NFL Preview: Week Three

With Week Three on the horizon, everyone is still talking about referee Ed Hochuli's inadvertent whistle on a fumble that eventually cost the Chargers a victory in Week Two at Denver. This was truly an unfortunate situation, and it proves that nobody, not even one of the best at his respective profession, is perfect. 

Everyone makes mistakes, it just stinks that it had to happen in a game-changing situation while the entire nation watched (the Patriots-Jets game had concluded and, at least in this region, we were switched to the conclusion of Chargers-Broncos).

From what I've read about Hochuli in the past, the guy is a perfectionist on the field and is probably taking the call really hard. At the end of the day, it is just a game, and unfortunately a lot of people forget that, including those who sent nasty emails to Hochuli when a San Diego newspaper posted his work email and address.

Yes, he messed up. But I think the bigger story here is the fact that some people take the game of football so seriously that they would stoop to the level of questioning the man's integrity or even worse. Grow up and get a life.

The world doesn't revolve around football, regardless of how much we all adore its presence every fall and winter.  


GAME OF THE WEEK: Steelers at Eagles

The battle for Pennsylvania bragging rights headlines the games scheduled for Week Three. Philadelphia will have to regroup in a hurry after Monday night's heartbreaking loss in Dallas to face a formidable foe at home.

The Steelers' defense has been very impressive in the first two weeks against Houston and Cleveland, teams that are expected to move the ball and score points, but this is a challenge on a whole other level.

Donovan McNabb appears to have rediscovered the magic that eluded him one year ago. 

Look for Pittsburgh to come out and try to establish the run as usual, although Willie Parker may have a tough time finding running lanes. At that point, Ben Roethlisberger will have to become a game changer instead of game manager if the Steelers hope to win. 

Philadelphia will must be creative in their playcalling to keep the Dick LeBeau-led Steeler defense guessing all afternoon long. I can see this game going either way, but I'll go ahead and pencil in the Steelers as my pick. 


Other top games


Panthers at Vikings

Brad Childress officially gave up on Tarvaris Jackson in favor of the ageless Gus Frerotte, who should be an improvement in the passing game, assuming he doesn't headbutt any concrete walls while in the process of celebrating touchdowns. 

Adrian Peterson is still the main man in their offense, but news broke today that his status is up in the air for Sunday due to a hamstring injury. That could spell doom for a team in desperate need of a victory. 0-3 squads don't come back to make the tournament very often.

Carolina hasn't won pretty in either of their first two games, but at 2-0, they have to be happy with their start to the new season. The offense has been effective without Steve Smith, and they should be even better when he is in the lineup this week. 

Saints at Broncos

I would tell the scoreboard operator in Denver to get ready to be busy during Sunday's game, but then I remembered the Broncos beat the Chargers 39-38 last week. While both of these teams appear to have an abundance of offense and no defense whatsoever, I don't expect this game to get that out of hand.

New Orleans will be trying to recover from a difficult loss in Washington, where the 'Skins outgained them nearly two to one. Washington amassed 455 total yards as well.

The Broncos need to just keep doing what they have done to put up 80 points in two games, and I think they should win this intriguing contest. Jay Cutler looks to be a breakout star in 2008, at least through two weeks. 

Jaguars at Colts

Jacksonville's injury-ridden offensive line seems to be destroying this team's chances at a great season, although it is still early enough to right the ship. The running game cannot get going whatsoever, putting too much pressure on David Garrard to be the main source of offense. 

They've scored 26 points in two games, and if not for Jack Del Rio having the manliness to go for it on fourth down on two separate scoring drives against Buffalo, the Bills likely would have blown them out of the stadium.

This is a must win game for them, and unfortunately, after falling behind 15-0 against the Vikings, the Colts seemed to rediscover their offensive groove and came back for the victory. 

If the Jaguars want a crucial road win, the defense will have to carry them by forcing turnovers, getting pressure on Peyton, and stuffing Addai. 

Cowboys at Packers (Sunday night)

As a Cowboys fan, my heart is still in my throat over the exciting game on Monday night against the Eagles. By the time I calm down, the intensity will probably kick back up a notch again, seeing how we can likely expect another shootout on Sunday night.

Dallas and Green Bay got into one last year at Texas Stadium, and I don't see why that couldn't happen again, unless the Cowboys' secondary shows a stronger ability to stop the pass. Terrence Newman has had another week to get fully healthy, so that will be a huge assistance.

The Packers were written off by a lot of people when Aaron Rodgers took over for Brett Favre, and thus far he has been magnificent. If they want to quell the doubters and prove they are an NFC contender, a win in this game would be an immense help. 

Jets at Chargers (Monday night)

The overwhelming theme of this week's big games has to be "0-2 teams who were expected to be contenders but instead find themselves in a must-win situation." First it was the Vikings and Jags and now the Chargers.

Granted, San Diego would have won if not for Ed Hochuli's inadvertent whistle in Denver, but they have to put that in the past and move forward. Most people still consider them the favorite in the AFC West.

The Jets, meanwhile, were not overly impressive against New England at home last week.  I know they want to be a run-first, grind it out team, but they are not going to make a playoff run unless they let Brett Favre do what he does best: gunslinging.

Get your mute buttons ready: Tony Kornheiser couldn't shut up about Favre during the Vikings-Packers game in Week One. Now that Favre will actually be playing while he calls the game, it can only get worse. Oy vey. 

And the rest of the slate

Bengals at Giants

For the past few seasons, the defense has been the problem in Cincinnati. Now, all of a sudden, the offense is struggling, and there won't be any relief to be found in the Meadowlands. 

Raiders at Bills

Buffalo has not been 3-0 since 1992 (a Super Bowl year), and considering the soap opera unfolding in Oakland and how well the Bills have played thus far, this game should put them there. 5-0 is a possibility, with St. Louis and Arizona trips to follow.

Texans at Titans

Following Hurricane Ike and an impromptu bye week, Houston has to travel to face the 2-0 Titans. Considering all the distractions, lack of game action for two weeks, and Tennessee's defense, it will be uphill battle. 

Chiefs at Falcons

Tyler Thigpen will be making his first career start at QB for KC, while Matt Ryan came back down to earth against Tampa Bay. I wouldn't put it past this game having more turnovers than points scored. 

Dolphins at Patriots

The teacher-disciple rivalry between Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick will be renewed this Sunday. Miami seems to be in just as bad of shape as they were last year, while Matt Cassel managed the game effectively last week for the Pats. 

Cardinals at Redskins

Kurt Warner and the Cards offense looked almost unstoppable against the Dolphins, but traveling to visit a Redskins team that found themselves last week will be a true early-season test. 

Buccaneers at Bears

After seeing the old SNL sketches featuring Chris Farley as one of the Bears' Superfans for the first time this summer, that is all I can think about when I think of "Da Bears."

Devin Hester has a rib injury that may limit him in this game, and considering the combination of Chicago's mediocre offense and Tampa Bay's good defense, that could be the deciding factor.

Rams at Seahawks

No one has gotten pushed around as much as the Rams in the first two games, and now they are rewarded with a trip to Qwest Field. If they do have hope, it lies in the fact the 49ers actually were able to win there last week, and Seattle has resorted to Koren Robinson and Keary Colbert at WR. 

Lions at 49ers

It's the Mike Martz Bowl! I don't know about you, but I think I'd rather be hit repeatedly with a bag of oranges than watch these two impressive squads square off. 

Browns at Ravens

Baltimore fans and players are probably a little tiffed about having their bye week rescheduled for Week Two, but that's life I guess. But it's back to business against a desperate Cleveland team at home.