I have always loved pro football, but without a doubt this is the most interesting season I have witnessed in a long time. We are less than a month into the season and already I have noticed a ton of trends and surprises. The following are some simple random thoughts I have flowing through my NFL-loving brain.
1. Switching quarterbacks after only two or three games seldom works in the long run. There is a reason why Gus Frerotte has played for seemingly every team in the league. He is a solid backup who is capable of winning a game or two for your franchise, but you don't want him under center every week. That being said, I knew Jackson was a poor pick when the Vikings drafted him.
2. Reggie Bush is finally learning the NFL game. College fans and even some NFL fans underestimate how much more difficult it is to run the ball in the pros.
3. Matt Millen definitely needed to be fired by the Lions. However, the timing of the move seems strange. Considering the fact that he should have lost his job literally years ago, why make such a big move one month into the season?
It is going to be another long season for the underachieving Lions, so they should have made this move before the season or they should wait until the season is over. Detroit seriously needs to add cheerleaders so Lions fans will have some sort of distraction.
4. The Colts may have to make a decision before the season is over. I have always respected Marvin Harrison and he is still a good player. However, his knee injury has obviously slowed him. The team needs to move him to the No. 3 receiver position and move Gonzalez up to two. That guy has star written all over him.
5. Brett Favre made a huge mistake going to New York (yes, all of us saw this coming). His years with Green Bay were magical. Growing up in a small town, Green Bay was always the perfect environment for him.
New York has an entirely different breed of fans. The Jets do not have a lot of talent and haven't for years. Favre is likely to win only five or six games this year.
If the team ever reaches 2-6 or something like 3-8, they would be better off sitting Favre and getting Clemens some more experience (though I am not sure he is the answer either).
6. I have always liked Jon Gruden and his passion. However, with the exception of winning a Super Bowl with Tony Dungy's players, how much success has he had? Tampa Bay's offense has been mediocre for most of his tenure.
7. I knew Michael Turner was going to be a good pickup for the Falcons, but I predict Atlanta is about to start a long losing streak.
8. I am curious about the Titans' backup, Chris Simms. If Kerry Collins falters, would Fisher be tempted to give Simms a chance? If so and Simms did well, would that mean the end of Vince Young? Simms is certainly still young enough to lead a franchise for years to come.
9. Speaking of the Titans, is there a more underrated coach in the league than Jeff Fisher? Fisher's teams always play hard for him.
10. Eli Manning looks different this season. I see a confidence in him I have never seen before. Two years ago, no one would claim that he measured up at all to his brother Peyton. Now, I am starting to wonder if someday he can be as good, if not better.
11. My beloved Cowboys are 3-0 and I am relatively pleased with what I have seen so far. However, I can't help but think the team still needs another receiver and the defense is still bothering me. The pass rush is virtually non-existent.
12. There were a couple of exciting overtime games this past week. That being said, am I the only one that still gets annoyed by the overtime rule?
13. The Bengals played well on Sunday, but with the talent they have at receiver and quarterback (I still like Palmer), how does this team not throw for 300 yards every week?
14. While I like Michael Strahan as a broadcaster, there are too many people in the Fox NFL studio.
15. I know it is early, but how much better do the 49ers look with J.T. O'Sullivan at quarterback? I wonder if the Lions regret letting him get away, though I think Kitna is decent.
16. The game has truly passed Al Davis by and did years ago.
17. A friend of mine and I were talking about this. There was a time in the NFL when every team had a decent quarterback even if the team wasn't winning. Can you honestly name 10 quarterbacks in the league that you would consider solid as opposed to mediocre?
18. Is it me or are there too many NFL stadiums that don't really have a great atmosphere anymore? Where are all the team chants?
19. As much as I enjoyed watching the Patriots finally get defeated in an NFL regular season game, let's not read too much into it yet. I suspect the Patriots will regroup and go on another winning streak.
20. David Garrard is overrated.
21. The Denver Broncos have been a fun team to watch this year and Jay Cutler is starting to look like he has the right stuff. However, until the Broncos learn how to tackle someone the team will go nowhere in the playoffs.
22. Am I the only one that thinks Matt Hasselbeck's career will continue to decline? I know he has a ton of injuries which have affected him, but I have a feeling even when he heals up his career is on the downside.
23. If anyone deserves to win something big, it is Drew Brees. That guy is the epitome of class.
24. Kyle Orton is not any better than Rex Grossman. I think you could alternate plays and wouldn't be able to tell the difference over the course of a season.
25. Felix Jones has star written all over him.
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