NFL Week 2: On Paper, Upset Potential, Don’t Bother

George | September 16, 2012 | 0 Comments

On Paper
Baltimore Ravens vs. Philadelphia Eagles

On paper this should be a huge matchup. The Ravens showed signs of a pro-style offense and allowed Joe Flacco to cut loose. The Eagles, on the other hand, won in week 1 and that was about it. The final drive for Vick was impressive but he can’t Tebow his way through this season by playing an ugly 3 quarters and coming through in the end. Finishing 8-8 will not win their division and would likely cause big changes from the coaching staff to the players. Before last week, this was could have been many people’s Super Bowl matchup. The Eagles are no less talented and their ability on offense and defense to make the big play are still likely to happen but someone has to lead them. Maybe last week was a wakeup call and this team will storm the field in Philly but it seems unlikely. The team struggled through a dismal season last year that saw a an awful 1st half and a great 2nd half that was too little too late. That 2nd half was part of the optimism going in to this season but 4 int’s and a 1 pt win over an atrocious Browns team really put fans hopes on hold and may have hurt Vick’s “Dynasty” talks.

The Ravens, just fingertips from a Super Bowl birth last year, did everything right and everything they wanted to last week. Their offense and defense were dominant. Eagles fans are hoping last week was a kick start, and I have been reminded a win in the NFL is always good….but did you see that game? I expect the Eagles to play much better but the Ravens are going in the right direction and in the battle of birds they will soar the highest.

Balt- 34 Phi- 20

Upset Potential
New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers

The Saints were beaten by a rookie quarterback at home and they had a chip on their shoulder after the rough off season…so what happens next? Everything last week pointed to an uncertainty in New Orleans that may have fans remembering where they put the the paper bags, not getting them out, just making a mental check list! The Panthers were beaten by a 1950′s NFL team that ran 37 times and threw for 138 yds. What do the Panthers have going for them? The Saints D! Newton threw for 300 yds in week 1 and after RGIII’s performance we could see another big day. The Saints Super Bowl run is long past and this team is a shell of its former self. The only thing that truly remains is Drew Brees, that I wish could have caught a bus out of town, because it will be tough being the only bright spot in a tarnished locker room. The defense was burned by a qb with a live arm and a potential to out run the defense, so who do they face this week….a qb with a live arm and a potential to out run the defense! Newton should learn to utilize Greg Olsen as not only a safety valve but as a weapon up the field. Olsen has the speed to get past the LB’s and the build to out muscle safeties. Starting 0-2 could be disaster for the Saints but all signs point to a potential in it happening. I think the Saints spent a lot more time concerned about football and less about what they can’t control and will pull this out, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Panthers come away with a victory.

Saints- 31 Panther 29

Don’t Bother
Jim Harbaugh vs. Jim Schwartz

Don’t bother in placing a bet on who will the “handshake” battle. The “Battle of the Jims” will be a pleasant and knowing Harbaugh a tongue in cheek, gentle shake. The only thing that would make it better is if Harbaugh used the creepy limp no palm doctor shake that always sends chills down your spine. Plus, Jim Schwartz wants no part of this maniac! I mean, look at those eyes.