NFL Open Thread: Week 1
posted at 11:14 am on September 13, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
We’re back to the regular season of the NFL, which means I get to have my Sunday football posts again in 2009. The first week got off to a great start, as the Steelers jumped to the lead in the AFC … because they played on Thursday, which I almost missed until someone on Twitter wondered why I was so quiet about the game. I tuned in during the second half and watched Pittsburgh beat Tennessee in overtime, 13-10. Hopefully, the defending Super Bowl champs won’t make the rest of the season so … exciting.
I’ve spent the last few weeks watching Hard Knocks on HBO, the show that follows one team through training camp. This season, HBO chose the Cincinnati Bengals, Steeler rivals, which made it difficult for me to cheer for anyone in that camp. It’s a good show, though, and if nothing else it reminded me why I dislike Chad Johnson Ochocinco. Cincinnati plays Denver today, and I’ll take Denver for lots of reasons, including divisional rivalry.
Other key games today:
- Minnesota at Cleveland – The Browns are about as hapless as anything south of Detroit. They’ll start Brady Quinn, the former Notre Dame star, but don’t expect Quinn to rescue the Browns from a tough Vikings defense. Brett Favre could take half of this game off, too, and the Vikes should still clobber the Browns. Big question – will the Browns score their first TD in regular play since last November? Big answer: No. Vikes, 24-6.
- Philadelphia at Carolina – Donovan McNabb returns, with Michael Vick as backup. Carolina will be tough this year, but so will Philly. I’d guess at a close game, with some decent scoring. Philly wins, 30-24, with the Panther home crowd barking at Vick about 600,000 times.
- Washington at the NY Giants – A grudge game so early in the season? Giants win this one fairly easily. Eli Manning will have a big game, 28-14.
- San Diego at Oakland – Oakland sold out its Monday night game, which is great for television viewers in the bay area, since they can watch San Diego thrash them from the comfort of their own living rooms. 35-17, San Diego.
- Detroit at New Orleans – Can Detroit win its first game in almost two years on the road against the Saints? They don’t have a prayer. 27-10, New Orleans.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »
Go NYG.
JammieWearingFool on September 13, 2009 at 11:17 AM
Football Season!!! All is right with the world again. (at least for a few hours today).
proudteadrinker on September 13, 2009 at 11:17 AM
Bears vs. Packers
This is a big one in my house.
sammypants on September 13, 2009 at 11:18 AM
Go CHARGERS!!!
Seven Percent Solution on September 13, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Go Bears.
BuckeyeSam on September 13, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Sure. RUB IT IN.
Steelers only beat us in OT. SO THERE!
And no… I am NOT BITTER!!!!!!
;)
powerpro on September 13, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Hear, hear, Ed. Unfortunately with Polamalu out 3 to 6 weeks, every Steelers game is likely to be very “exciting.”
Howard Portnoy on September 13, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Miami at Atlanta Atlanta
Dallas at Tampa Bay Dallas
Minnesota at Cleveland Minnesota
Denver at Cincinnati Cincinnati
Kansas City at Baltimore Baltimore
Detroit at New Orleans New Orleans
Jacksonville at Indianapolis Indianapolis
Philadelphia at Carolina Philadelphia
New York (AFC) at Houston Houston
Washington at New York (NFC) New York (NFC)
St Louis at Seattle Seattle
San Francisco at Arizona Arizona
Chicago at Green Bay Green Bay
Buffalo at New England New England
San Diego at Oakland San Diego, 27 – 10
TheBigOldDog on September 13, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Vick won’t play, he’s ineligible until week 3. He probably won’t dress, although maybe he’ll be on the sideline
phillypolitics on September 13, 2009 at 11:25 AM
It’ll come down to the rams/lions in the ‘best draft choice’ bowl….
right4life on September 13, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Let’s hope it stays that way; go Stillers!!
Scott P on September 13, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Watched the Steelers game Thursday. Have to say for the first game of the season I was impressed at the agressiveness and the “leave it all on the field” attitudes of the players on both sides. Good game.
Christian Conservative on September 13, 2009 at 11:27 AM
J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets !!!!
I only hope Ryan is just like Daddy, and Sanchez don’t turn out to be dirty…..
Jerome Horwitz on September 13, 2009 at 11:28 AM
I afraid to say it buy my Broncos might be in the running there too…..
proudteadrinker on September 13, 2009 at 11:28 AM
good grief I AM afraid to SAY it but……crimeny my typing is bad tody
proudteadrinker on September 13, 2009 at 11:29 AM
I know you are having fun but you reminded me of LSU’s Les Miles stating in 07 I think that they were undefeated in regulation. Funny when tied the game ends after OT and a loss is a loss.
Steelers have won about 2/3 of the games Troy has missed in the past. They with our without him have a great defense. 3 of their next 6 games are against Cincy, Cleveland , and Detroit. That is some good eatin!
CWforFreedom on September 13, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Go Giants!!
cubachi on September 13, 2009 at 11:35 AM
My Raiders could race you to the bottom. -_*
thomasaur on September 13, 2009 at 11:37 AM
LOL Yep.
Truth is we just made too many stupid mistakes and the Steelers are a great team.
I still hate to lose. *grumbles* :)
powerpro on September 13, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Colts baby Colts!
ohiorebel on September 13, 2009 at 11:38 AM
Go Vikes!
And big shout out to my Gophers who won the first game in their new beautiful stadium – yeah!
gophergirl on September 13, 2009 at 11:42 AM
GO BRONCOS!
scalleywag on September 13, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Daaaa Bears!
VanPalin on September 13, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Should be interesting to see if the Saints can keep their running backs healthy,
Del Dolemonte on September 13, 2009 at 11:53 AM
GO COLTS!
marmaran on September 13, 2009 at 11:54 AM
I’m taking odds as to how long Buffalo lasts before a major Terrel Owens implosion. He’s a great athlete, but has never cared for anyone or anything NOT named Terrel Owens.
With the Fills starting the season on Monday Night Football, against the Patriots, and with a suspect O-line, no Offensive Coordinator, (Alex Van Pelt is calling plays in.. YIKES!) and trying to reinvent the old “K-Gun” offense, folks oughta have a whole bucketload of popcorn ready.
I give the Bills 3 games before reality sets in and TO explodes.. :)
AW1 Tim on September 13, 2009 at 11:58 AM
My Oregon Ducks got their feet back underneath them last night so now I am ready for the Seahawks to thrash the Rams.
The Hawks are poised to romp this year. Last year’s crummy season was due to injuries and not talent. However, it gave the Hawks some great draft choices and a schedule against teams that were combined under .500 last season. The Seahawks will win the NFC West easily and have a great chance to have home field through the playoffs. They just have to deal with the pesky regular season. Go Hawks!
Exit question: Hey Ed, why are you a Steelers fan if you are living in Minnesota? What happened to the Vikings? I must have missed the back story.
Mallard T. Drake on September 13, 2009 at 12:01 PM
Well, at least my hapless Lions can’t do any worse than they did last year. The only thing that worries me is they may do no better than 0-16 again. At least they’ve won an NFL title in my lifetime. Pity I can’t remember it, since I was two years old at the time. Good luck to all of you with decent teams to cheer on. We’ll make it to the Superbowl someday, too. Just not anytime soon.
waltj on September 13, 2009 at 12:10 PM
Go REDSKINS!
Been a skins fan for Decades and we know the Giants better not look past us…
Conservative Ivan on September 13, 2009 at 12:10 PM
College football is more my thing (GO HUSKERS!), but it sure is nice having football everywhere again. All is right in my world!
KellyBomelly on September 13, 2009 at 12:11 PM
Hope Troy Polamalu makes it back soon. Good “exciting” game.
Zorro on September 13, 2009 at 12:16 PM
I’m somewhat optomistic about my 9ers. They got AZ today, so we’ll see. GO 9ERS!
Sanjoboy on September 13, 2009 at 12:22 PM
GO COWBOYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AMERICA’S TEAM!
txag92 on September 13, 2009 at 12:24 PM
Notice has been served:
HERE WE GO STEELERS…HERE WE GO…
Troy..we luv ya
DEEEEEEEFENSE
IT’S ON..FOR REAL/FOR REAL
JJKRN on September 13, 2009 at 12:24 PM
hello.
SHARPTOOTH on September 13, 2009 at 12:25 PM
Ryan newman #39 go army, I would love to say go eagles,but I am still to ashamed of the con-vick acquisition.
SHARPTOOTH on September 13, 2009 at 12:29 PM
GO SEAHAWKS!!!!!! new coach/staff- will be exciting to see them this season.
hawkman on September 13, 2009 at 12:29 PM
Sigh. Jaguars fan here.
It’s going to be a long, quiet season at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, I’m afraid. Jack Del Rio is driving me nucking futs. I really miss Tom Coughlin. A Coughlin team wouldn’t have been down this long. He got the MSM treatment from the Jax hacks (Prisco and Freeman, I’m looking at you. Idiots.) about how mean he was to the poor little professional athletes and his popularity sunk like a stone. A couple of losing seasons didn’t help, but the garbage they squeezed out was the real catalyst for his firing. They just resented not being given the run of the place. They actually had to WORK to get a story, and you know how “real” reporters feel about that particular four-letter word. It’s the only one they don’t like.
Anyway, I think if Maurice Jones-Drew can stay healthy, we can go maybe 7-9 this year. Any more than that would be gravy.
Go Jags!
mikefln on September 13, 2009 at 12:30 PM
shhh…..me too.
becki51758 on September 13, 2009 at 12:32 PM
GOOOOOOOO.
SEEEEEAHAWWWWWWWKS.
I’m not sold on Mora, yet, but I like him more than I liked Holmgren (which isn’t saying much).
Editor on September 13, 2009 at 12:35 PM
I forgot to add – as much as I despise the Pats (Bruschi’s retirement was the high point of my offseason. Sue me.), I’m secretly rooting for them this season. Fred Taylor deserves a ring. He was a consummate pro and a class act his entire career with the Jags, not to mention one of the best (and most underrated) backs of the last 10 years.
mikefln on September 13, 2009 at 12:39 PM
Ed, I believe in HopenChange. Detroit….Yes.They.Can!!!! They can’t stop us – let’s go get this done.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on September 13, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Interesting thing about Troy and the Steelers. He played in 16 games last year and also in the season that they won Super Bowl XL. The years in between he did not .
CWforFreedom on September 13, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Grhhhhh
He was my Running Back in fantasy football in 01. I will hold that against him forever. He played in two games and was injured.
CWforFreedom on September 13, 2009 at 12:48 PM
Oh yeah, I bleed silver & blue!
Now if only my freaking cable would come back on… fine all morning til I get back in from mowing the lawn, just in time for kickoff… arrrrggggghhhhhh
red winger on September 13, 2009 at 12:49 PM
GO CHARGERS!!!
FontanaConservative on September 13, 2009 at 12:53 PM
I am a sucker for punishment…
Go Chiefs and Cardinals!
And ANYONE but the Raiders, Broncos, Cowboys, or the Patriots. I automatically root for these teams opponents, unless they are playing each other… then I root for a natural disaster (J/K) unless the game affects the Chiefs or the Cards.
Wolftech on September 13, 2009 at 12:56 PM
GO PATS!!!
GO BEARS!!!
blr2449 on September 13, 2009 at 12:58 PM
GO GIANTS!!!!
O/T I am suddenly having trouble logging in & commenting. Is there something I should know?
Willie on September 13, 2009 at 1:06 PM
J! E! T! S!
JetBoy on September 13, 2009 at 1:12 PM
“Football players”, the professional ones, are a product sold to a somnolent public.
Wealthy men trade humans like marbles to fill their teams. The average lifespan of an NFL player is two years before an injury puts them into medical retirement. So short are the professional lives of these men that we no longer cheer particular players (and their private lives often are nothing to cheer about) because they don’t last long enough to have a “career”. We cheer “Teams” that have traded in new players to replace those deed less worthy.
The criminal element and corruption is also disappointing. Shooting, stabbings, drugs, rape, child abandonment, you name it, these over driven “players” run the whole course of human depravity. Recently a sports magazine did an article on which player had the most out of wedlock children. That leaves out players like Michael Vick, who runs a racket outside of his professional job promoting dog fighting, and had a break in his career to serve his time before being signed to the next sports team. Good role model to pass onto the next generation.
Then their is the racial aspect. Whites overwhelmingly own the teams. The players are overwhelmingly black. The fans, support companies, promoters and video companies are overwhelmingly White. Doesn’t that make whites a little like Michael Vick?
I am sorry if my rant has lessened the mood here. GO Whatever Team is in my Town! Yea!
GunRunner on September 13, 2009 at 1:14 PM
Yeah, I tried to leave comment, and got “You’re not allowed to leave comments” message…As I couldn’t have possibly said anything to get me banned (I would hope) I logged out, and back in again…it seemed to work (if this posts…)
JetBoy on September 13, 2009 at 1:15 PM
Steelers won Thursday, it’s all just post-game entertainment today.
jaime on September 13, 2009 at 1:20 PM
Child please. Kiss the baby.
El_Terrible on September 13, 2009 at 1:21 PM
As a Dawgs fan, I think Stafford is the real deal and hope he will help turn things around for Detroit.
Thank goodness the Vick days are behind us in Atlanta!
Ed, I can see the back of Hines Ward’s Atlanta area house from the back of my house. Saw him at the bank this summer with his son.
reallyfive on September 13, 2009 at 1:28 PM
Already 14-3 Saints, and there are still 5 minutes left in the first quarter!
Del Dolemonte on September 13, 2009 at 1:31 PM
Men of Steel!!!
Grew up in Dallas, dated a son of a coach in the Landry era, will NEVER cheer for the ‘Boys till Jerry Jones sells the team. He is a horrible man, no class. His son is just like him as well.
There, that was my bitter spew for the week.
catlady on September 13, 2009 at 1:34 PM
Drew Brees is da bomb! ‘Wish my ‘Skins had him.
Y-not on September 13, 2009 at 1:35 PM
Alright! I wondered if Ed would put up an open thread today.
GO BOYS! BEAT THE BUCKS!
conservnut on September 13, 2009 at 1:40 PM
Wow. With Childress coaching the Queens, we could be alone in first after whoopin Dabears tonight. GO PACK!!!!!
oakpack on September 13, 2009 at 1:42 PM
Wow… trolls can’t even leave a fun Football thread alone without being political…
Wolftech on September 13, 2009 at 1:45 PM
Glad to get the heartburn over early this opening weekend – Steeler Fans for life we are used to working hard through every game. Add to that, our local pro team – USC had to take it to the final minute last night and no wonder I use haircolor more frequently now.
Well, Ducky, it is like this for us, Hubby born in Pittsburgh and by local ordinance, you and all family to three degrees of separation “must now and always be supportive of and fans of the Steelers” and must make every effort to attend or view all games regardless of where you are in the world. Our son had to find the game in Munich – and did!
InTheBellyoftheBeast on September 13, 2009 at 1:45 PM
I’m REALLY rooting for the Detroit Lions.
FontanaConservative on September 13, 2009 at 1:45 PM
It’s a lib thing. They relish being miserable and enjoy pissing on everyone’s good time. It don’t work on me.
conservnut on September 13, 2009 at 1:49 PM
It’s a lib thing. They relish being miserable and enjoy pissing on everyone’s good time. It don’t work on me.
conservnut on September 13, 2009 at 1:49 PM
So, they’re all Detroit or Minnesota fans?
oakpack on September 13, 2009 at 1:52 PM
He’s still Chad Johnson and he’s still a putz.
packsoldier on September 13, 2009 at 1:54 PM
Ha, no redskins
conservnut on September 13, 2009 at 1:55 PM
I like the cut of your jib, sir! Go Pats!! Go Bears!!
califcon on September 13, 2009 at 1:59 PM
pittsburgh plays in a division with ballmer, cinci and cleveland. Nice to start out with 6 freebies each season.
rightside on September 13, 2009 at 2:03 PM
Just another good reason to detest leftism with every fiber of my being. To be fair though, my voice teacher is a fellow Packer fanatic and good friend, despite being a pinko liberal. She’d have no problem recognizing “gunrunner” as a frothing-at-the-mouth schmuck.
packsoldier on September 13, 2009 at 2:04 PM
As the way it should be packsoldier.
oakpack on September 13, 2009 at 2:08 PM
I am hardly a troll.
Conservative to the core, Palin loving, Reagan worshiping, George Washington saluting, salivating American.
I just hate blood sports
GunRunner on September 13, 2009 at 2:13 PM
Wow, our offense and defense look PIT-E-FULL! About the only shining light in that first half is our punter.
conservnut on September 13, 2009 at 2:15 PM
conservnut on September 13, 2009 at 2:15 PM
Maybe I should be glad my TV is still out?
It’s bad enough I have to keep seeing — incomplete — incomplete — incomplete watching the play-by-play tracker on NFL.com
*shakes head in disgust*
red winger on September 13, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Well, we had a little shining light on offense before the half. But our defensive secondary looks lost out there. They better get their act together.
conservnut on September 13, 2009 at 2:32 PM
FAIL
DA BEARS!
Rusty Shackleford on September 13, 2009 at 2:37 PM
I’m glad to see that the Eagles got over their fist quarter stupidity. Hopefully this year they’ll remember that they still have to play after the 3rd quarter is over.
Beaglemom on September 13, 2009 at 2:37 PM
Vikes win today!!!
feedercattle on September 13, 2009 at 2:44 PM
I don’t know that I have much confidence in Wade “The Marshmallow Man” Phillips laying down the law during the half. And that bend-but-don’t-break style defense he throws out there way too often is a nightmare.
Let’s just hope the offense gets on track and out guns Tampa today.
(Oh, and now that the TV is back I see that we are getting the Eagles game, not the ‘Boys… just wonderful)
red winger on September 13, 2009 at 2:49 PM
I have to say it…the Eagles looked good after they got the ball. 3 TDs in 5 minutes. Just sayin. ;)
becki51758 on September 13, 2009 at 2:54 PM
I live in the Texans realm of influence. If they are playing at the same time as the Cowboys they block the Cowboy game even though they are on a different network. Chaps my behind!!! The only reason I am seeing them today is because Direct TV is having a free NFL season ticket weekend.
By the way WHOOP, big touchdown by the boys!!!!
conservnut on September 13, 2009 at 2:54 PM
Sanchez looking AWESOME today! Gang Green crushing Houston!
I’m a happy dude…
JetBoy on September 13, 2009 at 3:00 PM
I am too, even though I live just 30 miles north of Houston. Reasons listed above.
conservnut on September 13, 2009 at 3:03 PM
I realize it’s poor form to quote your own posts, but after watching the first 3 quarters of the Jags/Colts, I think I’d better revise my position. It’s just ugly. This looks more like a 4 to 5 win team at best.
Oh well. At least I’ve still got the Gators.
mikefln on September 13, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Understood. I got Brady’d last season.
mikefln on September 13, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Oh man that sucks having to put up with the Texans over the Cowboys.
I’m up in MA, so I am at the mercy of Fox on cable if I’m at home. My buddy with the satellite package is out with his wife and her god-daughter today *makes whipping sound* for her b-day, so I’m waiting for him to get home.
Things are looking better though. The passing game seems to be working out the kinks, the D seems to be getting stops — I’m hopeful getting hopeful here.
red winger on September 13, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Yep, we are just playing against the zebras now.
conservnut on September 13, 2009 at 3:20 PM
BREAKING NEWS:
The Detroit Lions still suck! Tough to be from Detroit sometimes…
theblogprof on September 13, 2009 at 3:30 PM
Go Cardinals!
MeAlice on September 13, 2009 at 3:32 PM
A Dallas fan in Houston, eh? heh…
Well, it’s a dang glorious day. Football Sunday’s are back, my team is kicking arse, our draft pick gamble with Mark Sanchez has certainly paid off (for once), and I’m off to a party on a beautiful day to booze and eat.
Cheers, all!
JetBoy on September 13, 2009 at 3:35 PM
Football and politics! Do we get to talk about college football also? Throw in some shopping tips and I am one happy American woman! Go Blue!
redwhiteblue on September 13, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Yep, there are a bunch of us here. That’s why the Texans can’t stand the competition.
Oh well, have fun JetBoy, things are looking up for the Cowgirls too! So I will be partying too soon…..Hopefully
conservnut on September 13, 2009 at 3:45 PM
The Colts defense deserves a cold one for that last stop, which effectively ended the game. What’s up with the offense though? Didn’t impress me one bit.
theblogprof on September 13, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Absolutely! My Red Raiders stomped the crap out of Rice yesterday. Good weekend so far!
conservnut on September 13, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Gophers win!
Vikings are going to win!
Twins are up 8 to nothing!
Not even the idiot in the White House can piss me off right now. I am one happy Minnesota sports fan.
gophergirl on September 13, 2009 at 3:54 PM
Whoop! Another touchdown! Marion the Barbarian!!!
Cowboys 34 TB 14
conservnut on September 13, 2009 at 3:57 PM
Denver rose from th edead at the last second. There is no way that pass play worked. NO. WAY! The Bengals did not just let that happen. (they did)
theblogprof on September 13, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Yes, yes it is a good weekend!
I decided to shut up after I mentioned getting hopeful, only to see Tampa waltz down field to add the 2nd TD.
Defense seems like it could tweak some things, the offense sure came alive (and struck fast too when it did), but a win is a win, and it’s damn good Week 1.
How ’bout them Cowboys!
red winger on September 13, 2009 at 4:09 PM
Go Stillers!!!!1
BillyGoatGruff on September 13, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »