"A Devastating Loss" and Other Week 2 Reactions

The best game of the year took place in week 2, as the New York Giants visited Philaldelphia for a division showdown, one of 11 such matchups. The Eagles came out on fire, eager to put last season's divisional 0-6 record behind them. They were truly dominant for three quarters, getting consistent pressure on the quarterback, shutting down the run, and racking up over 350 yards on offense.

Leading 24-7 as the fourth quarter started, the Giants looked to have no chance. But things can change quickly in the NFL, and thanks to a few lucky bounces of the ball(the Eagles' inability to recover a fumble near its own goal line, and a subsequent Bryan Westbrook fumble), the Giants climbed back into the game.

It's amazing how a team can be ineffective for an entire game, then go to a no-huddle offense late in the game and the offense appears to be unstoppable. And although the Eagles did become more conservative with their big lead, as most teams are, the Eagles continued to blitz Manning, but they weren't able to get as much pressure with their defensive line, which had been the key for the first three quarters. As Manning easily moved the Giants down the field for two touchdowns and a field goal in the fourth quarter, the Eagles were blitzing with defensive backs and linebackers, but Manning was finding the open receivers with relative ease.

When the tying field goal went through the uprights in the final seconds of regulation, I knew the game was over, because the Giants had all the momentum. Sure enough, the Eagles couldn't do anything on offense in overtime, gaining almost no yards. It's difficult for a team to "turn the switch back to on" as the Eagles had only picked up a couple of first downs in the fourth quarter, choosing a conservative run-oriented attack that wasn't very effective.

Anyway, it was over before the OT coin flip, and I'm sure everyone has seen the game-winning touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress hundreds of times so there is no need to rehash that. The bottom line is the Eagles suffered a devastating loss at home, when they had it all but locked up a 2-0 record and seemingly re-established their NFC East dominance. But, now the Eagles need to regroup, and if they can't beat the Cowboys in Philly(on October 8), their season is pretty much over, considering their horrible back-to-back-to-back road trip through the NFC East the last month of the season.

Other thoughts on week 2....

The Falcons look like the class of the NFC right now. Last year their run defense was atrocious, but this year they have allowed only 105 yards total in their first two games. Even with Vick throwing for 92 yards against Tampa Bay, they are dominating their opponents. Vick is running a scaled-back version of the option and it is working very effectively, the only question is if and when is going to get injured. As long as he can get out of bounds frequently, he will continue to rack up big rushing numbers.

The two primetime games in week 2 were almost unwatchable. Defensive struggles are not entertaining, other than the occasional big hit. The Jacksonville-Pittsburgh game was pathetic, with both teams playing it conservative the whole game, until the Jags decided to try passing on first and second down in the third quarter. As for the Redskins-Cowboys, any game involving the Redskins this year apparently is going to be a bore. They were on Monday Night Football in week 1, and showed no signs of having the explosive offense they are supposed to have this year with the addition of new offensive coordinator Al Saunders, although Clinton Portis' return in week 3 should help. Other than one or two big plays by the Cowboys and Terrell Owens getting injured, there was nothing to get excited about or keep people on the East Coast awake.

The Chargers and the Ravens both look pretty damn good after two weeks, but neither team has played anyone, so don't pencil them in the AFC Championship game just yet. Both teams have showcased outstanding defenses and adequate offenses, but Steve McNair is old and frail and Phillip Rivers is young and inexperienced. Neither team will be tested in week 3 with the Chargers off and the Ravens going to Cleveland, so we'll have to wait and see.