NFL Week 1

Just some thoughts on what happened in Week 1, game by game.

Pittsburgh 13, Tennessee 10 (OT):
I watched this game, although on DVR. I got the impression that Pittsburgh played the better game, but wasn't necessarily overwhelming. Tennessee was getting pressure on Roethlisberger through most of the game, but couldn't keep it up for 4 quarters. Tennessee had their opportunities in this game and could have come out with a win had they capitalized.

Atlanta 19, Miami 7:
I didn't see this game, but the score is no surprise to me. Both of these teams were huge surprises last year with high expectations coming into this season. I kind of had the hunch that Atlanta would be the more likely of these two teams to live up to expectations.

Denver 12, Cincinnati 7:
The way Denver got this win seems a little bit fluky, but that's kind of how things work with the Bengals. I wouldn't be surprised if they finish with the worst record in the league this season. The Broncos didn't really show me anything that has me believing they'll be relevant this year.

Minnesota 34, Cleveland 20:
I did watch this game, and my impressions were that the 2nd half was about what I expected from the matchup. Brett Favre was essentially a game manager as Adrian Peterson really got going in the second half. Cleveland actually led in this game at halftime, but as I expected, the Vikings completely took over in the second half. My impressions of Brady Quinn are about the same as before, I don't think either he or Derek Anderson are the answer in Cleveland. When you have 2 quarterbacks, you have no quarterbacks.

Indianapolis 14, Jacksonville 12:
Historically the Colts are a high scoring offensive team, but the Jaguars certainly aren't. This matchup usually is close as it's an intense rivalry, so I don't think Colts fans have a great deal to worry about, yet. Even if I don't believe Jacksonville is a playoff contender, this is one of those games that the Colts just have to find a way to win.

New Orleans 45, Detroit 27:
This score is about what you would expect from this game. The Saints have one of the best offenses in the league, and the Lions have one of the worst defenses. The Saints are one of those teams that we really don't know what we're going to get from them this year, and the Lions aren't a great measuring stick so we will continue to wait and see on them.

Dallas 34, Tampa Bay 21:
The most encouraging thing about this game for Dallas is the fact that Tony Romo threw for 353 yards, and didn't appear to miss T.O. in the offense at all. Although, he did it against Tampa Bay who appears to be rebuilding this season. Dallas is another team that we will have to wait and see on.

Philadelphia 38, Carolina 10:
The biggest impression I got from this game is that Jake Delhomme is no longer a reliable quarterback at the NFL level. Between this game and their playoff loss against the Cardinals last year, he looks like he doesn't have much left in the tank, if anything. Good start for the Eagles, who come into this season with high expectations after last year's playoff run.

Baltimore 38, Kansas City 24:
I don't have a lot to say about this game besides the fact that Joe Flacco is for real. Kansas City kept this closer than I would have expected so we'll see if they turn into one of those teams that gives you everything you can handle, even if they don't have the talent to match up.

NY Jets 24, Houston 7:
This is the one that surprised me the most. The Texans have been hyped up as the team that potentially be a playoff dark horse in the AFC. On Sunday, they didn't look like it at all. Mark Sanchez showed a lot more than I expected from him, maybe that's why he's starting already instead of Kellen Clemens.

NY Giants 23, Washington 17:
Watching this game, I felt like the Giants were in control, but not really dominating. Not sure if they brought their A game. I didn't buy into Jason Campbell before this game and nothing about his performance made me change my mind.

San Francisco 20, Arizona 16:
Good win for San Francisco, bad loss for Arizona. The Cardinals needed to come out strong in their opener to establish themselves as legit, instead of the one year wonder that many people think they are. The season is not over for them by any stretch, but they have a long way to get back to where they were last year.

Seattle 28, St. Louis 0:
Nice way for the Seahawks to start the season, although against the lowly Rams. Some expect them to bounce back after a disappointing season last year and this game is a good sign of that possibility.

Green Bay 21, Chicago 15:
The worst thing about this game for the Bears was losing Brian Urlacher for the season. Jay Cutler's performance wasn't very encouraging either. Don't know that there is too much to read into on the Green Bay side. Many have picked them as a dark horse team to win the NFC North, although I am of the opinion that the Vikings are a little better.

New England 25, Buffalo 24:
The Patriots are probably just relieved that they came out on top in this one. To be down 11 at home to a team like Buffalo that few people have high expectations of is a bit of a disappointing performance. Sometimes the Patriots will do that though, and then come out with a big statement game so we'll have to wait and see what they do against the Jets.

San Diego 24, Oakland 20:
The Raiders showed me a lot more than I was expecting of them, but it still wasn't enough to get the job done. The biggest impression I had watching this game was that the Raiders passing game needs to improve significantly before they can expect to play with the top teams. For 3-1/2 quarters, San Diego's offense struggled to get going, but really came alive with 2 touchdowns in the last 5 minutes of the game. The Chargers have been a slow starting team the last few years, so for them to come out of this with a win is encouraging even if it was against an opponent most believe they should handle. Over the last 2 seasons, this is the type of game the Chargers would have lost early in the season.