Pelletier's Perspective 9.16.08: The Things I Know
Posted by Justin Pelletier on 09.16.2008
411's Justin Pelletier has watched a lot of football over the last two weeks and, during that time, he's learned a lot about the 2008 NFL season. Join Justin in this week's Pelletier's Perspective, to find out exactly what those things are (and aren't).
Last year HBO ran a new original series called "John from Cincinnati". The show was set to replace "The Sopranos". "John from Cincinnati" was a popular as the Cincinnati Bengals are good; which is to say, not very.
I, however, watched every episode of its one-and-only season, anxiously waiting to find out why John was sent into the lives of Yosts. Well, I never found that out. All my television viewing was not in vain, however. This short-lived series did present me the perfect perspective by which to frame the first-two weeks of the 2008 NFL season.
You see, John was not in fact from Cincinnati. Rather, he was, in some way, tied to God (that was a lose end never allowed to tie up). And because John was not from Cincinnati, but rather Heaven, he was unfamiliar with many of our earthly saying and way.
When John was at a loss for words he would often say "Some things I know, and some things I don't." Well after two weeks of the NFL season there are clearly some things I know, and some things I don't.
Some things I know….
• Marvin Lewis better get his résumé ready, because the Bengals are the most under achieving team in the world. I'd say the universe, but I'm not sure aliens play football.
• The Buffalo Bills are a lot better than I gave them credit for prior to the season. Trent Edwards looks like a legit signal caller.
• Speaking of legit signal callers, Jay Cutler is the real-freckin'-deal. I'm going to say this, and probably catch hell, but Mike Shanahan may have found is new John Elway.
• Herman Edwards is a good coach, but Vince Lombardi couldn't lead the jokers in Kansas City to a winning record.
• I don't care how many wins they have, New England IS NOT a Super Bowl team with Matt Cassell as its quarterback.
• Darren McFadden is as good as advertised. He'll be a star in the league for a long time. Too bad his team is a glorified 1-AA squad.
• Scott Lenihan will be joining Lewis on the unemployment line, and it may happen sooner rather than later.
• San Diego is the best 0-2 team in football history. The Chargers will turn it around and make the playoffs.
• Two close games (even the loss) will make New Orleans a better team down the stretch. I'm feeling pretty good about the NFC South prediction.
• Tom Brady's hurt, the Colts stink and the Chargers are winless. Those analyst smart enough to pick the Cowboys to win the Super Bowl are looking pretty smart. (note: this was written prior to the Monday night contest).
• Dementia has officially set in on Al Davis. As long as he's in charge, Oakland is in trouble.
And Some things I don't.
• Aaron Rodgers has LOOKED GREAT but I'm reserving my judgment for when the games really matter. Beating up on Detroit is nice but who doesn't beat up on Detroit?
• Undefeated Arizona sounds like we've stepped into the twilight zone. I'm not sold on the Cardinals as a playoff team.
• I have no idea how Minnesota plans on turning things around. Tarvaris Jackson is an anchor that will drag the Vikings down.
• If Jeff Garcia doesn't give his team a better chance to win football games than Brian Griese than I'm Rick Mirer. I have no idea what Jon Gruden is thinking.
• Indy has looked retched so far. I don't know what's wrong it the Colts offense but they better figure it out soon.
• Despite two resounding victories, the Giants hurt from losing Strahan and Umenyiora. It will come back to haunt them, I'm just not sure when.
• Seattle stinks. I'm not sure, but this may be the fastest decline in NFL history.
• Has Kerry Collins gotten Vince Young his Christmas gift yet? If not, perhaps he's considering a de-motivational poster.
• I'm not sure if Carolina is a real contender in the NFC but the return of Steve Smith, combined with the way Jake Delhomme is slinging it around, sure makes it seem that way.
After two weeks that's how I see the NFL, but everything could change in just two more. So really all I have to say is…I don't know Butchy, instead.
I am happy that Finally some people are showing some respect although not much to the Panthers. ESPN has completely written them off with little mention or applause for their accomplishments this season. even guys here on 411mania wanted to write them off before the season started. they beat both everyone's Superbowl Sweetheart in San Diego, and a much better than expected Chicago Bears team. People need to take notice that both wins came without their best receiver in Steve Smith so we haven't seen nothing yet from those Cardiac Cats.
Posted By: John from NC (Guest) on September 16, 2008 at 01:05 PM
I thought you might like the Panthers thought, John.
Posted By: Justin Pelletier (Registered) on September 16, 2008 at 05:24 PM
I've been telling people all week, I hate the Panthers(I'm a Bucs fan), but the Cardiac Cats r back! The Panthers r my Superbowl pick. Right now there r several teams who r better but that will change as the year progresses. I'm not sold on the Cowboys as a Superbowl team as good as they r & ur right Justin the Patriots are NOT a Superbowl team without Brady!
I also agree about Garcia. I'm tired of Gruden's crap. I'm tired of watching the Bucs struggle or lose because Gruden refuses 2 run the ball. The problem isn't Garcia. It's the fact that he threw 41 times on week 1 when they were ahead or close all game long while EARNEST GRAHAM has been playing lights out! He hurt them in the playoffs against the Giants & against the Saints & Falcons. Did anyone watch their game with the Falcons? They were ahead 17-3. Then Gruden kept calling passing plays & play after play the ball was incomplete. The Falcons mounted a small comeback & the score was then 17-9! Then he FINALLY ran Graham & Graham did what he did in week 1 when he finally got the ball... Broke his own record for career longest run! GRUDEN IS THE PROBLEM! I'm tired of him. It's time he moves on. The offense has never lived up 2 expectations & he refuses 2 mend a system 2 fit the talent they have. The defense was built for the offense 2 run & the offense was built 2 run. If he wants 2 pass 30+ times while they're winning 17-3 then he needs 2 draft some decent WR's & let Garcia shake the rust off! He wanted 2 go pass happy against the Giants in the playoffs when they were ahead in the first quarter & held the Giants to negative 2 total yards. The Bucs at that time had the youngest offensive line in the league & the Giants were the best D line. They got 2 Brady the week before. Translation: If they can get 2 Brady they can get 2 Garcia. Late in the game Aikman was pondering why the Bucs defense was cramping late. It's because they were on the field all game long. It was 72 degrees & 72% humidity, the defense is small & quick. The gameplan was 2 stop Brandon Jacobs because as Ronde pointed out they never intended 2 stop Eli! Jacobs is 265 lbs. He weighs more than any of the linebackers for Tampa. They aren’t big & physical run stopping linebackers! They’re zone linebackers built with speed 2 fit the Tampa 2. The Offense needed 2 play ball control so the defense wasn’t on the field cramping all day long. U do this by RUNNING THE BALL! They came out running & they took the lead & the Defensive plan was working. He started passing & getting 3 & outs & the D started cramping & the Giants started scoring! Amazing how that comes together huh? I’m not saying the Giants wouldn’t have won anyway I’m just saying Gruden helps the opposition all the time.
Posted By: THE BOMB! (Guest) on September 16, 2008 at 10:41 PM
When ur QB is struggling & is recovering from an injury, like he was against the Giants & Saints, u take the pressure off of him not make him continue 2 force throws! Monte Kiffin & the defense has carried this team for a while & it’s time Gruden leave. He thinks he’s still with the 2001 Oakland Raiders! If they had a moniker it wouldn't be the greatest show on turf it'd be the greatest D on earth! Glazer needs 2 pull his head out of Grudens backside & hire someone who will do what it takes 2 win not force his QB 2 throw 30-45 times while they lead most of the game. I understand u want 2 be aggressive but u have 2 be smart 2! He’s not Tom Brady & they aren’t the Patriots or the old Raiders! He’s a good head coach but a terrible PLAY CALLER! His obsession with QB’s hurts this team!
Sorry for the long rant! Great job Justin! Have a great week!
PEACE!
Posted By: THE BOMB! (Guest) on September 16, 2008 at 10:45 PM
