This Sunday the NFL featured 8 games that were decided by a TD or less (3 going into OT) and I believe it’s the first time that’s happened since the 2010 but that wasn’t the surprising part. It wasn’t that they got to overtime but more about the manner in which the games arrived to that point. Week 3 was filled with amazing plays and some key upsets but it’s hard to ignore that replacement officials after three weeks of action continue to affect games in a negative fashion, getting worse as the season ages. First we’ll stick to the positives because anyone trying to keep up with all the early games would’ve had their brain explode. The games that stick out the most are the three overtime games but i’ll focus on the encounter in New Orleans, where the KC Chiefs took the win in OT 27-24. Performance of the week goes to Jamal Charles (33 car, 233 yds, 1TD) that was highlighted by a very nice 91 yard touchdown run. Anyone start him on their fantasy team? I think it’s safe to say now that coaching does matter, the ultimate example being the Saints who are only a couple years removed from their Super Bowl victory and are now at 0-3, one of the worst teams in the league. Even more shocking: teams that have beaten the Saints have that win as their only win of the season.
There some key upsets yesterday (Cardinals over Eagles, Raiders over Steelers) but the one that was easily the most surprising was the Vikings taking the victory at home over the 49ers, the team that most saw as the class of the NFL. Led by QB Christian Ponder (21-35, 198 yds, 2 TD, 1 rush TD) the Vikings shocked the Niners, beating them in every part of the game to take the victory 24-13. Ponder looked like a season veteran out there, never being phased by the swarming 49ers defense that caused much better QBs to commit turnovers. Ponder did not commit any turnovers and with the help of a strong finish by the Vikings defense (forcing 3 turnovers in the 4th) they were on their way to their second victory of the season. Who would’ve thought the Vikings would be sitting at 2-1, sharing the lead of the NFC North? Have I mentioned my Cowboys yet? Well, i’m not too enthusiastic about their performance yesterday. It was a sloppy win filled with offensive struggles and penalties but in the end, a win is a win so i’ll definitely take it.
What else to say about these replacement officials? Anyone that watched last night’s game between the Ravens and Patriots (would’ve been a classic) knows that it’s way past terrible. Once again Roger Goodell, get something done before the season is ruined.
Tonight’s game: Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks (8:30 ET on ESPN)
I didn't think Ponder would be that good in the NFL. I follow an ACC team and never thought he was that spectacular at Florida State. Nice to see him develop like this for the Vikings.
It was Bryan from last week for the Saints vs Cardinals argument. I wanted to bet the Cards would finish ahead of the Saints. Looking really strong now. Cards and Raiders not really upsets. It's just that Philly and Pitt are such huge public teams, Vegas has no choice, but to make them favorites. Sean Payton could be coach of the year, just like Manning for MVP last year.
I have to say, the replacement officials make the games more interesting. I know they're bad, but comically so. Also, if every team and player wasn't trying to take advantage of them, it would help. Officials have yet to blow a game, but it's probably coming.
PS-Bryan, adding insult to injury, I posted part 1 of Olga in my stream. Nookies has some "bad" things to say. Heh
Poor Bryan had to get up early just to watch the 49ers lose.
Who was that that said the Saints would make the playoffs.
Saints season is over, can't blow a 24-6 lead at home when you're already 0-2, NFC East is gonna be close all year, Giants vs Eagles Sunday night is huge, and the NFC West is a strong division after sucking for years