NFL: Am I Buying It? A Weekly Discussion of the League's Key Events

Every week in the NFL, there seems to be many causes for arguments, many bold predictions, and copious stupid statements. So this weekly article is to key in on said arguments, predictions and statements in one succinct little package called "Am I buying it?". For AIBI? I'll provide 5 key talking points, from the previous week's NFL action (both on and off the field). Then put these topics into a generic statement, offering a bit of a debate (pro and con) on my part, before offering a "Purchasing Level" between $ and $$$$$: with $ being I'm not buying it/believing the hype, to $$$$$ which is me officially hopping on the bandwagon. So, without further ado, I present to you AIBI Week 2 statements...

1. The Steelers' D is the best:
Statistically speaking, the team they just beat, the Tennessee Titans owns the best D through 2 weeks. However, these statistics (the rankings) only really take into account YPG of passing and rushing yards conceded. That being the case the Steelers rank #6 overall, with #4 and #17 against the run and pass respectfully. So by this means, is still top draw, but THE best? To understand this, you have to delve deeper into the statistics. Most notably are tied 1st with for interceptions (4), for points allowed per game (10), for forced fumbles (5) and tied 4th with 6 sacks. To date though, what has set the Steelers apart from the other units in the higher echelons in all categories is 2-fold. Firstly, the stopping of Chris Johnson. Who hadn't been stopped for 12 games dating back to last season, and much more of last season too. But, also the lack of TDs given up. Through 7 quarters and 14 minutes off Football their D hadn't given up a score. This only changed when the former Steeler, Washington, scored in garbage time against the Titans. In conclusion though, there are far worse units than the Steelers this season, there's not many better. Others, like the Packers or AFC North rival Ravens, may lay claim to the best D, and could certainly see it to be the case as the season unfolds. But through 2 weeks, the Steelers' being the best D in the whole league, am I buying it? Yes. But, not fully blown...
Purchasing Level: $$$$

2. Michael Vick should start for the Eagles:
Last week the future of the Eagles away from McNabb started properly with Kolb getting his first start without #5 lurking around. What was by many seen to be a new and successful chapter in Eagles football, with the former Cougar taking the reins of a young offense, soon started to evaporate. As Kolb started 5/10 for 24 yards before being hit and concussed. Cue Michael Vick. Who promptly went 16/24, 175 passing yards and a TD, with 103 yards on the ground. Then with the rules on concussion requiring Kolb to miss the next start, Vick was due his first NFL start since 2006 in Week 2. The result? Another strong showing, 21/34 for 284 passing yards with 2 TDs, and 37 yards in the win over the Lions. So, with a strong showing in both relief and starting in place of, Kevin Kolb, Vick should be the permanent starter in Philly. Am I buying it? It's very much a "no, but...". There's a few reason to this stance. Vick is on the wrong side of 30 now, and that's not too bad in a pure pocket passer type QB, but, one who's main weapon was/is his legs with a suspect action, age will not be your friend. Secondly, Reid has said time and time again, that Kolb is his man. The "kid" (he's 26!) can play, shown by his back-to-back 300+ yard games last year, but needs a vote of confidence on his ability, not a 30 something lurking around again. Finally, the game in which he was far from good, came against the Packers, who's D is one of the highest ranked units in the league, and many people's Super Bowl pick for 2010. However, here comes the "but...", but, if Kolb continues to perform like he did in the early stages of that game, on a regular basis, you can't help but think about trying to see if Vick can continue his relief effort into permanent, season-long, form.
Purchasing Level: $$

3. Texans legit AFC-S/AFC contenders:
This one should seem like a no-brainer, as I tipped them to be my AFC South Champions before the season. So, after an 2-0 start, surely that position is re-affirmed? The Texans legit AFC-S contenders, am I buying it? You better believe it! They destroyed the Colts week one (who destroyed the Giants week 2), before traveling to Washington to beat a buoyant Redskins team in OT. They always say that the sign of quality teams is to grind out wins, and to win on the road, both of which the Texans did this week. They've got a nice healthy balance between run and pass now, with #1 ranked in the former and #6 ranked the latter, so #1 overall on offense. Add to the fact that they've got more receiving threat than just Andre Johnson now. On D they've got #2 ranked rush, but #32 against the pass. So, almost all factors working for them early in the season, and onwards to potential AFC-S champions. Also, that defense will get even better after week 4, when the 2 time(!) Defensive Rookie of the year, Brian Cushing returns to the fold after being suspended. But, AFC contenders, am I buying it? No. Firstly, there's a lot of football to be played between now and the AFC Championship game. But, secondly, and most importantly, they're still taking (relative) baby steps and a deep play-off run will be too far past them this season.
Purchasing Level: $$$$$ (AFC Contenders: $)

4. Brett Favre has "lost it":
So far in his unprecedented 20th season, Favre has only 1 TD pass to that of 4 interceptions. Thrown 396 yards at only 58.7% completion rate, a 56.1 QB rating, and seen his NFC contender Vikings fall to 0-2. Pretty disappointing reading for fans of the Vikings, or just the old man in general. So Brett must have lost his magic touch, right? Am I buying it? Not really. If you think about it realistically, the season Brett had last year as a 39 year old was one of his best seasons ever. Every player in the league, whether young or old, has trouble replicating their great form from the previous year. See how the 2,000 yard rushes do the next season (a la Chris Johnson this season). So, it was no surprise that Favre was going to struggle to 100%, even likely about 80%, repeat what he did for the Minnesota franchise last year. Beyond this, he's also 40. There's only a certain amount of times you can play to your utmost best, and have "magic" seasons like he did as a 39 year old. Finally, he's not getting as much help as he did last year. His favorite target, Rice, went down early. His other play-making target he developed a good rapport with, Harvin, has been struggling constantly with migraines and looks half the player that won last year's Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Rumors are circling that the Vikings could make a move for disgruntled Charger Vincent Jackson, if that surfaces, Favre's outlook could improve drastically. Maybe not to 2009 levels, but, shake off the "lost it" tag and calls from some quarters to see the old man benched.
Purchasing Level: $$

5. The 49ers are still going to win NFC-W:
Only 2 divisions haven't got a team with a winning record in through 2 weeks. Ironically, they're often dubbed the best (NFC-E) and the worst (NFC-W) divisions in Pro Football. So, how come these 2 divisions have no 2-0 teams between them? The experts would say the former, as the teams are all so good they'd all beat each other. With the latter, as the teams are all so bad they'd all beat each other! It's the latter we turn to now, and in particular the San Francisco 49ers. Many people pre-season had the 49ers all but sewn up the division after having a strong, young squad, coupled with the Cardinals' Warner retiring and key personnel loss, with the Seahawks and Rams making up the numbers. So, all of a sudden, after an 0-2 start, including a loss to division rivals Seattle, the 49ers are bottom in the NFC-W. But, they're still going to win the NFC-W, right, am I buying it? Perhaps. If they played like they did against the Seahawks, they won't. Especially on offense. But, in MNF 3 point defeat to the Saints, the offense showed more promise, with Gore getting it done on the ground. Smith still needs to limit mistakes, but, following on from the Rams' defeat to the Raiders (likely one of a handful of potential "wins" on their calender), the Cardinals complete no-show in Atlanta, and the Seahawks far from convincing loss in Denver means that the 49ers are only half a game out of the NFC West lead. As the most rounded team in the division, plus playing the others 5 more times, should see them do enough to usurp to the top of the pile come January. Also, likely that an 8-8 could well win the division, and like the Cardinals before them, seemingly win the division "by default".
Purchasing Level: $$$1/2