NFL Quick Reactions: Seattle Seahawks Exposed?
By Erik Lambert
Sep 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs after making a catch as Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) defends during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Every NFL game in week 2 had some interesting facts to mull over. Here is a quick reaction for ever result.
Pittsburgh Steelers 6, Baltimore Ravens 26
Ben Roethlisberger said he hated quick turnarounds for Thursday games. It was easy to understand why. The Ravens dictated the tempo all night and really took command of the trenches both protecting Joe Flacco and attacking Roethlisberger. The problems on defense are anything but solved for the Steelers.
Atlanta Falcons 10, Cincinnati Bengals 24
Matt Ryan worked his magic against New Orleans in week 1, but away from home and missing his two starting tackles, his chances were far lower against a stout Cincinnati defense. For the Bengals though, the easy victory was soured by the exit of star receiver A.J. Green.
New England Patriots 30, Minnesota Vikings 7
Adrian Peterson may have made a difference for the Minnesota Vikings but truthfully it was the careless turnovers of Matt Cassel (4 INTs) that lost the game. Tom Brady was efficient and the Patriots defense rebounded after their ugly week 1 showing in Miami.
New Orleans Saints 24, Cleveland Browns 26
It was said earlier in the week that Drew Brees just has trouble playing against the Cleveland Browns. That stigma continued as he struggled most of the day but it was the suspiciously bad Saints defense that once again gave the game away, allowing Brian Hoyer to execute a final drive for the winning field goal.
Miami Dolphins 10, Buffalo Bills 26
People thought their victory last week was a fluke but it seems the Buffalo Bills are for real. Spearheaded by C.J. Spiller and a spunky defense, they railroaded a Dolphins team that saw their running game take a big hit with the loss of Knowshon Moreno to an ugly elbow injury.
Arizona Cardinals 25, New York Giants 14
No Carson Palmer? No problem. Bruce Arians ably adjusted the offense for Arizona around backup Drew Stanton and rode another solid defensive effort to victory over a Giants team that seems lacking in every facet of the game, especially leadership and fire. Not a good sign.
Dallas Cowboys 26, Tennessee Titans 10
DeMarco Murray is staking an early claim for the NFL rushing title. Coupled with a gross outing by Titans quarterback Jake Locker, the Dallas Cowboys rebounded to cruise for their first win. Tennessee still has a strong defense, but until they get consistency from the offense, they will continue to play mediocre football.
Jacksonville Jaguars 10, Washington Redskins 41
Robert Griffin III once again is left pondering the what ifs as he goes onto the injured list, this time with a dislocated ankle. In the end it didn’t matter because, once again, backup Kirk Cousin stepped up and guided the ship beautifully. His effecient game, aided by a rampant pass rush that dropped Jags quarterback Chad Henne 10 times, the Redskins more than earned their first win.
Seattle Seahawks 21, San Diego Chargers 30
Soon every team around the league is going to be saying the same thing. If you want to beat the Seahawks, keep them away from home. San Diego validated that theory by taking it to the champs from the opening bell. Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates were excellent, reminding once again how great a tandem they’ve been.
St. Louis Rams 19, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17
Despite losing another quarterback, one of their best defensive ends, and enduring a delay for lightning strikes, the Rams used defense and a balanced effort on offense to take down a tough but offensively struggling Buccaneers team. Josh McCown continues to look like what he’s been most of his career: a backup.
Kansas City Chiefs 17, Denver Broncos 24
They should be applauded for the effort, but the Chiefs just didn’t have the firepower to overtake the Denver Broncos. The loss of Jamaal Charles hurt bad enough, but then losing safety Eric Berry enabled Peyton Manning to do his thing, throwing three touchdown passes. Kansas City is hurting and may not have an answer for their problems.
New York Jets 24, Green Bay Packers 31
They deserve the credit for overcoming a terrible start but the Green Bay Packers should be very nervous. Having Aaron Rodgers once again covered up their deficiencies. The defense looked invisible against the Jets early before they realized it was Geno Smith they were playing. Never mind the fact Rodgers was sacked four times, alluding to their protection issues once again.
Houston Texans 30, Oakland Raiders 14
Don’t let the final score fool you. It wasn’t even that close. The Houston Texans dominated the game and did it the same way they did in week 1: Arian Foster and suffocating defense. Ryan Fitzpatrick was judicious with the ball while Derek Carr was, well, a rookie. He clearly has talent but he needs to learn to read NFL schemes.