NFL week 3 open thread
posted at 12:00 pm on September 27, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Well, so much for predicting that the Steelers would stay on a roll! Jay Cutler finally found himself and outplayed the Steeler defense when it counted, a defense that misses Troy Polamalu even more than I’d feared. They play in Cincinnati today, and the Bengals look like they’ve improved over last year’s embarrassing effort. It’s going to be a tough game, but I still have to pick the Steelers to win in a shootout, 34-31. If they don’t beat the Bengals, they’re going to find themselves at 1-2 and looking at Bengal backsides for a good part of the season in the AFC North.
What about the other games around the league today?
- San Francisco at Minnesota – The 49ers have jumped out to a surprisingly strong start, powered by some old-fashioned running and a good defense. Minnesota has too many answers for the upstarts, but this should be a really fun game to watch. Brett Favre could make the difference here — in either direction, but I’ll pick the Vikes to win, 24-17.
- Washington at Detroit – Get ready for this, because I’m picking the Lions. They’re a better team than last year, although not a good one yet, and they played Minnesota tough last week. This will be the week they get off the schneid, 17-14.
- Kansas City at Philadelphia – Only interesting for the debut of Michael Vick, who becomes eligible this week. Hometown crowd will give him a full-throated welcome, and KC will roll out the welcome door mat for him. 38-14 Eagles.
- Tennessee at New York Jets – Tennessee really needs a win here, but they won’t get one. The Jets are for real this year, and at home, they will edge the Titans, 21-20.
- Carolina at Dallas – As much as I’d like to see the Panthers recover their wits and play the Cowboys tough, I just can’t pick them over the ‘Boys. Dallas gets its first win in their new stadium, a punt will hit the scoreboard, and Jake Delhomme will lost three picks in a 27-10 beating.
Update: Er, week three, not two.
Blowback
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GO STEELERS !
CWforFreedom on September 27, 2009 at 12:02 PM
It is Week Three now.
Update your opening graphic.
Mr. Joe on September 27, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Zzzzzzzzz.
Spiritk9 on September 27, 2009 at 12:04 PM
F*CK THE STEELERS!
CPT. Charles on September 27, 2009 at 12:09 PM
Rams will upset the Packers today. Thats my gut feeling. Don’t ask me why.
Nyog_of_the_Bog on September 27, 2009 at 12:09 PM
steelers….snore
moseby on September 27, 2009 at 12:10 PM
I live in NC but grew up as a Cowboy fan.
So tomorrow night, I’m honestly pulling for the Cowboys.
therightscoop on September 27, 2009 at 12:11 PM
If they don’t beat the Bengals, they’re going to find themselves at 1-2 and looking at Bengal backsides for a good part of the season in the AFC North.
BKeyser on September 27, 2009 at 12:12 PM
I can’t wait to watch football tonight!
i love it now!
i love that huge f*cking TV at the C-Boy’s stadium!
ahhh yay!
blatantblue on September 27, 2009 at 12:12 PM
Lions game blacked out because they do not have a team worth watching at home. I will have to listen on the radio.
Paying $75.00 a ticket in the perpetual rebuilding year (century) is not worth it.
Owen-19 baby.
Question: Why won’t the NFL let Grade Rapids MI. having a professional football team?
Answer: Because then Detroit would want one too.
mechkiller_k on September 27, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Go Manchester United!
entropent on September 27, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Ron Paul says that games like football are just a crypto-facist metaphor for the military industrial complex.
catmman on September 27, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Charlie Crist, the supposed governor of my state, refuses to root for Los Dolfeenz against The Jets.
http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/fla_gov_spins_out_of_tackle_sZABr2EFOGZuWRqwksCanK
I’ve been a ‘Fins fan for too many years to count and that George Hamilton wannabe uber-liberal RINO is to PC for a bit of home cookin’ ?
Anybody voting for this putz next November will answer to me.
I’m outta here for a few hours…. Cup race starts soon and so do Los Jankiez vs. Teh Bustin’ Red Sucks.
Also, my ‘Fins are gonna wake the hell up and win a game (yeah, right). Anybody doesn’t know yet, Tomlinson is out for SD.
Cheers !
Kenny Solomon
Locked and loaded hot with bacon-wrapped rounds ; Training for a new position in the expediting department at “The 72 Virgins Club Travel Agency”.
E T Cartman on September 27, 2009 at 12:15 PM
i think Jerry J is over compensating! Kinda of like the man my age driving a Porshe.
HoustonRight on September 27, 2009 at 12:17 PM
i find the superfluousness of the television to be why i like it so much
blatantblue on September 27, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Classy
I bet your team is a loser
CWforFreedom on September 27, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Is Pele still playing for anyone?
Really, at this point I’m tuckered out watching football. Free agency has leveled the field too much – mediocrity abounds – and made the game one of competing Hessian units.
Mediocre Hessians? Great rock group.
SteveMG on September 27, 2009 at 12:24 PM
You know I thought that. Hey did you end up making it to DC?
HoustonRight on September 27, 2009 at 12:25 PM
Go Big Ben!!! Kick ***……
sweet92169 on September 27, 2009 at 12:27 PM
nah
couldnt swing it
between work and family
blatantblue on September 27, 2009 at 12:27 PM
I don’t think i’ve ever seen the words Pittsburgh and shootout together before. Steelers games are usually defense slog fests around the 17-10 mark (like last week coincidentally).
clearbluesky on September 27, 2009 at 12:27 PM
Go Steel, and because I live in MN I will be watching the Vikes and the phenomenal Peterson.
How long can Detroit keep up their fantastic record?
Bishop on September 27, 2009 at 12:29 PM
Ed, I can’t believe you picked the Lions to beat my beloved Redskins! Arrrghhhhh!!!!!
This could very well be the game the Redskins’ offense comes alive.
Or not.
ieplaya on September 27, 2009 at 12:30 PM
Before we get to today’s games, how about those Oregon Ducks! Whoo-hooo. Those boys from Berkley had to stand on their flight home because of the whipping that the Ducks laid on their asses. 42-3! Yeah, baby. The Ducks are back!
The Seahawks on the other hand are still trying to find some footing. No Hasselbeck today. Seneca Wallace is a fine QB, but he has trouble getting the team into the end zone. A lot of the Seahawks’ fortunes may rest on the erratic nature of Cutler on the road. The 12th man will have to do our part to get him rattled.
I am off to the first tailgater of the year. I hear they are grilling some bear. Go Hawks.
Mallard T. Drake on September 27, 2009 at 12:34 PM
Go Vikes.
It’s amazing – Favre is 1000% more likeable when he’s not wearing Packers colors.
gophergirl on September 27, 2009 at 12:35 PM
The Cowboys have released Jerry Jones:
http://www.theonion.com/content/news/dallas_cowboys_release_jerry_jones
mimi1220 on September 27, 2009 at 12:36 PM
I’m holding out for the Boy the Iowa Hawkeyes Sure Did Eat Penn State’s Lunch in Happy Valley Last Night thread.
radioboyatl on September 27, 2009 at 12:36 PM
… Or having a couple of 20-something hotties in your harem.
Like the country song says, God is Great, Beer is Good, and People are Crazy.
TXUS on September 27, 2009 at 12:36 PM
San Francisco at Minnesota – 49ers. Gore is going to run roughshod over the Vikes Def. and Farve will throw at least 2 picks.
Washington at Detroit – Redskins. Seriously, the are playing Detroit. There are Pop Warner that can play better football than the Lions…
Kansas City at Philadelphia – The Chiefs. Ok.. its mainly because that is my team, and you gotta root for them but with both McNabb and Westbrook injured and questionable, that leaves them without a solid running game or a solid QB (sorry.. Vick is not that solid)
Tennessee at New York Jets – I agree with Ed here.. Jets are pretty good this year.
Carolina at Dallas – Carolina. Look for Steve Smith to have a good game against the Dallas secondary and Tony Romo to spend a lot of time on the ground looking up…
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati. The Bengals. I think their defense will get a lot of penetration against the weakened front line of the Steelers and get at least 6 sacks on Big Ben.
Wolftech on September 27, 2009 at 12:38 PM
Thanks, Wolftech. In Ed’s defense, the Redskins do play down to their competition — sometimes, day down, like they did against the Rams last week — and others have picked the Lions.
ieplaya on September 27, 2009 at 12:40 PM
J! E! T! S!
Gang Green over the Titans…21-7.
This is the JETS year, I just feeeel it!
JetBoy on September 27, 2009 at 12:46 PM
@ Wolftech on September 27, 2009 at 12:38 PM
Vick is going to be massive today. Just watch.
thphilli on September 27, 2009 at 12:46 PM
Amen
HoustonRight on September 27, 2009 at 12:49 PM
FIFY Ed! I’ll be pulling for your Steelers today as I picked them to win in my football pool, but I think the 49ers new smash-mouth football play will be too much for the Vikes and the 49ers secondary will have a big day picking off Brett “I’m retired” Favre.
GO 49ERS!!!
Liberty or Death on September 27, 2009 at 12:50 PM
How about a NASCAR open thread? Or isn’t that classy enough?
dean_acheson on September 27, 2009 at 12:53 PM
If the Lions were an English soccer team, they’d have been relegated so far down that the only way they could ever get into a Premier League game themselves would be to buy a ticket. Playing in Third Division would be about all they could hope for. But no, we keep their sorry carcasses around for years, decades even, after they’ve had their last decent team. I hope Ed’s right about them beating the ‘Skins, but the Lions have never done well against Washington, even in their better years (which become more and more of a distant memory).
waltj on September 27, 2009 at 12:55 PM
You nailed it Billy Bob /sarc
CWforFreedom on September 27, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Well, they are the Bungles, I’ll give you that. But they’re not leg-snapping thugs either, for what it’s worth.
No, there ain’t a whole lotta love for the Steelers my neck of the woods.
CPT. Charles on September 27, 2009 at 12:59 PM
Picking the Bengals over the Steelers in a surprise defensive battle, 17-14. (Because apparently I am the curse of the Steelers this year when I pick them to win.) The Jets have a tougher game than the Titan’s 0-2 record would indicate, but the mean green machine’s defense will shut the down and take it 21-9. I’m going with Ed for wins by Detroit and Philadelphia, but the Cowgirls will continue their losing ways and Carolina squeaks by them 17-14. Get your last minute bookie sheets in with these picks now, because they’re golden!
Jazz Shaw on September 27, 2009 at 1:02 PM
They are not the Bengals nor any other team . They are the six time and reigning champs. Kiss the rings.
The Steelers are just a better class of team . They have proven it through the years. It is funny what jealousy will bring out.
BTW the play on Palmer by Kimo was ruled clean.
CWforFreedom on September 27, 2009 at 1:03 PM
Steelers fans do not worry. Cincinnati is a home away from home.
CWforFreedom on September 27, 2009 at 1:04 PM
Carolina at Dallas is tomorrow night…
Anders on September 27, 2009 at 1:04 PM
HR, where you been?
thomasaur on September 27, 2009 at 1:06 PM
Go NINERS…..beat them Vikings!!!
Rovin on September 27, 2009 at 1:06 PM
Thanks for for asking. Business has really picked up and it’s getting close to our busy season. Had to put make extra productin runs. But, I’m back, I’m mad and I won’t rest til the Won is sad! I have missed the gang here. TxMomof3 got on to me the other day for being away via facebook. Good to see ya!!!
HoustonRight on September 27, 2009 at 1:16 PM
I always email my brother-in-laws, who live in Cincy, to say good luck when they play my Steelers.
Civility is hard.
Scott P on September 27, 2009 at 1:17 PM
I friggin’ LOVE Mark Sanchez!!!!!
JetBoy on September 27, 2009 at 1:18 PM
Sanchez is going to get scolded after the game for that showboating touchdown, but he definitely is hot. As far as the Titans go, when more than half of the first quarter is gone, you’re down 14-0 and your offense hasn’t even set foot on the field yet, you have to wonder what the hell is going on.
Jazz Shaw on September 27, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Go chiefs let beat the dog killer.
bessex on September 27, 2009 at 1:24 PM
The Jets are just abusing the Titans. And the G-Men are up 7-0. Big DVR day here in NY.
JammieWearingFool on September 27, 2009 at 1:27 PM
How do you skip over Falcons vs Patriots? 0.o
Benaiah on September 27, 2009 at 1:29 PM
Nah, Sanchez is a rookie in his 3rd NFL game…and doing extraordinarily well. They should be able to “showboat” a little anyway…why not?
Titans need this win, they must be in shock.
It’s our year Jazz…and I type this with a little tear in my eye…
JetBoy on September 27, 2009 at 1:30 PM
A “little” showboating is one thing, Jetboy, but I’m predicting that the offensive coordinator is going to want to have words with him. When your receivers are covered on 3rd and 10 and you have to run with the ball in a crowded secondary in the red zone, you make your first down and then you slide feet first so anyone who touches you draws a flag. You do NOT go head first into their safety and then stick the ball through the goal plane in one open hand at full arm extension. (Did you notice how less than a second after he broke the plane one of the Titans knocked it back down to about the 25 yard line?)
He risked not only losing the points and possession of the ball, but risked injury. As their new, hot franchise quarterback, he’s also got a responsibility to keep himself healthy. He’s not in college anymore. I’m not saying the guy isn’t showing a LOT of promise for us and may turn out to be really successful, but he’s got to keep that stuff under control if he wants a long, healthy career.
Jazz Shaw on September 27, 2009 at 1:37 PM
Most people (especially Democrats) don’t know that 1 in every 10 NASCAR fans makes over 100 grand a year.
Del Dolemonte on September 27, 2009 at 1:39 PM
The weather is definitely an issue in this game-it’s lightly drizzling and Brady isn’t having much luck passing. And as with last week, he is missing one of his two best wide receivers.
So far, the two teams have exchanged 26 yard field goals, and that’s all.
Del Dolemonte on September 27, 2009 at 1:41 PM
Well there was a Formula 1 race this morning! lol
HoustonRight on September 27, 2009 at 1:41 PM
Oh, absolutely…I’ll cut Sanchez a bit o’ slack there, but you’re right on about risking injury in a situation like that was. I just hope he can keep his head together too, and not let it “swell” with success.
JetBoy on September 27, 2009 at 1:44 PM
Ah, a Steelers fan.
That explains much.
CPT. Charles on September 27, 2009 at 1:51 PM
The Cowboys need to win the Super Bowl
So Tony Romo has got to go
MMMM MMM MMM
txag92 on September 27, 2009 at 1:54 PM
can i watch football on the internet anywhere
blatantblue on September 27, 2009 at 1:58 PM
Bengals by a field goal!Sorry,what can you expect from an Ohio gal?:)
ohiobabe on September 27, 2009 at 1:58 PM
Good luck with that. The NFL Network (may they rot in hell for all eternity) keeps a lock on broadcasts to the point where you can’t see or hear a game anywhere without their getting their pound and a half of flesh. If you find a place, let me know. They *claim* to let you watch their games online at their web site, but they show about ten plays per game and the rest of the time is their idiotic color analysts talking about football in general. They’re also stealing plenty of games from us again this year. The Jets get screwed in week 13 and the Steelers get their turn in the barrel in week 14.
Jazz Shaw on September 27, 2009 at 2:06 PM
So Tony Romo has got to go
////
Romo was built up too much by the media and the cowboys but I also think they need to get rid of Wade Phillips.I wonder if they don’t do well if they will sell him down the river:)
ohiobabe on September 27, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Wow, that sucks.
I haven’t really started following football until recently. So I like watching the games and stuff…
So I figured, stupidly, that perhaps in the Golden Age of the World Wide Web, there would be the ability to observe NFL games from one’s computer.
The nerve! To think it possible!
blatantblue on September 27, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Jets are falling apart a bit here…
omg and they’re usually wrong in what they’re saying. Idiots.
JetBoy on September 27, 2009 at 2:10 PM
What about the big Sunni/Shia game today in DC?
BL@KBIRD on September 27, 2009 at 2:13 PM
Did someone say anything about the Redskins?
ieplaya on September 27, 2009 at 2:13 PM
You’re on the Island…a Jets fan just waitin’ to be!
JetBoy on September 27, 2009 at 2:14 PM
Me and my buddies have had a party for superbowl for the last 15 years, and for the last 7 or so, I’ve made up a team to support, since I never paid attention
the Bronc-Horns
I used them for every sport
“who are you rooting for, conor?”
Me: Oh, you know, the Bronc-Horns
blatantblue on September 27, 2009 at 2:16 PM
Romo was built up too much by the media and the cowboys but I also think they need to get rid of Wade Phillips.I wonder if they don’t do well if they will sell him down the river:)
ohiobabe on September 27, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Just like with Odumbass, the issues start at the top. Jerry Jones is the root of the Cowboys problem.
txag92 on September 27, 2009 at 2:18 PM
I’m watching Vikings | SF game online here:
http://www.lasvegasmixx.com/tv.html
:)
Ugly on September 27, 2009 at 2:19 PM
You can get a pay package to LISTEN to the games at NFL.com, but their HD video streams are not available in the US.
If you have Sirius satellite radio, you can listen to all of the games there.
Del Dolemonte on September 27, 2009 at 2:20 PM
Jackson injured. Rams are doomed!
Nyog_of_the_Bog on September 27, 2009 at 2:22 PM
ohiobabe on September 27, 2009 at 2:06 PM
This is the last year of Wade Phillips contract. If the Cowboys don’t produce – which translates to getting to at least the second round of the playoffs, expect Wade to go.
Romo is not consitant enough to be a team leader the Cowboys need. He isn’t a terrible quarterback, but he should be a better player after three seasons as the starter – he isn’t. Look for some serious talk about Romo’s ‘fate’ if they also don’t produce.
If Romo can get past a playoff game, he may extend his life a bit longer, but if he has another topsy-turvy season, it will be time to get rid of him.
catmman on September 27, 2009 at 2:24 PM
Meadowlands crowd is lively today.
JCred on September 27, 2009 at 2:29 PM
No mention of the Bears and their road to the Super Bowl? Can you hear it… Super Bowl Shuffle v.2009. Go Bears!!!
chicagojedi on September 27, 2009 at 2:31 PM
I’m not watching football. I’m watching a friend who is playing in the PGA Tour Championship on NBC. But, on a commercial break they did a spot for Keith Olbermann with the tag “The Watchdog of Washington.” What a joke
golfballs03 on September 27, 2009 at 2:33 PM
Jackson not injured after all. Boler replacing Bulger who was, matches Green bay in the 2nd quarter,touch down for touchdown. Rams trail by 3 Green Bay first quater feild goals, not all together doomed after all.
Nyog_of_the_Bog on September 27, 2009 at 2:35 PM
If Romo can get past a playoff game, he may extend his life a bit longer, but if he has another topsy-turvy season, it will be time to get rid of him
/////
I agree but will jerry ,build a stadium monument to himself,jones?
ohiobabe on September 27, 2009 at 2:36 PM
i played center in JR high and HS
oh gosh it was awful
i had one of the fastest snaps around
but i was tiny compared to the linemen on my team and the other team
i refer to orwell to describe how i suffered
“picture a boot stomping a human face, forever”
blatantblue on September 27, 2009 at 2:36 PM
How do you like them apples…..Vikings fans?????
Guess them refs missed throwin another phony flag!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Niners!!!!!
Rovin on September 27, 2009 at 2:39 PM
Jerry Jones is the root of the Cowboys problem.
txag92 on September 27, 2009 at 2:18 PM
///
I like consistency and discipline in a coach,like Singletary
at the 49 ers.Now that’s hard for me to say after they beat the bengals in that great super bowl but I do like him.
ohiobabe on September 27, 2009 at 2:41 PM
%&@#$@!!!
JetBoy on September 27, 2009 at 2:53 PM
I hope the FBI has been called in to find out who abducted the Jets after the first quarter and snuck in these cheerleaders wearing their uniforms.
Jazz Shaw on September 27, 2009 at 2:53 PM
They’re baaaack!
JetBoy on September 27, 2009 at 3:10 PM
The Ravens appear to have found an offense this year, so I’m thinking they’re going to be hard to catch. The Steelers have yet to find any type of running game which is hurting their traditional clock management. I hope something starts to click today, or it may be a long year of angling for a widecard spot. Go Steelers!!!
disillusioned on September 27, 2009 at 3:11 PM
I hope that turnover and score was what Sanchez needed to get his head back in the game.
Jazz Shaw on September 27, 2009 at 3:11 PM
End of 3…Patriots 16, Atlanta 10
Pats have 4th down and will go for 3 more when the game resumes.
Del Dolemonte on September 27, 2009 at 3:20 PM
Call me crazy, but I think there’s somebody on the Titans’ special teams unit that’s going to be looking for new gainful employment tomorrow morning.
Jazz Shaw on September 27, 2009 at 3:27 PM
The Lions are up on Washington 13-7 in the forth. Maybe today they can end the drought. It’s hard to route against them given the last many, many years.
disillusioned on September 27, 2009 at 3:31 PM
:D
I feel it…we’re Going to Miami !!
JetBoy on September 27, 2009 at 3:32 PM
The ultimate heartache, Washington is losing to Detroit. Detroit………
Cindy Munford on September 27, 2009 at 3:36 PM
Will Tampa Bay win a game this year?
meci on September 27, 2009 at 3:39 PM
Tom Brady just threw his 200th career TD to Chris Baker.
New England leads 26-10 with 7:47 left.
Del Dolemonte on September 27, 2009 at 3:50 PM
#(*$&#(&$#*$(#&!!!!!
Jazz Shaw on September 27, 2009 at 3:51 PM
Got it back!!
JetBoy on September 27, 2009 at 3:55 PM
J – E – T – S
Three and oh, baby. :-)
Jazz Shaw on September 27, 2009 at 4:06 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwEMxYggoKQ
Jazz…when should I pick ya up for…da SUPERBOWL baby!
Going to the next 2 home games….cannot WAIT!! Buffalo and Miami.
Cheers!
JetBoy on September 27, 2009 at 4:09 PM
I’ll meet you at the beer concession. And, of course, the Giants just went 3-0 also. Since we’re being totally ridiculous anyway, dare we say… “subway Superbowl?”
MUA HA HA HA!
Jazz Shaw on September 27, 2009 at 4:13 PM
Did Favre do it?!
Touchdown?!!!
John the Libertarian on September 27, 2009 at 4:15 PM
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