NFL Week 1 open thread
posted at 11:01 am on September 9, 2012 by Ed Morrissey
Are you ready for some football? Welcome back to my favorite time of year, when I have an easy post every Sunday morning that focuses on anything but politics, and when people across the political spectrum can agree on one thing: I’m gonna pick the Pittsburgh Steelers every single frickin’ week. Get used to it, newbies. And don’t forget the occasional crying/gloating over Notre Dame football, which is off to a 2-0 start for the first time in what seems like decades after yesterday’s come-from-behind win over Purdue.
But we’re here to talk about NFL football and my weekly argument (rationalization) for a Steelers win. Today they’re on the road in Denver, where Peyton Manning now plays after what should have been a career-ending neck injury two seasons ago. Pittsburgh lost their last game of the season in Denver in OT despite a gutsy performance by a hobbled Ben Roethlisberger, thanks to the heroics of Tim Tebow, who got rewarded by being sent to the New York Jets to sit on the bench. The Steelers come into Denver dinged up again, with James Harrison and Rashard Mendenhall both sitting out the game, and of course Ryan Clark unable to play in Denver ever. Still, the Steelers O-line improved in the off-season, and the defense looked sharp in pre-season as well. Manning has a new team and a new system, and I’m not sure that Denver improved much of anything in the off-season. I’m picking the Steelers to win by four, 21-17.
Last season, my record was 70-24, so it’s not like I don’t get some picks correct. I also got the Super Bowl pick right after going about .500 in playoff picks. Let’s highlight five more games for this week and see how I start off the season:
- 49ers at Packers — Both teams were strong last year, but I’m not going against the Pack at home, not even in relatively warm weather. Green Bay 31-21 over San Francisco.
- Jaguars at Vikings — Both teams were relentlessly mediocre last year, but the Vikings’ big problem was a QB deficiency and an inability to hold a lead. I’m assuming they’ve worked on both in the off-season. I’ll pick the Vikings to be up by three TDs at the half and win 27-24 in the end.
- Colts at Bears — Andrew Luck, welcome to the NFL. Don’t expect to beat the Monsters of Midway, who may not be able to win this division but are still a better team on paper than last year’s Luck-less Colts. The line has the Bears up by 10, and that sounds about right. Chicago wins 31-21.
- Patriots at Titans — Tom Brady will be looking for some redemption after losing a second time to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl, and the Titans aren’t a good enough team to stand in his way. New England 35-17 over the Titans.
- Bengals at Ravens — As a Steelers fan, I’m hoping they both lose. I’d prefer that Baltimore gets off to the slower start … but I don’t think I’ll get my wish. Ravens win 24-14 over Cincinnati.
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Go Steelers!!
CW on September 9, 2012 at 11:02 AM
And the world gets back to normal….
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!11!!!
Eagles 34
Browns 9
Akzed on September 9, 2012 at 11:05 AM
Sorry Ed, Stllrz miss the playoffs.
Akzed on September 9, 2012 at 11:07 AM
Me too, Ed. Me too.
Night Owl on September 9, 2012 at 11:07 AM
New England and Green Bay both have fairly easy schedules this season; each gets to play 8 games against the NFC West and the AFC South. Only one “elite” QB in that batch.
Del Dolemonte on September 9, 2012 at 11:08 AM
STILLERS!!!!
I just wish Tebow was still there for the beat-down.
LtGenRob on September 9, 2012 at 11:11 AM
Well this new guy at Washington better be all that and a bowl of chips.
Cindy Munford on September 9, 2012 at 11:12 AM
All I can say is the Cowboys have the best record in the NFL today.
BobMbx on September 9, 2012 at 11:14 AM
…don’t cry next week when Michigan State makes them 2-1…ok?
KOOLAID2 on September 9, 2012 at 11:14 AM
Click, save. The gunslinger has receivers now. I expect to be reminding you of this later on.
TheBad on September 9, 2012 at 11:15 AM
Going with the easy-to-call games, eh?
Bills-Jets at 1:00. To quote AP, dude, I’m nervous. Jets by 3 after Sanchez fails miserably and Tebow is brought in for 4th quarter heroics.
Stoic Patriot on September 9, 2012 at 11:15 AM
Steelers—-maybe, but the Niners will beat the Packers. Rodgers will throw four INT’s. 49ers 27, Pack 17.
Rovin on September 9, 2012 at 11:15 AM
I’m going to keep this “haunting” quote in my archives Bob…..:)
Rovin on September 9, 2012 at 11:19 AM
J-E-T-S jets jets jets
jets 27 Bills 10
angrymike on September 9, 2012 at 11:19 AM
I’m glad they came to their senses and DROPPED the Art Modell tribute in Cleveland.
Yes, I still despise the man (nearly as much as Obama) but it isn’t proper to boo the dead. And that would have happened.
According to the “experts” the NFL season is already over for me. They all predict Cleveland dead last.
wildcat72 on September 9, 2012 at 11:19 AM
And it feels pretty good to say that.
cozmo on September 9, 2012 at 11:19 AM
Ed, you got burned several times last year picking against the 13-3 49ers. How many games will it take this year for you to learn?
aunursa on September 9, 2012 at 11:20 AM
Since the Giants already played, I guess I’ll be pulling for the Jets today.
And a bizarre Browns win to get the Eagles off to a slow start.
Whats a Seawolf on September 9, 2012 at 11:20 AM
San Francisco will quench their thirst on the sweet, delicous tears from the Green Bay faithful.
BallisticBob on September 9, 2012 at 11:20 AM
Ed dodges the tough questions yet again by failing to pick the Jets game.
Jazz Shaw on September 9, 2012 at 11:20 AM
This is what a real football fan is all about!
Congrats to the Sacramento State Hornets, who beat Colorado yesterday. Also congrats to Louisiana Monroe in defeating # 8 Arkansas and Utah State over Utah. UCLA over #16 Nebraska. And un-ranked Arizona over #18 Oklahoma State. Because this is what COLLEGE FOOTBALL is all about!
Rovin on September 9, 2012 at 11:24 AM
Come on jazz
There all haters, we will not get respect until we win another SB……
angrymike on September 9, 2012 at 11:26 AM
I laugh at how many times I have been told that over the last many years. Pssst don’t bet the house.
CW on September 9, 2012 at 11:26 AM
There’s a lot of Steeler fans here and I like it.
taternuggets on September 9, 2012 at 11:27 AM
Tatemuggets thumbs up!!!
CW on September 9, 2012 at 11:28 AM
Wildcat
I really don’t see much here in Cleveland, rookies at QB,RB and OL. Can’t win with constant change, ask Obie how change has worked out……..;-)
angrymike on September 9, 2012 at 11:30 AM
My Lions should have a good year, this year.
Though, I’m still going with a modest 9-7. (My pessimism showing, again.)
Should womp on St. Louis today to start the season.
RedCrow on September 9, 2012 at 11:30 AM
:D I was just going to say the same thing
Meh, we don’t need Ed’s cooties to curse Gang Green…they’ll do just fine breaking hearts on their own.
The only great thing about Summer winding down is that it means it’s time for some football! Can’t wait to see the new Tebow-centric wildcat offense :)
JetBoy on September 9, 2012 at 11:31 AM
Denver’s defense won that game against the Steelers, just like it did all those “miracle” wins earlier.
Kermit on September 9, 2012 at 11:31 AM
Sheesh. Losses to CSU and Sac State? Get the Head Coach search started.
socalcon on September 9, 2012 at 11:35 AM
YEAH football.
This is the safest thread on board right now LOL!
gophergirl on September 9, 2012 at 11:38 AM
Still, it’s a fun time of year, eh Mike?
RedCrow on September 9, 2012 at 11:38 AM
I’ll prolly be shopping for a satellite system, the only pro football around these parts is SDChargers. Hardly NFL caliber.
socalcon on September 9, 2012 at 11:38 AM
I must admit, I was curious as to when it would “devolve” into a thread about Palin or Jeff Johnson.
RedCrow on September 9, 2012 at 11:39 AM
Rovin on September 9, 2012 at 11:24 AM
ULM is our grandaughter’s school, and we all got a little nutso last night !! LOL.
That was majorly awesome !!
Tevin Mitchell is from our town, and we haven’t any news on his injury this morning. :-(
pambi on September 9, 2012 at 11:39 AM
Go Stillers!!! I’m just bummed that I have to work today.
Scott P on September 9, 2012 at 11:40 AM
Well shoot, I thought it was an 80 yard TD pass by Tebow that won the game. You sound like obambi – “you didn’t do that! somebody else made that happen!” Oh well haters gotta hate. (oh and I am a Dolphins fan)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zuUIhv8z3M&feature=related
VegasRick on September 9, 2012 at 11:40 AM
Oh and my Gophers are 2-0 :) Vikings – well we’ll see. At least they got the stadium.
gophergirl on September 9, 2012 at 11:42 AM
I doubt that Green Bay will score 31 points on the 49er defense. Conversely, I doubt the 9ers can score 21 on GB.
csdeven on September 9, 2012 at 11:42 AM
I looked at about 3 threads and went YIKES!
Then I saw Ed’s happy football thread :)
gophergirl on September 9, 2012 at 11:43 AM
I agree. I don’t have a dog in the fight (I hate BOTH teams), but it seems as if Ed is trying to rationalize his pick against Peyton in Denver.
aunursa on September 9, 2012 at 11:43 AM
Del’s not here yet GG…… :)
Rovin on September 9, 2012 at 11:45 AM
MORE turmoil for the Saints!
Unbelievable that Vilma and others win their appeal just in time for opening week. That’s got to have disrupted concentration in the locker room and on the field. Not sure it’s a net positive.
Also I’m not thrilled to see the courts overrule the commissioner, even though I’m a Who Dat.
I don’t like the precedent. MLB and the NFL are private organizations and I think they should have the right to pursue their own discipline and penalties, without everything ending up in court. Brees and others have major questions about Goodell’s actions, but I think this should be handled inside the NFL, not in court. Pretty soon, at this rate, there will be lawyers on the field for both teams to file injunctions against penalties..
Slippery slope and all.
That said,
BLESS YOU, BOYS!
cane_loader on September 9, 2012 at 11:45 AM
So Ed you’re saying the Steelers will win the Super Bowl. I say they won’t. If I’m right I get to post an article under your byline, you can edit for profanity but not content. If you’re right I have to post daily on one of your articles, Ed was right I was wrong and I will never doubt him again.
Deal?
smitty41 on September 9, 2012 at 11:47 AM
Roger that, cl, I’m sick and tired of the courts and congress messing with professional sports, period. These are private businesses and organizations, ‘nough said!
Good luck to the Who Dats except when they play my Texans.
TXUS on September 9, 2012 at 11:52 AM
Steeler “fans”:
The very definition of ‘front runners’.
Dr. Carlo Lombardi on September 9, 2012 at 11:52 AM
This
Ditkaca on September 9, 2012 at 11:53 AM
You forgot one game – Wisconsin lost! Wisconsin lost!
gophergirl on September 9, 2012 at 11:54 AM
It’s gotta be killing Sean Payton today to sit and watch on TV w/o being able to call in plays.
Here’s my plan:
Payton writes the plays on little pieces of paper. A confederate smuggles a carrier pigeon into the Superdome and sits unobtrusively in the cheap seats, while another confederate puts the box near the Head Coach.
When the Saints get in the Red Zone, the pigeon is released and they pull the note off its leg and Payton’s play wins the game!!!!
If caught, the ensuing national laughing fit goes so viral that Goodell can’t punish Payton. Payton makes his point and gets off scot free ;-)
cane_loader on September 9, 2012 at 11:55 AM
Thank you Del, we Cheeseheads love Aaron too!
JimmyGee on September 9, 2012 at 11:56 AM
Couldn’t agree with you more CL. Well said.
Rovin on September 9, 2012 at 11:56 AM
Your Texans are looking good to build on last year’s run. Ditto that – good luck, unless we have to serve up BBQ in the French Quarter!
cane_loader on September 9, 2012 at 11:57 AM
Remember GB’s last home game: dismantling by the Giants. I do think they’ll win this one but the Niners should make it close.
In the meantime, for my son: Go Steelers!!
For me, Go Bears!!
Bitter Clinger on September 9, 2012 at 11:58 AM
Well now, isn’t the door open for Payton to sue as well? Now that a judge just OKed the supposed on-field bounty leader to play, all bets are off.
Goodell’s got a mess on his hands..
cane_loader on September 9, 2012 at 11:59 AM
…my 8-8 makes you an optimist!
KOOLAID2 on September 9, 2012 at 11:59 AM
just to keep it honest will post my picks
got the dallas game wrong as a Redskin fan my 2 fav teams are the skins and whomever plays dallas, down 1 Romo looked too good
CHI, PHILLY, DET, HOUS, ATL, JAC, WASH (OK said I was a fan), NYJ, TENN, ARI, GB, CAR, DEN, BALT, & SD (live in SD so kinda have too)
smitty41 on September 9, 2012 at 12:00 PM
OK, what’s the over/under on how many game-winning calls the replacement officials blow today?
cane_loader on September 9, 2012 at 12:01 PM
http://www.latimes.com/sports/football/nfl/la-sp-nfl-report-20120907,0,2450179.story
http://nflconcussionlitigation.com/
The NFL announced that it was granting $30 million to the National Institutes of Health to go towards the study of neurological diseases — coincidentally, Seau’s brain is currently being examined here (let the conspiracy theorist run wild). Obviously, this is a generous donation and the NFL should be applauded accordingly.
But, do notice the timing.
The NFL is trying to regain its image in the court of public opinion after taking several hits following the string of suicides; former players saying they won’t let their children play; and even worse, that the NFL’s about-face is insincere — primarily triggered by lawsuits.
The American Academy of Neurology released a study today, that was first reported by Jason Koebler of US News, which concludes, five year veterans are three times more likely to die from a neurological disease when compared to the general population.
The study confirms several allegations in the players’ lawsuits.
Enjoy this season boys and girls.
The lawsuits are coming, and there is blood in the water, and it’s the NFL.
PappyD61 on September 9, 2012 at 12:02 PM
Hey Ed, whatsay you use your political connections to become a color commentator for the Steelers? They can use another incurable optimist!
-:D
cane_loader on September 9, 2012 at 12:04 PM
Lol. We’ve been burned before.
RedCrow on September 9, 2012 at 12:04 PM
Further examination will show that the players in the study were all Democrats, and that the damage was congenital.
cane_loader on September 9, 2012 at 12:05 PM
You got this one right. I’ll just have to move on to my 2nd favorite sport (MMA) until the nannies ban that as well.
VegasRick on September 9, 2012 at 12:06 PM
Hey there Mike,
How are things!
Go Jets!
FLconservative on September 9, 2012 at 12:06 PM
Pappy Pigskin picks.
Golddiggers versus the Cheesers at home in Ryan Country?
Cheese stinks, but Gold digging reeks of Capitalism and profit so Cheese please for the win.
Patriotic Bay State whiners versus the Hick hayseed Titanics?
Model quarterback (or is that his wife?) leads libs to victory over the barnyarders in Hillbilly land.
Pats for the win.
Bears eat horses so Colts have no luck this week.
Ravens versus anybody? Kaw Kaw, the crows must win.
4-0 here I comes.
PappyD61 on September 9, 2012 at 12:07 PM
Well, I hope you all will be enjoying the 49′ers/Packers game today. We in Az. are getting screwed out of that great game, in favor of the crappy Cardinals game. GRRRR.
kit9 on September 9, 2012 at 12:07 PM
Well, I am happy this morning. The first taste of Fall arrived last night here in south Louisiana, and it’s a dry and perfect 75 degrees with flawless blue sky outside, after a hellish summer. Just in time for football. Gorgeous!!!
cane_loader on September 9, 2012 at 12:09 PM
J.E.T.S! JETS JETS JETS! Buffalo will break out to a good lead and hold it for the 1st 3qtrs, Tebow in to save the game, win by 10….stranger things have happened.
NY Conservative on September 9, 2012 at 12:10 PM
Go STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
ladyingray on September 9, 2012 at 12:11 PM
I have been waiting, and waiting, and waiting, and… Ever since Bobby Lane, and Hoppy, and those years.
I’ll be 72 in the spring. They had better hurry up.
Yoop on September 9, 2012 at 12:12 PM
It would be lovely!
FLconservative on September 9, 2012 at 12:12 PM
What’s the under/over number we’re going to hear the words “talked about” today?
50sGuy on September 9, 2012 at 12:13 PM
Lol. Well, you’re much further up the line than I am.
The good thing is, whatever the idiots say (myself included) you still have to play the games.
PS–I woulda said 10-6, but there was a hidden tax in there.
RedCrow on September 9, 2012 at 12:15 PM
GO LIONS!!!!!
Matthew Stafford’s job approval rating 100%!
Varchild on September 9, 2012 at 12:16 PM
…I can’t forget going 4-0 in the pre-season and 0-16 the rest of the year! We pulled too many out at the last minute last year…and this year I’m getting that “We’re going to have to put the pads on Monday morning” feeling again!
KOOLAID2 on September 9, 2012 at 12:18 PM
Hopefully, that will not last.
But thanks for beating up the Giants for us :)
Fly, Eagles, fly!
thebrokenrattle on September 9, 2012 at 12:19 PM
FINALLY. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?
Lawdawg86 on September 9, 2012 at 12:19 PM
…are you using the polls gutmeandpokeme recites?
KOOLAID2 on September 9, 2012 at 12:20 PM
Don’t the Jets first have to figure out where the endzone is?
Bitter Clinger on September 9, 2012 at 12:22 PM
Head-on automobile crashes, people diving into shallow pools, playing with the Ram in the farmer’s pen—all a lawyer’s dream come true. I see “no-fault” waivers required for every player that steps on the field, or they don’t play.
Rovin on September 9, 2012 at 12:23 PM
…Matthew Stafford went to Bobby Lane’s high school at least…so there is that!
KOOLAID2 on September 9, 2012 at 12:23 PM
…T E B O W…???
KOOLAID2 on September 9, 2012 at 12:24 PM
‘It’s ma new shirt’.
kit9 on September 9, 2012 at 12:25 PM
Redcrow
Yes sir, I’ll be happy as a jets fan, and everyone around me will be waiting on the draft…….Or next coach……..;-D
angrymike on September 9, 2012 at 12:25 PM
Uh, Ed, ND was leading Purdue by 10 in the 4th quarter. My Boilers rallied to tie the game at 17 before the Irish kicker broke the tie in final seconds with FG. I don’t think that would be defined as a “come-from-behind” win.
Bitter Clinger on September 9, 2012 at 12:25 PM
FL conservative
Howdy bud, tell your pops I said hello……. Thing are good…..;-)
angrymike on September 9, 2012 at 12:27 PM
I LIKE football!
thatsafactjack on September 9, 2012 at 12:27 PM
Sorry, Jackie, this thread’s only for those who LOVE it. ;-)
TXUS on September 9, 2012 at 12:29 PM
OMG. Saw this and went over to nfl.com. The involuntary video and audio jumps all over you. The game on the field has deteriorated into a mix of NBA and WWF. The monolithic team colors in the stands, and all the pink in October. And Andy “He designs a heck of a screen pass” Reid still has a job. This may be my last NFL season, if I make it all the way through.
curved space on September 9, 2012 at 12:30 PM
….that’s not like you!…^^^…today you are!
KOOLAID2 on September 9, 2012 at 12:30 PM
Okay… I just didn’t wish to appear forward. I LOVE football!
What’s not to love? Men in tight pants, running all over my big screen TV! That’s entertainment!:)
thatsafactjack on September 9, 2012 at 12:31 PM
BTW, I DO love football. But the NFL has morphed into something altogether else.
curved space on September 9, 2012 at 12:32 PM
KOOLAID2
Ahhh, Tebow is backup and wildcat QB……….. there’s no controversy …….;-)
angrymike on September 9, 2012 at 12:32 PM
Hey Jackie…..;-)
angrymike on September 9, 2012 at 12:33 PM
Hello, Mike!:)
thatsafactjack on September 9, 2012 at 12:34 PM
Go Pack Go!
Laura722 on September 9, 2012 at 12:39 PM
Yeah, but can he find the field, on a Sunday morning, hung-over or maybe still blind drunk, and win?
Yoop on September 9, 2012 at 12:39 PM
That’s such a nice added benefit isn’t it ;)
gophergirl on September 9, 2012 at 12:40 PM
He says hi back. Glad you are well. So ready for some football, in the midst of all this ab-normalcy. Hopefully the Jets will make us happy today and the entire season! Truth be told, I’d give up the superbowl to have BO out of office!
FLconservative on September 9, 2012 at 12:42 PM
Oh Lord, you have to remind me. I live in Michigan. I’ve been a Lions fan all my life. There aren’t many people who live around here. But they are 99.999% Packer fans.
Yoop on September 9, 2012 at 12:42 PM
It certainly is! I’ve been a fan for years and I do enjoy the game itself, but there’s nothing wrong with admiring the scenery while they’re trying to make that 4th and goal.:)
thatsafactjack on September 9, 2012 at 12:42 PM
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