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No-Brainers
Peyton Manning at JAX
Daunte Culpepper at CHI
Kurt Warner at DEN
Jeff Garcia at NYG
Shane Matthews vs Arizona
Hmmm... boy, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine kicking
off the the 2002 season with Shane Matthews as my Week 1 QB pick.
It must but that mediocre 75.1 QB rating in the preseason that
has me all hyped up. Hey, don't laugh... Wuerffel's 31.4 preseason
rating makes Matthews look like Joe Montana (statistically speaking
of course).
Despite a tough showing against first-team defenses, the Redskins
showed this preseason that scoring will be priority #1... at least
that's their philosophy. Whether or not it comes to fruition during
the regular season remains to be seen, but it won't be for a lack
of trying.
Spurrier is needing some early success for his fun-and-gun offense
and why not against the Cardinals? Here's a defense that ranked
26th against the pass last year, recorded the fewest sacks in
the league (19), and features David Barrett, Duane Starks, Justin
Lucas, and Kwamie Lassiter in the secondary. OK, Starks is a decent
offseason addition, but this smells like trouble for the Cardinals.
Don't get me wrong, the fact that Derrius Thompson and Rod Gardner
represent the best the Redskins have to offer that the WR position
doesn't excite me much, but Spurrier's schemes including a number
of multi-receiver sets may open some holes that Matthews can take
advantage. Here's hoping Shane gets off to a good start, otherwise
he might find himself on the bench at half-time, and I might log
my first "F"... and it's only Week 1!
Matthews Recap:
(28-40, 327 yds, 3 TDs, 1 INT; 4 carries, 0 yds)
Everyone who put Shane Matthews in front of Kurt Warner, Daunte Culpepper
, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre and Donovan McNabb this week, please take one step forward...besides you,
Mr. Spurrier. The carnival has rolled into NFLTown, and Spurrier appears quite the barker,
the huckster. He is selling us Matthews as a quality NFL QB, and after one week
Skins fans are enjoying sole possession of first place. Are we buying the hype?
Not yet. Matthews was brutal on several occasions, well overthrowing
receivers and moving in the pocket with the grace of Tonya Harding at finishing school. On the
other hand, he seemed to have his pick of open receivers much of the day, and on a couple of
downfield passes--particularly the beautiful strike to Rod Gardner that broke the game open
in the second half--Matthews did have that NFL-caliber glow. The Cardinals will never be picked out
of a lineup of good pass defenses, and Stephen Davis was easily strong enough on the ground to create
openings for the aerial attack. Whatever the reason, while
this was kind of the trendy "cojones" pick to make in this slot, at the end of the day those
cojones are sitting there laughing at you if you didn't sac up and start Matthews. I think
my father had some old Laughing Cojones records when I was a kid...Grade:
A+
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Brian Griese vs. St. Louis
All the attention in Denver has been focused on the Running Backs.
Portis or Gary? Or what about Mike Anderson in those one-back
sets? Who's gonna start? Of course, Shanahan isn't telling. Griese
must be enjoying himself... not being the center of attention
for a change. He's relaxed... he's got weapons... watch this "loner"
put up some solid numbers against the Rams this week.
Rich Gannon vs. Seattle
The 37 year-old Gannon averaged 237 yds, 3 TDs, and 20 yds rushing
against the Hawks last year in their 2 meetings. Fine with me,
where do I sign up. On a side note, the Raiders are 25-6-1 in
home openers since 1970.
Kerry Collins vs. San Francisco
Tiki's questionable this week with a sore hamstring which puts
a damper on the rushing attack, and you just know the 49ers will
find a way to score some points. Amani and Ike, get ready, 'cause
Collins will have to keep pace through the air making him a viable
fantasy starter in Week 1.
Michael Vick at Green Bay
I'm a little worried about the Green Bay aura getting in the way
of Vick's performance, this being his first experience as a starter
at Lambeau Field and all. He may be running for his life all day,
but as long as your league awards rushing points for QBs, you
should be OK here.
Quincy Carter at Houston
Sunday Night Special.... primetime. Would "Hard Knocks"
star, Jerry Jones, have it any other way?
Dallas must weather the first quarter emotion from the Texans
who are bound to be on cloud nine (the first home game in franchise
history might get you pumped up as well). Once things settle down
you might notice that #84 in a Dallas uniform running by all those
Texan defenders.... it's a tip.
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