With week 1 in the NFL season behind us, anticipation for week 2 is as big as kickoff weekend. So many expectations and surprises came out of week 1. Names like Brady, Manning (Eli and Payton), Brees and Cutler are normal to hear but Newton and Henne in with the rest is, at the very least, eye opening.
Even though the Panthers lost to the Cardinals, Newton completed 24 of 37 (64.9%) with two touchdowns and an interception to go along with 422 yards. He made the correct decisions that you wouldn't expect of a rookie QB starting and playing in his first NFL game. Stats that you wouldn't expect from a rookie QB who only completed 40% of his pre-season passes and was said to not have any real timing with his receivers. Cam Newton showed us all why the only stats that matter are the ones that happen when the games matter. Going forward, the Panthers have a huge building block with Newton. They know without a doubt that they can compete with anyone. I'm not saying the Panthers are going to win their division but they are a scary, young team. What's even better, Newton has earned respect from his offensive line and receivers. Something a QB needs to be successful. Before the season, it was said that Cam Newton had a lot of unanswered questions about his ability at the position on the pro level. Not anymore! All he has to do now is take this performance and grow from it. Eliminate that few mistakes he did make. The scariest thing of all is, Newton is very capable of playing even better. There are some defense coordinators that are looking at some sleepless nights ahead.
Did Tom Brady really throw for 512 yards? Yes, and he added 4TDs and 1INT. Easily the best performance of the weekend. Brady looked like a QB with a chip on his shoulder. You can say that it wasn't a big deal considering Miami's defense sucks but 500 yards is 500 yards. I don't care what team it is and what was worse was the Patriots were on the road. How the hell do you give up that many yards at home? Brady had forever and a day to sit in the pocket and pick the receiver he wanted. All anyone could do was shake their heads and say, "Brady was Brady".
Now, there were some "head scratching moments" at the QB position as well. First, Donovan McNabb and his 37 yards passing. WTF?! The Chargers are not as good as the Vikings made them look. The number 1 problem with the Vikings is that the offensive line, doesn't seem to know how to pass protect. Obviously, they are great at opening holes for Adrian Peterson, which is why AP rushed for 98 yards and along with Percy Harvin's 108 KR for a touchdown, were the only bright spots for the Vikings. When McNabb arrived in the Twin Cities, the offense was supposed to be more balanced. Supposed is the operative word because it never materialized in any form. Maybe this was an aberration. Its hard to say with any certainty that it wasn't and that is what is concerning the most. If every member of the offense isn't in the film room today then that is proof that the Vikings have no heart and don't care. It also lets everyone in L.A. know, Farmer's Field is not the place for them. Stay in Minnesota!
Finally, Tony Romo! SMH!! Just when you think this guy has learned his lessons, he goes out and shows you he didn't. If he was a second or third year QB, maybe you could explain it away but that is not the case with Romo. How did he not see Revis? Why didn't he tell his coach to get Dez Bryant out because he's hurt? Why didn't Romo step up as the leader he says he is? Romo must enjoy being on the SportsCenter Not Top 10. What else could he say after the game besides it was his fault. We all know that Tony. What we want to know is why. Tony Romo, stat wise, had the 5th best performance by a QB in week 1. Stupid mistakes and lack of leadership negated all of that. He has thrown away games in the past and the only reason he didn't get criticized last season is because he was hurt. Its almost laughable to think this guy can get the Cowboys back to being "America's team". Nothing in Romo's body of work gives anyone the ability to see or say that at all. Romo is barely deserving of a week 2 start but if he doesn't fix what ever is wrong quick, fast and in a hurry, there is a bench on the sideline with his name on it. C'MON MAN!!!
D!
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