Week 1!

Welcome back to the football blog! We have a different URL now, but we’re ready to begin blogging for the 2012 season. Without further ado, let’s start with some questions.

What was the biggest surprise of Week 1?

Redskins over the Saints. RG3 looked impressive in his debut. The Saints put up a fight, but they couldn’t stop RG3 from recording the second-most passing yards by a rookie QB in his debut. And he created a new craze to succeed Tebowing, Griffining.

What about the biggest disappointment?

The Eagles. They look awful. They almost lost to the Browns, who had no offense.

Which rookie quarterback impressed you the most and why? What other rookie standouts did you notice on both sides of the ball?

RG3 was the best. Luck couldn’t do too much this week. Neither could Wilson, and Weeden was really bad. As for other rookies, Alshon Jeffery, Bears wideout from South Carolina, looked good.

There was quite a coaching carousel at the end of last year. Which neophyte coach had the best Week 1? And which veteran coach has overstayed his welcome?

Greg Schiano was the only neophyte coach to win this week. And he shut down Cam Newton. As for a veteran coach who has overstayed his welcome, I would have to say Andy Reid. Marvin Lewis is close, although the Bengals got a playoff berth last year.

How do you think the replacement officials did in Week 1? Give us your assessment of this union action. Which side do you favor?

The replacements weren’t awful this week, except in San Francisco-Green Bay, but the NFL needs the refs back. Entire seasons could be decided by bad calls from some ref who couldn’t keep his job in a six-man football league, for example.

Of course I have to ask about Seahawks QB Russell Wilson. Was he overhyped during the preseason, or did he just have one so-so game? Do you think he'll hang onto his job?

I think his job is secure, unless things take a turn for the worse. Pete Carroll won’t go back on his original decision unless he has to.

How about the Dolphins' Ryan Tannehill? Is this guy good enough to continue as a starter?

Tannehill’s certainly on a short leash. He really needs to improve. This guy hasn’t even been a QB his whole career; he also played wideout at A&M.

Has Robert Griffin III joined the ranks of elite quarterbacks? Is he this year's Cam Newton? What's your opinion of the "III" on the back of his jersey?

With a couple more good performances, he will. And yes, I think he is this year’s Cam Newton. Heisman winner from school that hasn’t been too great in recent years that plays in a major conference, mobility and good throwing, etc. I don't have any opinion about the Roman numeral, although it is the first Roman numeral ever put on an NFL jersey.

The main topic lighting up sports talk radio today was Peyton Manning's return. How was he different than the Manning we saw 18 months ago? In the wake of his injury, do you think he has the endurance to turn in a full season of performances like we saw on Sunday night?

He certainly is back. However, he seems to have lost a lot of his deep throw power. All of his passes on Sunday were on a wide variety of short passing routes.

Final QB question: what do you think of the Browns' Brandon Weeden turning in the lowest quarterback rating (5) since they starting keeping that stat in 1970?

It’s pretty terrible. Weeden is one of the oldest rookie quarterbacks in a while, at almost 29 already, and he needs to play like a 7-year pro.

The Jets overperformed in Week 1 after a disappointing preseason. Is this team for real?

We’ll see. That was a nice offensive performance, but they haven’t played any elite teams yet, like their division rival New England Patriots.

Which NFL coach most resembles a rodent, and why?

Um, okay. Well, that’s a tough one. Maybe Andy Reid?

Many teams debuted new uniforms this weekend. Talk about your likes and dislikes.

As I understand, every team has a new Nike uniform. But the Seahawks’ changes are the most notable. I can’t say I’m a huge fan, but they’re all right. Hopefully Seattle doesn’t turn into the Oregon Ducks.

We are currently watching ESPN's Chris Berman try his hand as a color man in the Oakland game. How do you think he's doing? Is he better off behind a desk?

He is better behind a desk, but he’s not too shabby as a commentator. He’s more knowledgeable than one might expect.

I know it's early, but it's time to get your predictions: Division winners, NFC champ, AFC champ and Super Bowl champ. Lay 'em out.

AFC North: Ravens

AFC South: Texans

AFC West: Broncos (sigh)

AFC East: Patriots

AFC Wild Cards: Steelers and Bengals...I know, it’s the exact same as last year.

NFC North: Packers

NFC South: Falcons (changing things up a little bit)

NFC West: 49ers

NFC East: Giants

NFC Wild Cards: Lions and Cowboys (no Saints? I guess not)

AFC Champions: Patriots (Manning vs. Brady in the playoffs?)

NFC Champions: Packers

Super Bowl winners: Patriots...ugh...

I’m really hoping this doesn’t happen, but things might turn out this way.

How about the NFL MVP?

MVP? I guess Brady would be the MVP in this circumstance.

Bonus question: Talk about the ways technology has changed the way you watch the game. 

I can watch NFL Sunday Ticket on my iPad now and on the TV at the same time! I also use my computer to keep track of scores and fantasy football.

Now comes the point where Henry gets to type whatever he wants.

I will not be happy if the Raiders go into Week 2 with Travis Goethel as their long snapper again, after that disaster on Monday. Special teams is supposed to be Oakland’s strong point.