Week 7 gave a glimpse of the future for many clubs, with many new quarterbacks taking the helm of their offenses. After an exciting week of football in the National Football League here's a breakdown of the action.
Well, this week was an interesting one. It seems that nobody was really paying attention to the games that had real significance, such as Houston taking down Tennessee to take control of the AFC South, or Kansas City dismantling Oakland. Which if you haven't noticed Kansas City has won three straight and has drawn to within a game of the division leading Chargers. This game had an interesting undertone to it as Oakland brought in Carson Palmer, who is supposed to lead this team to the playoffs, to relieve an expectantly terrible Kyle Boller. Carson Palmer finished 8 of 21 with three interceptions. While I realize Palmer is hardly up to speed, it still leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of RaiderNation. A taste that they are probably accustomed to. Houston's victory over Tennessee was a statement win, that statement? "We are GOING to win this division, no matter how much we try to blow it."
Other games of actual significance include Green Bay surviving a fairly effective Minnesota offense led by rookie Christian Ponder (more on this in a minute), and Detroit's second straight loss; this one coming to a good Falcons team that looks as if it is finally starting to hit a stride. Back-to-back losses leave one wondering if this is the beginning of a downward slide in Detroit. They have trailed, and trailed by quite a bit in most, in every game they've played this season. Are they just a flash in the pan? Or is there more depth there that can overcome adversity? Personally, I think the former, despite having a very talented roster. I believe they may not quite be a contender yet. They still haven't managed to create a real running game, and their defense is suspect. Especially against the run. Perhaps they can overcome this, I can't see a team thriving without the ability to run the ball effectively.
As for the rookies, Christian Ponder was effective, and Cam Newton solidly handled a terrible Washington Redskins club. Rex Ryan and the Jets won their ridiculous quarrel with San Diego on the field, the Cowboys won in a very forgettable game against the St. Louis Rams in which rookie running back Demarco Murray ran for 253 yards and a score, Tim Tebow looked terrible yet and somehow came out of the game a hero, and personally my favorite game of the week Seattle dropped one to the Cleveland Browns in a sleeper of a game, losing 6-3. I wouldn't have believed that game 2 of the World Series would feature more scoring than any NFL game.
Back-up to Christian Ponder. The Ponder era has begun for the Minnesota Vikings. Lucky for him he steps onto the field with Adrian Peterson, a passable offensive line, an at least mediocre defense, and an underrated set of pass catchers that may not wow you, but can certainly get the job done. Unfortunately for Ponder he steps into a division featuring the stellar Green Bay Packers, the young and solid Detroit Lions, and the "can beat you on any day I feel like playing well" Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears. This is a very tough division. Most overlook how good this division is. It rivals any in the NFL. And it's been known for it's hard-hitting, bitterly cold games fought against intense rivals. The epitome of the NFL. Ponder looked good. Still a rookie, but good. If he can simply play to within his limits he can succeed in Minnesota. Look to fellow rookie Andy Dalton as a good example. He is making plays, but for the most part nothing incredibly sensational, and he has led the Bengals to a 4-2 record.
Cam Newton handled the beleaguered Washington Redskins. An ugly game for Washington. The Redskins debuted John Beck at starting quarterback. He proved to be as marginally effective as Rex Grossman. His only positive was his only one turnover. They were unable to get a win. I would like to say that this mostly a defensive let down. But I can't believe it is. They were simply bested, they were not the better team. Why? There's numerous reasons. And with the recent rash of injuries it may very well get much worse. Washington is not an incredibly talented team. Their running back core is 3 guys that are all pretty good, there's not a standout among them. This is okay, seeing as Shanahan utilizes all 3 in in a platoon system that really has seemed to be effective, however now losing Tim Hightower for the remainder will hurt. The receiving core is very deep, again not exceptionally talented, Santana Moss will be out for 5 weeks probably. This eliminates their most talented and consistent receiving option. The offensive line may be considered passable at best. Not really any depth though, with the recent injuries to Left Tackle Trent Williams for a few weeks and losing starting Guard Kory Lichtensteiger with a torn ACL for the remainder of the season will be the biggest loss. Chris Cooley continues to be constantly injured. This time a broken finger. Fortunately, Fred Davis is finally getting playing time and making the most of it. He will more than likely be the best receiving option for Washington the rest of the way. On the other side of the ball, the defense seems to be pretty effective thus far, however with the offense lacking explosive plays and a dynamic aspect the defense will likely break down from attrition. The more they are on the field the more apt they are to give up plays, and points. As for the quarterbacks, Grossman and Beck are likely interchangable, this is not a good thing. Both can be effective, but will likely not be exceptional. Things look fairly grim right now for the burgundy and gold. With the recent injuries to key players, things will likely get worse.
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