Three weeks into the NFL season and there are some shocking storylines with the Patriots and Packers both (1-2) while Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints still search for their first win of the season.
First Down: “I bid you Adieu”
Let's get the replacement referees out of the way, and good riddance. When the NFL agreed on nearly 2 Billion Dollars worth of profit last year the referees were not mentioned in the deal. For the first three weeks of the season the “other refs” caused quite a problem. The tip of the iceberg came between the Seahawks and Packers Monday night game when D.J. Jennings intercepted Russell Wilson to end the game yet for some reason the Seahawks were awarded the win. The play has been easily ruled one of the worst calls in officiating history and nearly 300 million dollars changed hands because of it. The result of that play brought an end to the fiasco as the regular referees were re-instated and back in for Thursday’s game between the Ravens and the Browns. You know what they say: not until it costs you a game does there has to be a change. The referees clearly made the smarter chess move and left Goodell with no choice.
Second Down: “Where art thou Pack”
That game did more damage too the Packers psyche then some people can imagine, and I bet it’s not the only time they will be “screwed” by a call the rest of the season. Green Bay has already doubled their amount of losses from last season and brought back most of the team from a year ago. No question the Packers should be at (2-1) but they allowed 8 sacks and seemed unable to get into rhythm at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. Aaron Rodgers was on the ground more times then a baby trying to learn to walk and his wide-outs could not hold onto a single ball all game. Up next at home against the hungry Saints.
Third Down: Belichick’s Fine.
I think New England Patriots Head coach Bill Belichck would tell you that he’d rather that win against Baltimore on Sunday Night then 50,000$. But he’d also tell you he would want that money back and should never have lost it in the first place. The last play of the game which was a field goal, was so inconclusive that it was screaming for a replay but the referees had already left the field. Belichick ran after an official and demanded a reasoning by attempting to grab him, he failed. Unfortunately it is against rules to touch a referee and Belichick did not get an explanation.
Fourth Down: “ Down to 3”
It started at 32 and now there are only three teams left that are undefeated: Atlanta, Houston and the shocking Arizona Cardinals. The Falcons have dismantled three fourths of the AFC West in (SD, Den, KC) Houston had to go by (Den,Jax,Miami) and Arizona surprisingly knocked off (Philly,Sea and New England in Foxbourough). I always enjoy a good story and Ken Wisenhunt is one of the best coaches in the league and it's about time he gets some recognition. He’s got a fierce line on both sides of the ball and Pro-Bowler Larry Fitzgareld at wide-out. The Cardinals face a beaten down Miami team at home. Houston has Tennessee and should roll pass them while Atlanta has Carolina and a rested Cam Newton. Could be an upset but I see all three moving to 4-0.
Tune in to next week for Week 4 analysis.
