Top 5 NFL Questions Heading Into Week 2
1. So, who is Matt Cassel?
It is hard to say what to expect from the Patriots’ Matt Cassel, as he appears to be ready to get a start for the Patriots in Week 2 against the Jets. Cassel was drafted in the 7th round out of USC by the Patriots in 2005, despite never throwing more than 14 passes in a SEASON something to be said for the fact that the Pats used a draft pick on him despite not being a starter in college, but Cassel has not given us a lot to judge him by. He did finish the game in at least efficient style, as he was 13-18 for 152 yards and a touchdown. If Brady is indeed out for a long period of time, I’m not sure I would want Cassel to be my starter at QB every week, but he is at worst a nice bye week replacement.
2. How many of these rookie running backs are for real?
Nine different rookie running backs had 10 or more carries for their team, and a handful of them seem like they will continue to have an impact. Most impressive was Bears’ rookie Matt Forte who ran through the Colts defense for 123 yards on 23 carries with a touchdown. Forte will be the starter and will be a great fantasy back. Titans’ Chris Johnson was having himself quite a debut as he ran for 93 yards on just 15 carries and had a receiving touchdown. Johnson will have to fight for carries with last season’s starter LenDale White, but if he continues to run like he did in Week 1, Johnson will see the field the majority of the time. Kevin Smith got the start for the Lions even with the late signing of Rudi Johnson. Smith was good, not great, with 48 yards on 16 carries and a score. Look for him to continue to get the majority of the carries in Detroit. If Marion Barber’s injury is serious, Felix Jones will continue to run for the Cowboys. He ran nine times for 62 yards and a touchdown. If Barber is healthy, Jones will be solely a complementary player. Ray Rice had 22 carries for the Ravens, netting 64 yards. He will split time with Willis McGahee as he gets more healthy. Steve Slaton got the most carries for the Texans, getting 43 yards on 13 carries. Slaton has a good chance to get plenty of work in Houston. Rashard Mendenhall was completely outplayed by incumbent Willie Parker who ran for three scores, but did well with 78 yards on 10 carries. Finally, Johnathan Stewart got 10 carries for the Panthers, and ran for 53 yards. He will continue to backup DeAngelo Williams, but will get his touches as well. Expect about this much production from him in the coming weeks.
3. Is this a bounceback season for Donovan McNabb?
McNabb hasn’t played a full season since 2004, and hasn’t thrown 20 touchdown passes since that T.O. guy left town, so after his 363 yard, three touchdown game on Sunday, it has his fantasy owners hoping for the good old days when McNabb was a top five quarterback. On a positive note, McNabb had this big game without his top two wide receivers in Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis. However, rookie DeSean Jackson looks like he is going to be a reliable, exciting target in Philly this season. I’m not ready to crown McNabb as back quite yet for a couple of reasons. First, the Rams defense isn’t exactly the Ravens from 2000. They were pretty awful in 2007, and outside of Leonard Little and Will Witherspoon, they don’t have many playmakers. Second, McNabb has been a very strong player in September before, so we need to see that he can sustain this over the course of the season, and most importantly, STAY HEALTHY!
4. Is Michael Turner the next LT?
After spending four seasons as his backup, Turner flew the coup on the Chargers to be the starter in Atlanta. Apparently, all that time he was sitting the bench, “The Burner” Turner was learning from the NFLs best back. Given his first opportunity to be The Man, Turner made the most of his first chance, as he ran for 220 yards on 22 carries and two touchdowns. That’s a ridiculous 10.0 yards per carry. It is obviously a stretch to call him the next Tomlinson so soon, but his first look at being the starter was quite impressive. He draws a tougher matchup in Week 2 as the Falcons play the Buccaneers, but it was a great debut.
5. Is Reggie Bush ready to live up to the hype?
Few players have come into the NFL with as much hype as Mr. Bush. However, through his first two seasons, Bush hasn’t even come close to what was expected of him when he left USC. Bush has never broken 600 yards rushing, although he has been great catching the ball, with 161 catches in his first two seasons. He certainly was undervalued in drafts this season, as his disappointing first two years definitely effected where he was selected. But his first game of 2008 was special. Bush ran for 51 yards on 14 carries, and caught 8 passes for 112 yards with a touchdown. He was electric in the open field, but still struggled carrying the ball out of the backfield. If the Saints continue to put Bush in situations that play to his strengths, this could be a great year for Reggie.
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