NFL Week Five: What Did We Learn?

Well, with tonight's game on tap, let's do a recap of what we've learned from the games this weekend.

 

Titans vs. Ravens

A good grudge match, with both teams doing well to stop the other club. The Ravens seemed like they were itching to knock the Titans from the undefeated ranks...But Collins put together a drive to win the game. Simply put, the Ravens have a good defense...But they need to offense to win it.

 

Chiefs vs. Panthers

Take some Pepto, if you're a Chiefs fan, because this was an ugly game. Shocking, considering it had come after beating up the Broncos the week before. Kansas City's highlight was Tony Gonzalez's breaking Shannon Sharpe's career yardage record.

This game was all Panthers, straight out. Jake Delhomme is trying to look like he's coming all the way back from his injuries...And I don't doubt them making the playoffs at this rate.

 

Bears vs. Lions

This one could have used animals from the zoo and it would have been a better sell. The Lions, with Millen out, now need to finish cleaning house. The Bears, meanwhile, have found new life this season, thanks to Matt Forte. Kyle Orton's passing shredded the Lions for 300+ yards. Yes...The Lions are that bad.

 

Falcons vs. Packers

This game lost a little bit of it's luster, but still featured what many feel will be two QBs for years to come, Matt Ryan and Aaron Rodgers. Following a flurry of activity in the last quarter, the Falcons won on the road, by three points. Rodgers, it takes time to learn the system, you'll do fine. And Ryan? Congrats on winning in Lambeau. Good luck on doing it in the snow.

 

Colts vs. Texans

This has to be frustrating for the Texans. Leading in the fourth quarter, only to give up 21 points at the end of the game...This is their third straight loss in two seasons. It also doesn't help that now the Texans are being mentioned in the same breath as the Lions, Bengals, and Rams.

 

Chargers vs. Dolphins

Folks, anyone who plays the Dolphins had better figure out a solution to this "Wildcat" tactic...For it works. And now the Chargers are 2-3. So much for momentum after winning last week.

 

Seahawks vs. Giants

Ugh...I know Seattle is having problems...But this wasn't a game. By halftime, the Giants were up 27-6, and this was without Burress, their best offensive weapon. The Rams may be bad, but for one-win teams, the Seahawks and Chiefs have to be up there, too.

 

Redskins vs. Eagles

When I checked on this game, it looked like the Eagles were doing well...I was shocked by the final. Folks, the Redskins are ready for prime-time. And with three weak games coming up...Dare we say 7-1?

 

Bucs vs. Broncos

Denver did what it needed to do: Knock out Brian Griese. And Cutler didn't make a mistake. The loss of Griese may hurt the Bucs more than they realize.

 

Cards vs. Bills

Well, the Bills lost Trent Edwards and then lost the game, ugly. Off this performance, it's obvious how much Edwards means to the Bills They'd like to know how soon he can get back. The Cards, missing Boldin, found enough weapons to keep throwing to. I guess it's a good thing that Warner didn't retire last week.

 

Cowboys vs. Bengals

Do the Cowboys play this way just to keep it interesting? Or to make sure fans get all the game they paid for?

This game almost got tied up, except for a two-point conversion that failed. Then the Cowboys simply tacked up another TD to put it out of reach. Owens was happy, with a TD and lots of passes. The Bengals...Almost off the slide.

 

Patriots vs. 49ers

I had a problem rooting for either team. Not a 49er's fan, and not a fan of the Patriots. Either team had their chances, but the Patriots finally closed the door on this game, winning by nine. The 49ers are back down to 2-3.

 

Steelers vs. Jags

It's a good thing the Steelers' defense is this tough—It helps so the offense doesn't need to score so often. For the Jags, this has to be a rough season, with some good days, some bad days.

 

All in all, it was one of those days, for upsets, like the Chargers losing, or the Falcons upsetting the Packers at home. I'd still say, for a complete performance, the Panthers put on a clinic. Maybe Edwards should take his tape of the game and force his team to watch it, daily. And then don't repeat the performance. Ever.