Week One Observations

Week one of the 2008 NFL season is in the books, and there were plenty of surprises. Of course the major headline of the weekend is the season ending knee injury sustained by Tom Brady that leaves the AFC wide open for anyone to take. Brady's injury reminded Bengals fans of a certain play involving Carson Palmer in the 2005 Playoffs. With Brady out, the Pats will rely on Matt Cassel who will make his first start next week since 1999 when he was a high school quarterback. New England should still be able to compete for the AFC East, just look for them to do it in a different fashion. Expect a lot more of Laurence Maroney and Sammy Morris running the ball as the Pats win some lower scoring games.

Some other notes from the weekend:

• After a year last season where there were several elite teams in the AFC (Indy, NE, Jac., SD, Pitt), this season is likely to have more parity and more mediocrity. The Colts looked average in their opening loss to the Bears. San Diego lost as time expired to a Steve Smith-less Carolina team. Jacksonville lost to the offensively challenged Titans. Indy might start to show some weaknesses on offense where Peyton Manning is still not 100% following off season knee surgery, and Marvin Harrison is beginning to look old. San Diego has nagging injuries to several of its stars, and they will always have to account for the Norv Turner factor whenever they play. Pittsburgh was one of the few 2007 playoff teams that looked dominant in week one. They crushed the Texans in a game where the Steelers much criticized offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage all day.
  
• Speaking of San Diego, Ladanian Tomlinson is 28, and he has a lot of wear on this tires. I think he will still be an elite running back this season, but this could also be the year when he begins to decline. With no Michael Turner behind Tomlinson, the Chargers may begin putting more pressure on Philip Rivers and their passing game.
• The Lions showed us this week why they are the Lions, getting beat down by the Falcons. Matt Ryan had a strong debut, and Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood ran wild on the Lions D. Throw in a sideline temper tantrum by Jon Kitna and this game had a very high entertainment value despite being a blowout.
• I am not sure if Jay Cutler is that good, or if the Raiders are still that bad. Cutler was flawless Monday night even without his favorite target Brandon Marshall who was serving a one game suspension. Rookie wideout Eddie Royal abused D'Angelo Hall all night, and he should pair nicely with Marshall to give Denver a talented receiving tandem. I did not think Denver was going to very good this season, but if San Diego stumbles, they could be right there to take the AFC West crown in the end.
• Dallas is the best team in football, making me very comfortable with my pre season Super Bowl pick. The Cowboys have so much talent on offense. They can beat teams any number of ways, either through the air to Owens, Witten, and Crayton, or on the ground with Barber and Felix Jones who was terrific in his NFL debut. Combine that with a talented defense, and Dallas could be in for a memorable season.
• The NFC West could have a division winner with a losing record. Seattle and St. Louis were destroyed by the Bills and Eagles respectively, and Arizona knocked off the 49ers in a game you would have to pay me to watch. Does one of these teams really have to make the playoffs?
• Aaron Rodgers made Green Bay fans forget about Brett Favre at least for one night as he led the Packers to an impressive victory over the Vikings. Rodgers was 18-22 for 178 yards and a touchdown, but more importantly, he had zero interceptions. He also ran one in and celebrated with his first Lambeau Leap. Ryan Grant looked solid, and Green Bay's defense held tough against Adrian Peterson. If Rodgers can just be decent this season, Green Bay should find its way back to the post season.
• Even though the Bengals suck, I still can't wait for Week 2.