads to Carolina, where they have another shot to lose to a winless team.
-Houston versus Arizona could be fun to watch if the scoreboard lights up like we expect it to. No defense here.
Alright everyone, relax and enjoy another NFL Sunday!
Keywords: Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Bill Belichick, Carolina Panthers, Chad Henne, Champ Bailey, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Donovan McNabb, Indianapolis Colts, Joe Anello, Josh McDaniels, Mark Sanchez, Matt Ryan, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New York Jets, NFL, Peyton Manning, Philadelphia Eagles, Randy Moss, Ray Lewis, San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans, Tom Brady, Washington Redskins
