NFL 2015: Week 3

Pages

Week 2 Thoughts

* Concerns about Peyton Manning’s arm strength, at least at his point, are overblown. More valid are the concerns about his fit in the Gary Kubiak offense, a concern I highlighted in the Week 1 thread before the first game. (Get on my level, NFL pundits). Thursday night in KC, we saw Manning and the Broncos O struggle while working the Kubiak system, only to start to right the ship as they started running plays from the Manning playbook. By the end of the game, the Broncos secured a comeback, and Kubiak’s playbook was in a trash can fire. But that’s just for this week. Will they use the long week to add some Kubiak wrinkles to the Manning offense, or will Kubiak see the extra practice time as an opportunity to double-down and give the O extra reps learning his attack?

* This was the week of Year 2 quarterbacks. Derek Carr and Blake Bortles led their team to last-minute comeback wins. Teddy Bridgewater bounced back from a bad Week 1 with an efficient win. And even Johnny Manziel got in the action, throwing up a couple of prayers that connected against the Titans. (Granted, he only completed a Tebow-like 8 passes, but still.)

Carr: 30/46, 351 yds, 3 TDs, 1 INT
Bortles: 18/33, 273 yds, 2 TDs, 0 INT
Bridgewater: 14/18, 153 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT
Manziel: 8/15, 172 yds, 2 TDs, 0 INT

* Despite winning with Manziel last week, the Browns announced that they will start Josh McCown this week, following his successful completion of the concussion protocol. Therefore, we will have both McCown brothers starting NFL games on Sunday. The last time this happened? Almost 8 years ago, December 9th of 2007, Week 13. Josh took the Raiders on the road to Lambeau to lose to the Packers 38-7, while Luke took the Buccaneers into Houston for a more competitive 28-14 defeat.

* To give the Browns and Saints some hope, the week before that, Week 12, Josh led the Raiders to a win at home against Denver, 34-20, while throwing 3 TDs and 0 INTs. Meanwhile, Luke went into the Superdome in New Orleans and led the Bucs to a 27-23 win, throwing for 313 yards and 2 TDs.

* That game was one of only two victories in Luke McCown’s career in which he attempted a pass in the game. He is 2-17 lifetime in such games.

* It was a bad day for the 49ers, but Colin Kaepernick had one of his best days as a passer: 33-of-46, 335 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs. The “new and improved Kaepernick” has held up so far, completing 69.4% of his passes and throwing 0 INTs, and is tied for 6th best graded QB at PFF.

* PFF’s lowest graded QB through two weeks? Peyton Manning (-7.4). Technically, Manning is tied with Ryan Mallett. And Mallett earned that grade in only one game. But still.

* DeMarco Murray’s 8 carries for 9 yards in Week 1 was followed up with 13 carries for 2 yards in Week 2. With the team falling to 0-2 and the offense looking awful in both outings, buzz about the genius of Chip Kelly has subsided, at least temporarily. PFF had some comments on Philly’s run game: "The problem isn’t talent; it’s that the Cowboys knew exactly what was coming. The Eagles have run almost the same handful of running plays ever since Chip Kelly got there in 2013 and after seeing it four times the Cowboys had learned how to combat it. Dallas overloaded to the strong side of the formation, and the Eagles line had little chance against the fronts they saw."

* Despite the loss, Marcus Mariota did nothing to make Titans fans doubt him, though his evaluation grades out a bit lower than his stats. His efficiency dropped sharply when pressured. He didn’t turn the ball over, but the pressures ended drives. But that’s to be expected from a young QB making his first starts.

* “Jarryd Hayne” getting some extra reps in:

Missed Extra Point Watch: Blair Walsh (MIN), Chandler Calanzaro (ARI), Josh Scobee (PIT), Zach Hocker (NO)

PFF QB Performances of the Week: QB Ben Roethlisberger (+7.5), QB Tom Brady (+5.3), QB Carson Palmer (+4.2)
PFF Non-QB Offensive Performances of the Week: LG Gabe Jackson (+5.6), WR Antonio Brown (+5.4), C Russell Bodine (+4.3)
PFF JJ Watt Defensive Performance of the Week: DE JJ Watt (+0.3) :O
PFF Non-JJ Watt Defensive Performances of the Week: DT Aaron Donald (+7.9), OLB Justin Houston (+6.8), OLB Sean Lee (+6.6)
PFF Worst Performance of the Week: OT Don Barclay (-10.8)
Greg Robinson Watch: OT Greg Robinson (-0.4) :O

Pick ‘Ems

Pittsburgh at St. Louis: Pittsburgh gets Le’Veon Bell back, just in time for a road trip to play against one of the toughest defensive fronts in football. Or, at least, they are supposed to be, but after wrecking havok against the Seahawks, the Rams struggled to impose any kind of will upon the Redskins, allowing 182 yards of rushing between their two running backs, and letting Kirk Cousins go 23-of-27 with only brief bouts of pressure. St. Louis has yet to unveil Todd Gurley, who said publicly that he could play week 3 if called upon, but it doesn’t sound like he’s getting the green light just yet. I’m taking Pittsburgh on the road.

New Orleans at Carolina: This is for Enix. You wanted a Carolina pick, here it is. The Saints are on the ropes, and Drew Brees is out. This is a smash-your-division-rival game for Carolina. Enjoy, Enix

Indianapolis at Tennessee: How long can Indianapolis be this bad? Tennessee’s pass defense, coming off a game in which Johnny Manziel could beat them deep, seems like a prime opportunity for Andrew Luck to start playing up to his level. The matchup is tougher than it looks at first, though. Tennessee’s defense grades out more positively at PFF through two games than you might expect, and could do better if they take Michael Griffin out back behind the barn and put him out of his misery. But alas, Griffin is still there, ready to bite on every half-assed fake or misdirection any slap-dick offense throws at them. Indianapolis crawls out of the gutter here.

Atlanta at Dallas: It’s Weeden time! Atlanta.

Kansas City at Green Bay: After a heartbreaking loss to Denver on Thursday night, the Chiefs roll onto primetime again with an even tougher matchup, on the road in Lambeau. Vegas is not giving them great odds, but they at least come well-rested after the long week. Only really picking this because it’s the Monday game. Green Bay.

Check these numbers, and let me know if your totals are wrong

Week 2 Results
onewild: 4-1
Infyrnos: 4-1
jonfentyler: 4-1
Certis: 3-2
Kush15: 3-2
tboon: 3-2
oldmanscene24: 3-2
Jowner: 3-2
LeapingGnome: 3-2
TheGameGuru: 3-2
Cobble: 3-2
PorkSmoothie89: 3-2
kaostheory: 3-2
thejustinbot: 3-2
Mr E.B. Slugworth: 3-2
Torq: 3-2
Jayhawker: 3-2
Stele: 3-2
iaintgotnopants: 3-2
Peedmyself: 3-2
*Legion*: 3-2
UpToIsomorphism: 3-2
Oddsmakers: 2-3
Atras: 2-3
AnimeJ: 2-3
Tempest Blayze: 2-3
Bighoppa: 2-3
garion333: 2-3
karmajay: 2-3
Elliottx: 2-3
Abu5217: 2-3
cube: 2-3
Paleocon: 2-3
Zaque: 2-3
MilkmanDanimal: 2-3
Vector: 2-3
Psych: 2-3
Rat Boy: 2-3
Gumbie: 2-3
Bubs14: 1-4
Grumpicus: 1-4
EvilDead: 1-4
BEPNewt: 1-4
Top_Shelf: 1-4
whispa: 0-0
sr_malo: 0-0
Neozilla: 0-0
Minase: 0-0
troubleshot: 0-0
GioClark: 0-0
Nomad: 0-0

Season to Date
onewild: 7-3
jonfentyler: 7-3
garion333: 7-3
tboon: 7-3
Psych: 6-4
*Legion*: 6-4
Stele: 6-4
oldmanscene24: 6-4
LeapingGnome: 6-4
TheGameGuru: 6-4
Infyrnos: 6-4
UpToIsomorphism: 6-4
Mr E.B. Slugworth: 6-4
Peedmyself: 6-4
Jayhawker: 6-4
Zaque: 6-4
MilkmanDanimal: 6-4
Torq: 6-4
Oddsmakers: 5-5
Top_Shelf: 5-5
PorkSmoothie89: 5-5
Kush15: 5-5
Gumbie: 5-5
Rat Boy: 5-5
Cobble: 5-5
iaintgotnopants: 5-5
karmajay: 5-5
Atras: 4-6
Neozilla: 4-1
Abu5217: 4-6
kaostheory: 4-6
Paleocon: 4-6
BEPNewt: 4-6
Vector: 4-6
thejustinbot: 4-6
Bighoppa: 4-6
Certis: 4-6
Elliottx: 3-7
EvilDead: 3-7
Grumpicus: 3-7
Bubs14: 3-7
whispa: 3-2
Jowner: 3-2
Tempest Blayze: 2-3
AnimeJ: 2-3
Nomad: 2-3
cube: 2-3
Minase: 2-3
sr_malo: 1-4
troubleshot: 0-0
GioClark: 0-5

Missing link to pick ems: http://www.gwjnflpickem.com/picks

Pittsburgh Steelers at St. Louis Rams: Pittsburgh Steelers
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers: Carolina Panthers
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans: Tennessee Titans
Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys: Atlanta Falcons
Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers: Green Bay Packers

My original picks were the same as Legion's, so I switched to the Titans juuuuuuust to hedge a bit. Or fall further behind.

Hayne Train.

Pittsburgh
Carolina
Tenn
Dallas
Green Bay

Pittsburgh Steelers at St. Louis Rams: Pittsburgh Steelers
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers: Carolina Panthers
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans: Indianapolis Colts
Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys: Atlanta Falcons
Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers: Green Bay Packers

I also initially had the same picks as Legion, so going wild for NO as an outside bet.
Pittsburgh Steelers at St. Louis Rams: Pittsburgh Steelers
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers: New Orleans Saints
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans: Indianapolis Colts
Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys: Atlanta Falcons
Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers: Green Bay Packers

*Legion* wrote:

New Orleans at Carolina: This is for Enix. You wanted a Carolina pick, here it is. The Saints are on the ropes, and Drew Brees is out. This is a smash-your-division-rival game for Carolina. Enjoy, Enix

My pick: PANTHERS.

I also approve of your choice of header pic.

Don't count your McCown's before they hatch. It sounds like Brees might play.

Pittsburgh Steelers at St. Louis Rams: Pittsburgh Steelers
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers: Carolina Panthers
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans: Indianapolis Colts
Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys: Atlanta Falcons
Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers: Kansas City Chiefs

iaintgotnopants wrote:

Don't count your McCown's before they hatch. It sounds like Brees might play.

I'd prefer Brees to play, actually. Brees with a bad arm potentially means 2-3 INTs for Carolina. It's just not the same if a McCown throws all those picks.

4 and 1 last week, thanks to faith in the Browns!

Pittsburgh Steelers at St. Louis Rams: St. Louis Rams - picking the browns as an underdog worked well enough last week, time to pick another slightly less underdog here.
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers: Carolina Panthers - Go Enix!
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans: Indianapolis Colts - only miss pick last week, hoping the Colts can right the ship this week.
Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys: Atlanta Falcons - Last week I would have picked the cowboys here, but now...
Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers: Green Bay Packers - Always a homer here, Go Pack Go!

Pittsburgh Steelers at St. Louis Rams: St. Louis Rams
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers: Carolina Panthers
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans: Indianapolis Colts
Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys: Atlanta Falcons
Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers: Green Bay Packers

Pittsburgh Steelers at St. Louis Rams: Pittsburgh Steelers
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers: Carolina Panthers
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans: Tennessee Titans
Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys: Atlanta Falcons
Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers: Green Bay Packers

Pittsburgh Steelers at St. Louis Rams: Pittsburgh Steelers
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers: Carolina Panthers
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans: Tennessee Titans
Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys: Atlanta Falcons
Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers: Kansas City Chiefs

Pittsburgh Steelers at St. Louis Rams: St. Louis Rams
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers: Carolina Panthers
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans: Tennessee Titans
Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys: Atlanta Falcons
Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers: Green Bay Packers

*Legion* wrote:

That game was one of only two victories in Luke McCown’s career in which he attempted a pass in the game. He is 2-17 lifetime in such games.

Allow me to revel in the sheer terror that this really says that Josh is the better of the McCown brothers. No team deserves that kind of QB pl . . . wait, it's the Saints.

Pittsburgh at St. Louis: The Rams have to be the most confusing team of the first two weeks. So . . . defensive line wins. I guess.

New Orleans at Carolina: *giggles*

Indianapolis at Tennessee: I can't believe Indy sucks this much. Tennessee just lost to Cleveland. That has to mean something.

Atlanta at Dallas: I'm picking Brandon Weeden. Honestly, only because it would give people hope in Dallas, and allow all the stupid people to blame Romo for all the other problems on that team to whine for a week until Brandon Weeden plays like himself the following weekend. Realistically, Dallas runs the ball a lot against a bad Atlanta defense, and Ryan has a brain-fart game. Sure.

Kansas City at Green Bay: After throwing for 17 TD passes in the first quarter alone, Rodgers marches over to the Chiefs' sideline, throws Alex Smith to the ground, craps on his chest, and screams, "THIS IS FOR 2005 #2 for #1."

Terry Bradshaw "Rams are 100 percent gone." He says all the Fox guys are hearing they're moving. Ouch.

The only thing surprising to me is that people are surprised. Kroenke put up his own money to buy the land for the stadium ahead of actually putting forth their stadium plan. That was the big red signal flare that something real was happening, as opposed to all the previous "plans" that were just talk. Talk is cheap, Los Angeles real estate is not.

Enix wrote:

I also approve of your choice of header pic. :D

If I could've used a GIF, I would have.

Enix wrote:

I'd prefer Brees to play, actually.

You shut your mouth sir. You may enjoy beating up on gimpy Brees, but the rest of us deserve to enjoy a Luke McCown start.

Steelers

Panthers

Titans

Falcons

Packers

MilkmanDanimal wrote:
*Legion* wrote:

That game was one of only two victories in Luke McCown’s career in which he attempted a pass in the game. He is 2-17 lifetime in such games.

Allow me to revel in the sheer terror that this really says that Josh is the better of the McCown brothers. No team deserves that kind of QB pl . . . wait, it's the Saints.

Yeah, I love that stat. When I was going through the McCown brothers' game logs, I noticed that it seemed like every line with a pass attempt recorded for Luke had an "L" in the game results column.

So then I ran down the list and added them up, and knew I had the best part of this week's post.

Playing against Luke McCown seems to be the closest NFL analogue to fighting Glass Joe.

Pittsburgh Steelers at St. Louis Rams: Pittsburgh Steelers
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers: Carolina Panthers
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans: Tennessee Titans
Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys: Dallas Cowboys
Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers: Green Bay Packers

Steelers at Rams
Saints at Panthers
Colts at Titans
Falcons at Cowboys
Chiefs at Packers

*Legion* wrote:

You shut your mouth sir. You may enjoy beating up on gimpy Brees, but the rest of us deserve to enjoy a Luke McCown start.

Heh.

Teh Twitter seems unsure about Brees' status. Brees says he'll play. The team says they're not sure. Ian Rappaport says Brees' arm is hanging on by the gristle. And the Panthers are prepping for Brees.

My fervent prayers are for the Panthers to be up 28-3 at halftime and for the Saints to bench Brees' in favor of McCown. Best of both worlds!

Enix wrote:

And the Panthers are prepping for Brees.

Well of course they are. How would they prepare for McCown? Go find the worst ranked local high school squad and have their QB run the scout team?

*Legion* wrote:
Enix wrote:

And the Panthers are prepping for Brees.

Well of course they are. How would they prepare for McCown? Go find the worst ranked local high school squad and have their QB run the scout team?

"Remember playing Josh McCown last year? It's like that, except drunk on rubbing alcohol."

Pittsburgh Steelers at St. Louis Rams: Pittsburgh Steelers
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers: Carolina Panthers
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans: Indianapolis Colts
Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys: Atlanta Falcons
Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers: Green Bay Packers

Pittsburgh Steelers at St. Louis Rams: St. Louis Rams
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers: Carolina Panthers
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans: Indianapolis Colts
Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys: Dallas Cowboys
Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers: Green Bay Packers

Pittsburgh Steelers at St. Louis Rams: Pittsburgh Steelers
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers: Carolina Panthers
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans: Indianapolis Colts
Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys: Atlanta Falcons
Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers: Green Bay Packers

MilkmanDanimal wrote:
*Legion* wrote:
Enix wrote:

And the Panthers are prepping for Brees.

Well of course they are. How would they prepare for McCown? Go find the worst ranked local high school squad and have their QB run the scout team?

"Remember playing Josh McCown last year? It's like that, except drunk on rubbing alcohol."

IMAGE(http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lgbj6dMOzl1qf8yek.gif)

You guys are killin' it.

So that would be me, a Brit at the top of the league there (after only two weeks I know but by god I'm taking it)

Pittsburgh Steelers at St. Louis Rams: Pittsburgh Steelers
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers: New Orleans Saints
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans: Indianapolis Colts
Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys: Dallas Cowboys
Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers: Green Bay Packers

Pages