Cappers Buzz

Some Early Season NFL Musings 

Washington Redskins- Mark Brunell really needed that Houston game (22 straight completions at one point) for both his confidence and his job. However, it’s plain to see that this team lives and dies with Clinton Portis. On defense, FS Sean Taylor is the NFL’s most physically dominating defensive player, but the Skins’ corners have been average at best.. Taylor often attempts to overcompensate for this, and at times can be caught freelancing a bit too much, giving up the big play.  Have a feeling the Skins are going to be one of those teams that just barely misses the playoffs, but that no one wants to play at the end of the year.

Philadelphia Eagles- Donovan Mcnabb is the league’s 2^nd best quarterback right now behind Peyton Manning. Whether or not that can get Philly to the playoffs remains to be seen, as they are very beat up on defense. In case you’re wondering Brady, Palmer, and little Manning round out my list, with Hasselback, Leftwich, Favre, and Brees close behind.

Chicago Bears- Rex Grossman is better than I thought, and although not as talented, has a bit of Brett Favre in him. Chicago’s WR corps is vastly improved, and they are a legitimate threat in the NFC.

St. Louis- The Rams made a great hire in Dick Haslett as the defensive coordinator. St. Louis is getting constant pressure up front, and have held 3 pretty good offense to 322 ypg and 14.7 ppg.

New Orleans- New HC and OC Sean Payton’s play-calling has been top-notch, and the two-headed monster of Bush and Mcallister is working out better than just about anyone could have thought. Defenses already show Bush the respect of an NFL veteran, and fakes to him have resulted in big offensive gains for the offense. On defense, a very good DL, and decent secondary protects a mediocre LB corps. Rookie SS Roman Harper from Alabama has been very good thus far.

Atlanta Falcons- The Falcons showed Monday night that they are simply not a come from behind team. Even when Mike Vick does put the pass where it needs to be (50/50), these recievers are no lock to catch it. Their defense needs Abraham and Hartwell, and will be one of the NFC’s best if/when they return.

Pittsburgh Steelers- Big Ben is simply forcing too many throws. His ability to buy time and maneuver in the pocket is second to none among the big QB’s in the NFL, though. Not sure why Pittsburgh isn’t using WR Willie Reid more to return kicks, as he was one of the best I’ve seen in recent years at the college level at Florida St. This would let Santonio Holmes develop into the WR they think he can be. Run defense is as strong as ever at 78ypg and 3.2 ypr vs. some good RB’s.

Cincinnati Bengals- The Bengals still can’t stop the run, and the loss of LB Thurman now for the season really hurts there. He is an impact player on D. Will be interesting to see how man more 1reception days Chad Johnson tolerates before wigging out.

Jacksonville Jaguars- As physical as any team in the league, but really need future star Matt Jones to get healthy.

Miami Dolphins- The defense has shored up since the Pittsburgh game, but Culpepper looks horrible right now. Ronnie Brown has no running room, and teams are putting 8 in the box on first and second down. Can’t see this team challenging New England for the division crown like many thought.

New England Patriots- I see two problems for the Patriots thus far. The first is that Tom Brady simply lacks confidence in his new receivers, and is forcing things into the aging Troy Brown, or settling for Ben Watson and Daniel Graham underneath. The second is that the secondary can be had for big plays, and speed is an issue at the safety position. The good thing for Pats fans and bettors is that their coach and veteran players are good at fixing problems. Junior Seau is playing like the Seau of 7-8 years ago, and has been all over the field. Rodney Harrison looks OK but not great after returning from major knee surgery.

San Diego Chargers- Phillip Rivers’ has had his transition into the starter’s role eased by weak opposition, a rock-ribbed San Diego defense, and a running game that has averaged 218ypg thus far. All Rivers has to do is not make mistakes against most teams, and he’s had the luxury of playing with two huge lead in the Chargers’ two blowout victories. This week he finally gets a true test. The Bolts’ defensive front seven is top 5 NFL caliber even with the loss of LB Posey.