NFL Week 2 open thread
posted at 10:00 am on September 20, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Well, I’m already feeling pretty darned good today, after Notre Dame’s escape from Michigan State yesterday, beating them at home for the first time since 1993. The game looked like it would be a replay from last week’s stunning loss in Michigan, but fortunately the Irish blitz panicked the Spartan QB into a bad decision at the end. I’m feeling so fortunate that I’m going to go out on a limb and … predict that the Steelers can beat the Bears today. All right, it’s not so much of a limb, not after the Jay Cutler era began in Chicago with four interceptions against a good-not-great Green Bay defense. I’ll pick the Steelers on the road 27-10, with Troy Polamalu’s absence for Pittsburgh hurting less than Brian Urlacher’s for Chicago.
Other picks to delight, annoy, and amuse:
- Minnesota – Detroit: Will Detroit win a game this year? Probably, but not this one. Vikings 28-7 over the Lions.
- Cincinnati – Green Bay: I think Cincinnati will be better this year than last, but Green Bay’s tough. They’ll make it close, but the Packers should beat the Bengals, 24-21. Tough way to start for the Bengals, with two road games. Didn’t the NFL think about their season last year?
- NY Giants – Dallas: The home opener for the Cowboys in their brand-new stadium. I’m hoping the Giants shellack them there, but the Giants barely got by a mediocre Redskins last week after opening up a big early lead. I’ll pick Dallas here by a TD, 35-28, but this may be the best game of the day.
- Carolina – Atlanta: I thought Carolina and Jake Delhomme would have shaken off what happened in the playoffs last year, but instead they gave Philly an encore last week. Atlanta isn’t as good as Philly, but they won’t need to be if the Panthers play like they did at home in their opener. I’m going to pick Atlanta, 23-14.
- New England – NY Jets: Mark Sanchez was impressive in his first week, and he plays at home against the Patriots. The Pats barely beat the Bills at home last week, and it took a really boneheaded decision by the Bills kick returner to deliver it. Tom Brady may shake off the rust, but the Pats defense looked a little suspect, too. I’ll pick the Jets to win this one in a surprise, 27-21.
I forgot the Steelers widget last week, but I won’t forget it this week. What are your picks?
Update: I also forgot to mention that I was 6-0 last week with my picks. Can’t remember the last time that happened …
Update II: I bet Rick Moran, and he won. The Steelers blew two field goal attempts in the final quarter and lost by three. That’s not going to win championships. The Bears looked much better today; my hat’s off to Cutler, who looked as good today as he looked bad last week.
Blowback
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The Husband agrees with you.
Cindy Munford on September 20, 2009 at 1:39 PM
From my politics blog: here is a 2-minute video from FOX Orlando of the couple who helped Rifqa Bary. I strongly recommend everyone view it.
From my comics blog: Paul Levitz has resigned as publisher of DC, but there’s good reasons why it’s for the best that he did.
From my game blog: a video of an adorable puzzle game called Money Puzzle/Idol Exchanger. Don’t miss it!
Avi Green on September 20, 2009 at 1:47 PM
Steeler’s Owner Probably Still Loves The One
Hey, in addition to favored tax and antitrust laws, he has gotten millions from local taxpayers in breaks for his stadium. Then there were possible zoning favors and property takings. In a dying city. GM would love such breaks.
Then he has recruits from state subsidized schools.
With everything the NFL teams stick on us and future generations, the deficits probably look very reasonable.
IlikedAUH2O on September 20, 2009 at 1:51 PM
Patriots are getting the best of the play so far, but the Jets are holding them to FGs. I was surprised when all of the ESPN Game Day guys picked NY except Boomer… Still looks like Pats day to me.
Ordinary1 on September 20, 2009 at 2:00 PM
Yeah, I am a west Texan Red Raider trapped in east Texas Aggieland hell. I work with a boatload of Ags. But they all were TT fans this week. The rest of the season they hate us.
conservnut on September 20, 2009 at 2:02 PM
I lived in Lubbock for 9 years and love the Red Raiders. I wish Leach wouldn’t do stooopid stuff like that onside kick in the third when they were only down 7. Raiders played well… but not well enough. Missed opportunity.
Meanwhile. Lions are up 10 on Minnesota! Zoinks?
Ordinary1 on September 20, 2009 at 2:06 PM
rams score 1st. td of 09. lead skins 7-6.
Nyog_of_the_Bog on September 20, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Wow! I can’t believe that Delhomme hasn’t thrown a pic yet! I’ll have to keep my fingers crossed for the second half. John Fox probably threatened to bench him permanently if he has another crap-tastic performance.
m064404 on September 20, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Go Cardinals!
MeAlice on September 20, 2009 at 2:47 PM
Not all, just the old man who now serves in Ireland.
flyboy777 on September 20, 2009 at 2:52 PM
I couldn’t understand the rushing plays with a minute and a half left in the game! I know he is the wizard and all but damn!
conservnut on September 20, 2009 at 3:09 PM
Shocker in Philly-Saints beating the getalife out of the Iggles, 31-13, and are marcjong down the field yet again.
Del Dolemonte on September 20, 2009 at 3:15 PM
Marching, so sorry!
Del Dolemonte on September 20, 2009 at 3:16 PM
Go chiefs.
bessex on September 20, 2009 at 3:19 PM
Wow I’d hate to be a Saints fan at the Philly game right now. Especially wearing a jersey.
flyboy777 on September 20, 2009 at 3:20 PM
I’m not surprised by the Saints. They are good this year! I am surprised that the Patriots are having such a tough time with the Jets D. I’m also surprised that the Texans are hangin’ so close to the Titans.
Cardinals look AWESOME!
Yep
Ordinary1 on September 20, 2009 at 3:29 PM
Mark Sanchez = “Rookie of the Year”…or maybe even “League MVP”…
Lemme dream a little.
JetBoy on September 20, 2009 at 3:31 PM
And I’m sure there are some there-some of the die-hards follow them to every away game. Was at a game in Foxboro in 1989 and there was a whole section of them. They had a great sign: “We drove 1300 miles just to say WHO DAT!”
Del Dolemonte on September 20, 2009 at 3:32 PM
A lifelong Steelers fan, I actually found myself rooting for the Cards in the Superbowl after Dan Rooney’s idiotic decision to back Obama. Then I realized that he was either
a.) going senile (proved by his thanking Obama for the Steelers victory – WTF?),
b.) behaving like most people who come by their jobs and millions too easily (in his case by inheritance on both counts), or
c.) shamelessly angling for the ambassadorship from the person he saw as most likely to win.
It’s probably all three. In any case, he doesn’t live in the real world and can therefore afford to have Democrats in office.
So, go Steelers!
To Dan Rooney: Ireland can have you, you shameless, spoiled, senile old fool.
PoodleSkirt on September 20, 2009 at 3:33 PM
Jetties defense is looking tight…held the Pats to only FG’s this game too.
JetBoy on September 20, 2009 at 3:34 PM
hail. to the redskins. to bambi, not so much.
kelley in virginia on September 20, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Not that I follow them, but I do live in Toledo and thus get the Lions’ games. Can’t they please be blacked out? Just on humanitarian grounds.
rbj on September 20, 2009 at 4:05 PM
How about those Jets taking out the Pats
flyboy777 on September 20, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Lions extended last years perfect season. 19 consecutive losses, 8 more to tie NFL record.
Jeff2161 on September 20, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Ooops… 8 more to take the NFL record.
Jeff2161 on September 20, 2009 at 4:08 PM
Who was that talking about the Pats going 19-0 earlier in this thread?
PFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTTTT!
Jets win! The Patriots might as well have not even come out of the locker in the second half.
Jazz Shaw on September 20, 2009 at 4:14 PM
SWEET!!
ConScribe on September 20, 2009 at 4:17 PM
JETS!!!!
Jets defense looked HOT! Might be the best D in the league right now. Sanchez is so accurate too, he could throw a football through a cheerio from 30 yds. As we know, and as has happened, the Jets could go 10-0, and screw up the rest of the season.
But I really see a SuperBowl in our future…
*dreams*
JetBoy on September 20, 2009 at 4:18 PM
2nd half WAS ugly. I’m shocked at how badly Brady handled the pressure. Pats knew the blitz was coming and yet had no answer.
Cardinals looked great! Now we just need a Seahawk victory. Both Seattle and San Francisco are much improved.
Ordinary1 on September 20, 2009 at 4:25 PM
That was tim c, but he actually said “Patriots 19-0? Probably not”.
Congrats to the New Orleans Saints, who demolished the Iggles 48-22 in Philly.
Del Dolemonte on September 20, 2009 at 4:28 PM
Opening drive Steelers take 7…!!!
flyboy777 on September 20, 2009 at 4:31 PM
Yeah, and the defense looked impressive before that.
Ordinary1 on September 20, 2009 at 4:33 PM
skins win, eagles lose. and now, if only tony romo twists pinky in 1st play from scrimmage, thereby ending his NFL career & jerry jones new monument to himself blacks out Texas causing Gov. Rick Perry to call for stadiums demolition for reasons of Texas security and somehow, both Dallas & the Giants both lose tonight, then this will be one helluva day!
kelley in virginia on September 20, 2009 at 4:35 PM
Yep two three and outs for Chi-town.
flyboy777 on September 20, 2009 at 4:36 PM
Green Bay heartache. Though the losses by New England and the Eagles console me. A little.
BadgerHawk on September 20, 2009 at 4:37 PM
I am fixin to make a voodoo doll of Rams WR Donnie Avery, who fumbled away a probable victory today against the Deadskins and almost killed a second TD drive (the Rams only score in two weeks of play) with a penalty that you learn to avoid in Pop Warner.
When I am finished making the doll, which will be scrawny and have tiny arms, weak knees and a big head with no brain iside it, I will proceed to stab the doll with knitting needles until i collapse from exhaustion.
I wont really do that, coz football is just a game and has no bearing on real life.
But you get my point. Or maybe you dont.
Mike D. on September 20, 2009 at 4:38 PM
I didn’t get to see it and I am a ‘Skins fan but it must have a heck of a defense battle. And congrats to Kurt Warner for his record. I like him a lot.
Cindy Munford on September 20, 2009 at 4:43 PM
How ’bout them Texans. Their officially a Jekyll and Hyde team. Oh, and BTW Hook em Horns! It’s a good day tater.
HoustonRight on September 20, 2009 at 4:59 PM
Darrin Sprowles is the most dangerous man in the NFL, period.
Today he took a screen 81 yards for a TD. In game one he had two returns of over 60 yards and 246 yards total offense and he wasn’t even on the field that long.
He is 5’6″
Geochelone on September 20, 2009 at 4:59 PM
A real strange from the Iggles-Saints game…the rookie QB for Philly had almost a hundred more passing yards than Brees did.
Del Dolemonte on September 20, 2009 at 5:07 PM
no, the skins/rams game was not a defensive battle. it was just a blah battle.
maybe dan snyder can spend more money?
and mike d.: thanks, great laugh. if dallas wins tonight, i’ll review your post again so i can laugh before i go tobed.
kelley in virginia on September 20, 2009 at 5:15 PM
OUCH….OW
conservnut on September 20, 2009 at 5:22 PM
How about them Ain’ts, beat them Egirls!!!
conservnut on September 20, 2009 at 5:24 PM
The JETS?!?
OMFG. :/
RedNewEnglander on September 20, 2009 at 5:24 PM
Seneca Wallace just threw a TD pass for the Seahawks bringing them within 3 at 13-10. My question is, what happened to Matt Hasselbeck?
Ordinary1 on September 20, 2009 at 5:26 PM
Pats pay for their cheatin ways :)
CWforFreedom on September 20, 2009 at 5:30 PM
We don’t get to seem them play much in Jacksonville, so maybe they will have improved by that time. Can Mr. Snyder spend any more money? He’s like the government.
Cindy Munford on September 20, 2009 at 5:30 PM
I know. Anybody else and I’d rub it in. The Red Raiders played a great game especially being so short handed on D. Hat’s off.
HoustonRight on September 20, 2009 at 5:33 PM
Yawn. Once again, the NFL never said they were “cheaters”. They said the coach violated a rule. Once again, you’re insulting the entire team for the actions of one or two indivduals on the coaching staff.
As for today’s game, Brady wasn’t at 100% as he was on the injury list this week, and one of the team’s two best wide receivers didn’t even play.
Del Dolemonte on September 20, 2009 at 5:47 PM
yeah, cindy, i agree about dan snyder. and i’ve never thought jason campbell had “it”–that never say die attitude that is found in the few greats in the league.
but here’s to hoping the cowboys lose tonight. shut out. 100-0.
kelley in virginia on September 20, 2009 at 5:58 PM
+100
HoustonRight on September 20, 2009 at 6:00 PM
Hasselbeck has hurt ribs and Seattle is in trouble in San Francisco. 20-10 4th
Ordinary1 on September 20, 2009 at 6:22 PM
Go Bears! (Hey, one of my carpool buddies is a huge Steelers fan and I just don’t want to hear about it all the way in on Monday).
michaelo on September 20, 2009 at 6:29 PM
That’s ok, I have to thicken up my skin a little and get ready to take a thrashing from a few T-Sippers at work tomorrow as well as a bunch of Aggies.
conservnut on September 20, 2009 at 6:35 PM
They need to put Sonny in!!!! Hhahahahahha!!
Cindy Munford on September 20, 2009 at 6:35 PM
Not gonna happen, those new yawkers are going down baby!!!
conservnut on September 20, 2009 at 6:37 PM
Looks like the Steelers have a good chance of losing this one – unless Cutler can find away to blow it.
forest on September 20, 2009 at 6:59 PM
wow, shaping up to be a great football Sunday. . .Pats/Jets great game, great result (any time Pats lose is a great result) Steelers/Bears great game, waiting on Giants/Dallas, will be another great game . . . and the ‘boys will cry
Willie on September 20, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Looks like the Steelers are in trouble. Chicago in Steeler territory, tie game, 1st down, under 2 min. to go. :)
WannabeAnglican on September 20, 2009 at 7:02 PM
da Bears!!!!
Willie on September 20, 2009 at 7:06 PM
CHICAGO 45 YD FG GOOD!!
WannabeAnglican on September 20, 2009 at 7:07 PM
I think the Steelers kicker is crying!!
Willie on September 20, 2009 at 7:07 PM
LOL. Don’t bring that trash into our house again okay?
Ted Torgerson on September 20, 2009 at 7:07 PM
Jeff effin Reed needs to be BANNED!!!!!!!
ladyingray on September 20, 2009 at 7:08 PM
BEARS RECOVER KICK-OFF FUMBLE! BEARS WIN!!
WannabeAnglican on September 20, 2009 at 7:08 PM
Wow, I just looked at the Steelers schedule. Sure doesn’t look much like last year’s. Playing the NFC North instead of the NFC East will make a big difference. Looks like Stillers and Ravens will both likely be back in the playoffs again.
forest on September 20, 2009 at 7:17 PM
Congrats Bears and Fans=== you must feel better about Cutler
CWforFreedom on September 20, 2009 at 7:17 PM
The refs in the SD-Ravens game have been awful, both ways, but hurting SD mostly.
WannabeAnglican on September 20, 2009 at 7:18 PM
Dang Ed, how do you like my Bears now??!?!?!?! :) Bears, without Urlacher, take down last year’s SB champs!! Go Bears!!!!
kerrhome on September 20, 2009 at 7:18 PM
Da Bears!!!
chicagojedi on September 20, 2009 at 7:19 PM
]
Reed is normally clutch….careful what you wish for
Steelers had toughest schedule last year and have one of the easier ones this year. Sometimes it goes that way.
CWforFreedom on September 20, 2009 at 7:19 PM
17 – 14?
Dang, wasn’t the comment that this would be all Steelers by 10 points?
Well, the Steelers could have erased the three point deficit if they had Obama 08 workin’ the scorekeepers like he works the CBO.
I wonder who said that this game was a toss up? Some genius.
IlikedAUH2O on September 20, 2009 at 7:19 PM
Nah, it was SUPPOSED to be Steelers by 17 points. Ha!!!
kerrhome on September 20, 2009 at 7:23 PM
Well, that prediction went over well didn’t CW???? I guess they’ll still suck when the go into Minnesota and beat the Vikes next week.
Rovin on September 20, 2009 at 7:24 PM
Ravens/Chargers looks like it’s heading fro a heck of a finish. If SD pulls it off, Cinci Bungles will be tied for first place in their division two weeks into the season!
forest on September 20, 2009 at 7:24 PM
Well, so much for the Chargers. SD receiver decided to try to be a hero by putting moves on the whole Ravens D instead of just turning up and diving for the first down. 2 more plays and they couldn’t get the 1 yard he decided he didn’t really need.
forest on September 20, 2009 at 7:31 PM
Thanks Ed. Steelers will bounce back I’m sure.
Meanwhile, I can’t wait to see Cutler in November-December playing in Soldier field. Several Bears QB’s have looked like Hall of Famers in September and October, only to wilt when the gales of November begin to blow and the December cold makes it hard for receivers to hang on to the ball.
That’s the real upside to Cutler – his ability to play in wintery conditions.
rick moran on September 20, 2009 at 7:35 PM
Nah, it was SUPPOSED to be Steelers by 17 points. Ha!!!
kerrhome on September 20, 2009 at 7:23 PM
Heck of a prognostigator there alright.
Ha
IlikedAUH2O on September 20, 2009 at 7:36 PM
Mallard T. Drake on September 20, 2009 at 1:34 PM
I know some fans who think that the ‘Hawks only reached the SB by bad calls going their way.
IlikedAUH2O on September 20, 2009 at 7:41 PM
This is why I don’t live in Vegas or look for access to a sports book. This is a tough one to take. Big players for the Seahawks are starting to get injured again. Meanwhile, two gigantic gashes by Frank Gore kill the Hawks. Take those plays away, and it is 10-9 Hawks win. But we can’t do that can we. Crap.
I hope Hasselbeck is only out a week or so. Wallace is okay as a back-up, but he has trouble getting the ball into the end zone. I would like to see Julius Jones sat down a little and let Forsett get more carries.
Big Walter Jones is back next week. Locklear gets to move back to the right end. I am not sure when Chris Spencer is coming back, but I would like to see Max Unger moved over to center. He can’t be any worse than Vallos was today.
Next Sunday, time to get well at home against the Bears.
Mallard T. Drake on September 20, 2009 at 7:44 PM
Ed, I blame your “Steelers Keep Rolling” tease for this loss.
That kind of comment is a jinx…let’s learn from this setback, keep our heads up and go home to kick some Bengal tail.
DrW on September 20, 2009 at 7:48 PM
Why oh why must I endure watching the Olberdork just to get to see my beloved Cowboys play?
conservnut on September 20, 2009 at 8:05 PM
I won’t repeat my comment from earlier yet, to keep from jinxing my team.
DrW on September 20, 2009 at 7:48 PM
Your comment says it all…
catmman on September 20, 2009 at 8:13 PM
conservnut: I don’t love your Cowboys by any means but I share your sentiment. GO GIANTS!! shut up Olberdork!
Willie on September 20, 2009 at 8:18 PM
Brian Billick was the color-man on the Seahawks/49ers broadcast. He did an excellent job. I don’t recall watching a game he called before. He was saying things that were actually adding to the game. He brought relevant football knowledge to the different situations. I learned a few things just from watching. I would love to see him matched with Al Michaels rather than Cris Collingsworth.
Mallard T. Drake on September 20, 2009 at 8:29 PM
Questions and comments:
Who was the woman singing the opening credits on SNF?
That is one big flag they had on the field, but I hear everything is bigger in Texas.
Awesome, President Bush and Laura were at the coin toss.
The stadium is huge, though not terribly attractive from the exterior. Does it really hold 100,000?
It looks like the players enter and exit the locker rooms where the public can see them. A cool feature.
As for the game, who do I want to lose worse? hmmmm.
Mallard T. Drake on September 20, 2009 at 8:34 PM
Li’l Manning comes out firing. The Army Ants look sharp early.
Mallard T. Drake on September 20, 2009 at 8:37 PM
Woman singing is Faith Hill
gophergirl on September 20, 2009 at 8:40 PM
They showed an aerial view of the stadium and it looks like there are retractable roofs that can cover the hole in the dome. Weak. How much rain does Dallas get? It’s football. Play in the elements.
Mallard T. Drake on September 20, 2009 at 8:42 PM
Thanks. It looked like her, but it didn’t look like her. She looked good either way. :-)
Mallard T. Drake on September 20, 2009 at 8:43 PM
Wow, Bush and Madden hanging out in a suite.
Mallard T. Drake on September 20, 2009 at 8:45 PM
George W. and The Madden hanging together.
Boy do i wish I was in that box. With some turducken.
And some whiskey.
JohnGalt23 on September 20, 2009 at 8:46 PM
I negotiated with my wife. If I take her to dinner, I don’t have to go see “Bright Star.” I’ll have to catch the second half of the game.
Mallard T. Drake on September 20, 2009 at 8:46 PM
I wonder if Olbermann will have a mental break down with watching W at the game.
lavell12 on September 20, 2009 at 8:50 PM
Cowboys’ second drive pretty impressive.
WannabeAnglican on September 20, 2009 at 8:52 PM
He will have a Bushitler epileptic seizure during the halftime show.
conservnut on September 20, 2009 at 8:53 PM
BTW, Olberdork hates the Cowboys. All the more reason to root for them.
WannabeAnglican on September 20, 2009 at 8:54 PM
Of course he does, America’s Team. Libs hate anything American
conservnut on September 20, 2009 at 8:55 PM
I’m now cowboy fan but if Olbermann hates them then I can’t hate them that much.
lavell12 on September 20, 2009 at 8:57 PM
Steelers roll? LMAO. Epic fail.
long_cat on September 20, 2009 at 9:00 PM
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