Monday, October 09, 2006

Reggie! Reggie! Reggie! NFL Week 5 in Review

Houston fans continue to shake their hands as The President took a punt 65 yards late in the 4th quarter for the game-winning TD for the Saints. 4-1 start for the surprising Louisianans, after a dismal 3-13 wreck last season. With the Bucs having an inexperienced QB, Carolina showing the inconsistency of their franchise (never have had consecutive winning seasons), and Atlanta susceptible to underachieving, the NFC South is wide open.

A difference a QB makes. Two struggling teams made changes to their QB position, and still lost. However, the offenses of both teams looked a lot better than the previous weeks and there's more promise. Matt Leinart showed off his Heisman poise, becoming only the 3rd rookie QB in NFL history to throw for over 250yds with over a 60% completion percentage. He also led the Cardinals down the field for an attempt at a game-tying fieldgoal, unfortunately Neil Rackers choked. Joey Harrington got the start in Miami over a ineffective Dante Culpepper and looked very smooth in the offense, but did have 2 INTs (only 1 his fault).

The Steelers continue to lose, karma getting them back for their improbable SuperBowl officiating luck? At 1-3, a realistic high finish would be 10-6, but with the tough as nails KC Chiefs coming to town, a 4th straight loss is quite possible.

Philadelphia at 4-1 looks like they're in position to run away with the NFC East. The Giants at 2-2 are incredibly inconsistent, but are the Eagles greatest threat if they can get it together and not dig themselves into early holes. The Redskins at 2-3 look like a typical Washington 8-8 team. What good is a 700+ page playbook if the players are overrated. The Dallas Cowboys at 2-2 have no look of promise. If the fans biggest concern is wanting Tony Romo to play, then the Tuna will not be making the playoffs.

Chicago is the clear favorite to win the Superbowl. Their defense is the most dominating it's been in seasons, and the offense is finally looking almost as good. Rex Grossman is playing even better than his days in the Spurrier Gator offense, clearly proving the Coach's confidence in sticking with him despite Griese's stellar preseason.

St. Louis is the most fraudulent 4-1 team in the league right now. Outside of a opening game where Denver simply looked unprepared, the Rams have struggled to win over the 49ers, Cards, Lions & Packers. With Seattle twice, KC, San Diego and Carolina scheduled to play them in the next 5 games, I think a 4-6 record isn't a stretch for the overachieving Rams.

RICKY WATCH 2006: Continuing my comment from Week 2, the Dolphins are 3-6 without Ricky Williams the last two seasons. Ronnie Brown has 159 carries, 640 yds, 4 TD.

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