The 2011 NFL season is 1/4 of the way complete. How have your favorite teams done so far? I'll start with the NFC (by virtue of winning the Super Bowl last season). Tomorrow, the AFC.
NFC East
Washington 3-1 PF 83 PA 63 Div 1-1 Conf 3-1
Analysis: With the problematic Albert Haynesworth gone to the Patriots and the QB drama around Donovan McNabb the Vikings problem, the Redskins are looking great. But there are some issues. While they're win over the Giants is their best yet, they average 3.5 points better than their last 3 games. Despite being 2-1 over that time, their opponents are a combined 3-9. As long as Rex Grossman can improve on his 989 passing yards , 6 TDs without throwing 5 INTs, he should do just fine with the arsenal he has. And with London Fletcher leading the defense, the playoff race is bound to be interesting.
Next 4 weeks: BYE, PHI (1-3), @CAR (1-3), @ BUF (3-1)
What to expect: Be wary of the Eagles. Forget the fact that they are struggling right now. It's a division game and we all know what happens with those. Remember the 59-28 beat down last year at home? Yeah, just be careful of that wounded animal. As far as the Panthers and Bills are concerned, this could be a tough 2nd quarter for the Skins to come.
NY Giants 3-1 PF 102 PA 87 Div 1-1 Conf 3-1
Analysis: Despite the loss opening weekend to the Redskins 28-14, the G-Men have bounced back with 3 straight wins. Eli Manning's 105.6 QBR, along with the defense forcing 6 fumbles (recovering 4) has the New York area hoping for a deep run in the postseason in the near future. Hopefully they will not have a late season collapse like they did in 2009, but you never really know the way this season has gone.
Next 4 weeks: SEA (1-3), BUF (3-1), BYE, MIA (0-4)
What to expect: The Seahawks look easy, but the G-Men can take it to them (assuming they take the Hawks seriously). The new look Bills will be looking for Super Bowl revenge (Super Bowl XXV). Just don't be surprised to see a couple of losses in the next quarter. Especially against the winless Dolphins.
Dallas 2-2 PF 99 PA 101 Div 1-0 Conf 2-1
Analysis: Let's face it, the Cowboys should be 4-0. We can harp on Tony Romo's 4th quarter ineffectiveness all day, but let's not repeat that same old song. In spite of offensive and defensive miscues, the Boys should be happy just to be at .500. The comebacks are not just the quarterback's fault, this is a team game after all. Hope things look better in the 2nd quarter of the season.
Next 4 weeks: BYE, @NE (3-1), STL (0-4), @PHI (1-3)
What to expect: If you think that the next two games after the Patriots are a cake walk, think again. If the 4th quarter woes continue... you think Jerry Jones will be looking to Andrew Luck??
Philadelphia 1-3 PF 101 PA 101 Div 0-1 Conf 1-3
Analysis: What's up with the "dream team"? Ever since Michael Vick's return to Atlanta, the Eagles have struggled to say the least. Despite outgaining the opposition 1336-1094, they have managed to commit 3 turnovers (5 INTs, 4 Lost Fumbles) each of those games. Is it time to panic in the City of Brotherly Love? It's a long season, so don't call them a bust just yet.
Next 4 weeks: @BUF (3-1), @WAS (3-1), BYE, DAL (2-2)
What to expect: The Bills game should be a defining game that should supposedly swing the momentum back to the wins column. But their next two divisional opponents are going to be the real test. Don't let the record fool you, this Eagle team could be back on the rise.
NFC North
Detroit 4-0 PF 135 PA 76 Div 1-0 Conf 3-0
Analysis: People have been saying all along that if Matthew Stafford stays healthy, then watch out for the Lions. Even though they were outscored 40-3 in the 1st half in their last two contests, they've outscored the Vikings and Cowboys 57-13 afterwards. Could they go to 16-0 after going 0-16 3 years ago? That would be one hell of a story. Especially since the Tigers are back in the postseason.
Next 4 weeks: CHI (2-2), SF (3-1), ATL (2-2), @DEN (1-3)
What to expect: Just because their next three are at home doesn't mean it's easy. Especially with the Bears. It's a division game, which means that all the numbers don't matter. The 49ers and Falcons are no pushovers either. And if the Broncos actually show up to the game, this could be an interesting next quarter.
Green Bay 4-0 PF 148 PA 97 Div 1-0 Conf 3-0
Analysis: The defending champs are just dominating. Aaron Rodgers ranks 1st in completion percentage (73.1%) and QBR (124.6) while the tandem of James Starks/Ryan Grant average around 4.8 ypc (77 carries). The defense has been great forcing the opposition to turn the ball over 11 times is saying a lot.
Next 4 weeks: @ATL (2-2), STL (0-4), MIN (0-4), BYE
What to expect: At this rate, it may be a while until they lose. The champs are looking good so far. But if I were the Pack, I'd be weary of the Vikings. Just saying.
Chicago 2-2 PF 94 PA 98 Div 0-1 Conf 2-2
Analysis: Now that Mike Martz's play calling authority stripped, the Bears offense can find some balance. In their first three games managed to run the ball 51 times for a grand total of 161 yards. Against the Panthers on Sunday, 31 carries 224 yards. Looks like Jay Cutler might have a chance to play the whole season after all. But the fact that the defense has given up over 24 points a game is a serious concern. Especially for Lovie Smith and his job status.
Next 4 weeks: @DET (4-0), MIN (0-4), @TB(3-1), BYE
What to expect: The next two divisional games will be interesting to see. But I'm interested to see how the offense performs over the next three weeks without Martz and what changes the defense are going to make to improve their playoff odds.
Minnesota 0-4 PF 77 PA 96 Div 0-1 Conf 0-2
Analysis: Even with the changes in personnel, looks like the same ole Vikings team from last year. To be fair they started 1-3, only to finish with a terrible 6-10. Or maybe Donovan McNabb can get his act together and string 12 wins in a row. Not likely to happen, but miracles do happen. Even though the Purple People Eaters win the first half with a score of 61-16, the second half and beyond has been an awful 80-16. Remember, there are two halves to a football game.
Next 4 weeks: ARI (1-3), @CHI (2-2), GB (4-0), @CAR (1-3)
What to expect: If the Vikings can play with some passion and finish off opponents, they could break even by the 2nd quarter. The Cardinals should be easy, but not to be taken too lightly either. They'll have their work cut out for them against the Bears and Packers. The battle between McNabb (or Christian Ponder) and Cam Newton should be fun to watch.
NFC South
Tampa Bay 3-1 PF 84 PA 77 Div 1-0 Conf 2-1
Analysis: If Josh Freeman's first Monday Night game (25-39, 314 total YDS, 2 TDS (1 rushing)) wasn't any indication that the Buccaneers are for real, think again. The fact last year was no fluke is proving to be true. Especially with how young their roster is (only two players over the age of 30), this could be a dangerous team now and in the future to come.
Next 4 weeks: @SF (3-1), NO(3-1), CHI (2-2), BYE
What to expect: We'll have to wait to see what the Bucs can do on short rest when they face the 49ers. Assuming everything goes well, the Saints game will be real fun to watch. Not sure how the Bears D' will handle Freeman, LeGarrette Blount, Preston Parker, Kellen Winslow and the rest of this promising offense.
New Orleans 3-1 PF 127 PA 98 Div 0-0 Conf 1-1
Analysis: It looks like the Saints could be marching into the playoffs for the 3rd straight season. But when it comes down to facing teams that are above .500, they've allowed 75 points. Their lone win was against Houston at home 40-33 in week 3. As far as I'm concerned, the Saints still have Drew Brees at the helm (QBR 102.9), and the tandem of Mark Ingram/Pierre Thomas/Darren Sproles rushing for a combined 454 yards (over 95% of their rushing) to get them in good position to win. The defense will have to step it up if the Saints are going to make a significant playoff run.
Next 4 weeks: @CAR (1-3), @TB (3-1), IND (0-4), @STL (0-4)
What to expect: The next 2 on the road at their divisional rivals is going to be a challenge. Especially with Cam Newton and Josh Freeman doing good in their own right. Don't count the Colts or Rams for that matter. Nothing comes easy these days.
Atlanta 2-2 PF 90 PA 105 Div 0-1 Conf 2-2
Analysis: Don't let the numbers fool you, the Falcons are still a good team. Despite the -15 point differential, they are 11th in passing yards (260.5 ypg) and 10th in rush defense (97.3 ypc). They've hadn't produced a consistent winning yet. Maybe Falcons should face teams that have a bird in their logo, they are 2-0 against them right now.
Next 4 weeks: GB (4-0), CAR (1-3), @DET (4-0), BYE
What to expect: If things keep going the way they are, you can expect the Falcons to go 1-2. Again, the defense will need to step it up to have a chance to make this an undefeated 2nd quarter of the season.
Carolina 1-3 PF 89 PA 102 Div 0-0 Conf 0-3
Analysis: Despite the team record, Cam Newton looks like an early favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year (97-163 1386 yards 5 touchdowns passing, 133 yards and 4 touchdowns rushing). But the Panthers are 31st in rushing defense (143.8 ypc). After a disappointing year last season, it might take some time for new coach Ron Rivera to turn them into winners this time around.
Next 4 weeks: NO (3-1), @ATL (2-2), WAS (3-1), MIN (0-4)
What to expect: This is basically a new team. It wouldn't be a surprise if the split these next 4 games, but don't count on it. As long as Newton doesn't hit that rookie wall, you can expect some more W's in their future.
NFC West
San Francisco 3-1 PF 94 PA 75 Div 1-0 Conf 3-1
Analysis: If you think it's a miracle that the 49ers are in 1st place, then you wouldn't be wrong. New coach Jim Harbaugh has gotten the best out of his talent. Even though the offense is 29th in passing yards (177.5) and 22nd in rushing yards (93.3), the defense has kept them in games. With the NFC West looking like they are going to be a weak division once again, the Niners look like they might be able to get away with that.
Next 4 weeks: TB (3-1), @DET (4-0), BYE, CLE (2-2)
What to expect: All that can be said is that there are going to be tough times ahead. But if they continue their play on defense and get their offensive numbers up... can someone say playoffs?
Seattle 1-3 PF 58 PA 97 Div 1-1 Conf 1-2
Analysis: If the Seahawks think they can go 7-9 and make it to the playoffs, think again. Pete Carroll and the Hawks will need the 12th Man at CenturyLink Field and a much improved offense (28th in passing (186.5 yds) and 31st in rushing (67.5 yds)) to make a second consecutive play appearance under Carroll.
Next 4 weeks: @NYG (3-1), BYE, @CLE (2-2), CIN (2-2)
What to expect: After their near comeback versus the Falcons last week, who really knows what Seahawk team is going to show up. Going up to Cleveland to face against old boss Mike Holmgren's team should be interesting.
Arizona 1-3 PF 86 PA 87 Div 0-1 Conf 1-3
Analysis: Looks like the Kevin Kolb trade is paying off. Yes, he thrown 4 interceptions, but his 80-130 1049 yards and 5 touchdowns have not hurt the Cardinals at all. 23 of those completions have gone to Larry Fitzgerald with 2 of them going for touchdowns. So why are the football Red Birds 2 games under .500? Being 26th in passing defense (282.2 yards) could be it.
Next 4 weeks: @MIN (0-4), BYE, PIT (2-2), @BAL (3-1)
What to expect: If the Vikings can figure out how to close out a game, the Cardinals could be 1-6. And that's factoring if the Steelers O-Line holds true and the Ravens stay consistent. Other than that, don't hold your breath Cardinal fans.
St. Louis 0-4 PF 46 PA 113 Div 0-0 Conf 0-3
Analysis: Looks like the Rams are going through a sophomore slump with Sam Bradford under center this season (2-2 last season). They finally had a decent outing against the Redskins losing by 7. But their first 3, they lost by an average of 20 points. Something's gotta give.
Next 4 weeks: BYE, @GB (4-0), @DAL (2-2), NO (3-1)
What to expect: If Bradford can get back to 100% and the anemic offense and defense can get their act together, expect some upsets. They have the talent and they have the depth, it's time for some winning to occur.
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