Is the NFC Going to Be Tougher Than Expected?

The entire NFL is shocked after the Tom Brady’s season-ending injury. The biggest contender coming into the season is now full of doubts and concerns.  Without Brady, their Super Bowl chances are dramatically drowned. Matt Cassell, who has been backing up ‘’the Golden Boy’’ for three years will have the starting job, while the Patriots are considering to sign a proved veteran.

It is the biggest story of the week, and maybe of the season. Nevertheless, another unexpected thing happened this Sunday in the NFL: Two average NFC teams went on the road to beat two AFC powerhouses. The Carolina Panthers upset the AFC Championship finalist San Diego Chargers, while the Chicago Bears held off the Indianapolis Colts in the first regular season game hosted at the Lucas Oil Stadium.

In a revival of Super Bowl XLI, the Chicago Bears played as they used to. Their offense did not commit mistakes, and the defense dominated the game and was able to put nine points on the board. The running game looked pretty good. Rookie Matt Forte had a dreamed debut in the NFL. The running back out of Tulane had 123 and one touchdown on the ground, and quarterback Kyle Orton had a solid day free of turnovers.

It’s their recipe to success. If they are able establish the running game, taking the  pressure off Orton’s shoulders, they will be succeeded. It will also keep the defense fresh, and the unit will be able to dominate again. Playing like yesterday, they are a big contender in the NFC.

The other upset of the week took place at San Diego, where the Panthers, without his all-pro wideout Steve Smith, were able to beat the Chargers. Jake Delhomme was special again, throwing a last-second touchdown pass which gave the victory to his team. Delhomme looked poised and confident. Above his dramatic ending, they were able to run the football, with 142 yards on the ground against a great Charger defense.

It’s a big win for this team. They reached the Super Bowl in 2004, and John Fox knows how to get the job done and win close games.

Apart from these two surprises, the Dallas Cowboys made a statement, collapsing the rising Cleveland Browns in Ohio. It was an expected W for Dallas; however, the way they dominated the game on both sides of the ball was impressive. Tony Romo dissected the Browns’ defense, as Marion Barber and Felix ‘’the new Jones’’ combined for 142 yards and three scores. The offensive line looked outstanding, giving Tony Romo the whole day to throw, and opening freeways for their running backs. Defensively, they also brought great things to the table, limiting the Browns to 205 yards of total ofense.

It’s a fact that the Bears, the Panthers and the Cowboys won big games yesterday, giving back some credit to the NFC. Moreover, Donovan McNabb had an impressive day, with 361 on the air. If he stays healthy, the Eagles have enough talent to do something special this year.

The Saints also had a good opener, as the beat the Buccaneers. After a disgusting 2007 season, the Saints looked like the team that played in the NFC Championship game a couple of years ago. Reggie Bush was a factor again, and Drew Brees dissected the Buccaneers’ defense.

After Sunday, and without forgetting the  defending Super Bowl champions as well as the other two NFC contenders such the Vikings and the Packers to still make their debut, it’s clear that the overall level of the conference is on the rise.

As said, the biggest story of week one is Brady’s knee, but meanwhile,the NFC made statements all day, showing the entire league that the conference is going to be tougher this year.

Period.