Will it Last Week 1

Will it Last?

How many times do we see a team or a player exceed expectations in a football game and we think, there is no way that can last. That player is either too young or not that good. That team had an easy week or the ball just bounced that way. Most times it does not last, but every so often those early signs are premonitions of what is to come. In this weekly column we will look at 3 players and 3 teams who jumped out.

Players

Cam Newton: In week1 versus the Cardinals rookie QB Cam Newton threw for 422 yards, 2 touchdowns, and completed about 65 percent of his passes. Newton was in a shortened off season and was a raw passer to begin with. I predict that occasionally he will show off his remarkable talent, but most weeks he will struggle. This is encouraging though and I am starting to eat my words a little. Next week will go along way playing Dom Capers led defense. Will not last, this season.

Chris Johnson: CJ held out all off season and waltzed in when the season was beginning. I know Emmit Smith did the same, but two reasons it is not the same. One the running style of Smith does not need as much off season work in the hamstring area and two the Cowboys were a Super Bowl team that was much more complete. CJ will struggle in the first 4 to 5 games before hitting his stride. There were reasons I avoided him in fantasy drafts this year. Playing a bad defense in Jacksonville and running for 24 yards is not cool…especially in a close game. I expect the coaching staff is starting him on a limited basis. Expect bigger numbers starting in October. Will not last starting in October.

Matthew Stafford: It is wrong to ask me. I have been the biggest Stafford supporter the past two season. Injuries, and not talent were holding him back. Only injuries can stop him. Playing on the road vs. a Playoff contending team in the Bucaneers Stafford threw for 305 yards, 3 TD’s, and completed around 73 percent of his passes. Expect huge numbers this season. Will last all season long.

Team

1. Buffalo Bills: Beating the Chiefs 41-7 on the road is amazing. I think the Buffalo Bills are a much better team. Problem is: I do not see them going to the playoffs. They play in a hard conference, their OL is still only marginal, and their defense still will struggle getting to the QB. I do think 7-8 wins is to be expected and that on any given Sunday the Bills can beat anyone….I just think 2012 is more of their year. Will not last, weak opponent.

2. Chicago Bears: Beating down the Atlanta Falcons 30-12 at home was a surprise, but not a total one. I did think the Bears would win a close game…not a blow out. If I was the Bears I would feel disrespected this off season. They won the division and were close to going to the Super Bowl and yet all off season talk was about the Packers and Lions. I think the Bears will be strong and win 10-11 games. OL and secondary will be keys to how far they go. Cutler cannot take that kind of a beating every week. Will last all season long.

3. Indianapolis Colts: This is the worst team in football. I have told anyone who would listen that Peyton should be the MVP every season. This team is predicated on a dominate passing offense…all their eggs are in that basket every season. With no running game and an average defense this is the only logical conclusion. Problem is if you predicate a dominate passing game one would think you would have solid backups….wrong. Curtis Painter and Kerry Collins are junk. I expect if Peyton cannot come back (which he shouldn’t for his and the Colts sake) that they win 2-4 games and are in the Luck sweepstakes….if they miss out Barkley and Jones would be right there as well. Will last all season long.

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