Looking back on Week 1 of the NFL

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Tuesday entries used to be a round up of the Champs & Chumps from the week that was in professional sports - what better way to get back to that format than to take a look back at week one of the NFL. An honourary "Hazie Award" will still be given out to those deserving of the title of "Hazel's Heroes", while those who didn't make the grade will have the title of "Hazel's Zeros" thrust upon them.

HAZEL'S HEROES - THE CHAMPS

Who would have thought?
Atlanta Falcons big free agent signing, RB Michael Turner, shredded the Detroit Lions for 220 yards and 2 TD on 22 carries. Turner was often referred to as one of the NFL's best back up running backs when he was in San Diego, but he had his share of doubters when he signed with the Falcons - he answered his critics on Sunday, at least for one week. I wonder if Ron Mexico was watching.

Denver Broncos QB Jay Cutler is another guy who came into the season with doubters, (some doubted him, others doubted the Broncos) especially with Brandon Marshall being suspended, but Cutler destroyed a Raiders D that was predicted to be above average this year - completing 16 of 24 passes for 299 yards and 2 TDs. Not saying he is the next Tom Brady, but he sure is looking like a major upgrade on Jake Plummer.

When New England QB Tom Brady went down, you could hear the groan of Patriots fans clear across the continent, especially considering Matt Cassell was coming in to relieve. Cassell, who was coming off an abysmal pre-season, stepped in and did a workman like job, completing 13 of 18 passes for 152 yards, 1 TD, and most importantly - NO interceptions. While some of the die-hards are grasping at straws, remembering a time when Brady came on to take over for an injured Drew Bledsoe, most have resigned themselves to tough times ahead - for this week though, Cassell gets a nod of approval (thinking Hazel might have given him the thumbs up on Sunday - even though it was against the Chiefs...she can't still be a Chiefs fan).

Ya, we expected that
Dallas Cowboys RB Marion Barber picked up where he left off last year - 80 yards on 16 carries with 2 TDs, and he destroyed a couple of Browns defenders. The Cowboys jettisoned the ever disappointing Julius Jones because they knew Barber was the real deal.

That Chunky Soup lovin' mamas boy Donovan McNabb has Eagles fans dreaming of great things this season after torching the St. Louis Rams for 3 TDs - 21/33 for 361 yards. Hey, McNabb gets some recognition THIS WEEK, but we all know he's a champ against the lightweights of the league and a chump against the league's heavyweights - please, don't throw "Mr. Jessica Simpson" in my face...this is the year of the Cowboys!

The New Orleans Saints came into the season with high expectations of rebounding from a disappointing 2007 season - Drew Brees led the way with 3 TD passes, completing 23 of 32 passes for 323 yards. It is going to be a long season for defensive units in the NFC South - just ask Chuckie's boys in Tampa.


HAZEL'S ZEROES - THE CHUMPS

Who would have thought?
Cincinnati Bengals QB Carson Palmer had a day to forget in Baltimore on Sunday - with targets like TJ Houshmanzadeh and Chad Ocho Cinco, you would expect him to put up better numbers than 10/25 for 99 yards and 1 INT. Carson might just walking the sidelines on the Maeple Leafs Fantasy Football team this week.

San Diego Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson was held under 100 yards and was kept out of the end zone by a Panthers rush D that hasn't scared anyone in a few years. On the day, LT rushed for 97 yards on 21 carries...did I mention NO TDs????

Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning walked away on Sunday night with somewhat respectable numbers - 30/49 for 257 yards and 1 TD pass - but to be held to 13 points on opening night, AT HOME, against a Chicago D that wasn't all that last year is embarrassing. Too many commercials Peyton...

Ya, we expected that - YOU SUCK
The Detroit Lions came into this season telling anyone who would listen that they would be better than last year - their slogan for the 2008 season is "NOW", as in "all that matters is right now". Well after an opening game loss to the Atlanta Falcons, it is safe to say that "RIGHT NOW YOU SUCK DETROIT". But is anyone surprised?

The Washington Redskins unveiled their new West Coast offense under new head coach Jim Zorn (one of the all-time favourites around here), well against an under-manned Giants D, the new look Redskins were the same old pathetic Skins - 209 yards of offense and 7 points to show for 60 minutes of football.

The San Diego Chargers found another way to lose on Sunday, against a Panthers team they should have smoked. The Chargers cost many a person, yours truly included, their 2007 suicide pool when they blew a lead against the Kansas City Chiefs - they did it again this year against Carolina. They gave up ONE offensive TD (with two seconds left in the game) and managed to lose...they didn't to it to me this year, but I'm sure they got a bunch. What a bunch of donks they are.

That's it for tonight gang - more tomorrow. World Cup Qualifiers with Portugal hosting Denmark - the good guys got off on the right foot with a 4-0 win in Malta on Saturday. Carlos Queiroz FINALLY told Ricardo to stay home - a new era in football, one where MAYBE our goalkeeper comes out to challenge a ball in the air. We can only hope - no Ronaldo tomorrow, so its up to Deco, Nani, Simao and Hugo Almeida to carry the load.

Hazel, here's hoping things are groovy in your world.

I'm Out!