Quarterbacking has emerged as the story of this young season in the NFL, and for good reason – championships aren’t won without good QBs. In some cities, the quarterback discussion has become the dominant topic for local sportswriters and a near-barometer of the team’s chances for 2007 success.
Case in point: Chicago, where Rex Grossman played so badly through three games (throwing six interceptions and only one touchdown for a team that could be a Super Bowl contender) that he was benched and replaced with a washed-up Brian Griese. After Griese blew Chicago’s game against Detroit last Sunday to drop the Bears to 1-3, the QB carousel may spin again, possibly to second-year man Kyle Orton (who started early last season) or a free-agent signing (Hey, is Jim Harbaugh still around?). Either way, the Bears need to get the situation straightened out, and soon. They’re already three games behind division-leading Green Bay (sporting a rejuvenated Brett Favre at QB, another big story) and in danger of falling out of NFC contention.
There there’s Arizona, where golden child Matt Leinart has been plunged into a rotation with aging but still effective Kurt Warner. The problem stems from Leinart’s inability to be effective in the no-huddle offense (a favorite of new coach Ken Whisenhunt), which has led to increased playing time for Warner and something of a controversy in the desert, where Leinart was quoted this week as saying, “I just want them to ride or die with me.” The Cardinals, who are playing better this season than in years past, can’t afford to get lost in a QB controversy, so this needs to be cleared up quick.
And that’s not even talking about Kansas City, the Raiders, the Miami Dolphins, the NY Jets or any of the other teams with quarterback questions. The season is still young, but those questions need to be answered before these teams can even think about battling for a playoff spot.
Now here’s how I see this week shaking out.
New York Jets (1-3) at New York Giants (2-2): These two last played in 2003, when the “visiting” Giants defeated the Jets 31-28 in overtime. The Jets rallied in the fourth quarter of that one, but they may not have a chance this time around if the Giants’ defense keeps playing like it has been (seriously, 12 sacks last week?). The crowd at Giants Stadium will be rocking, and I don’t think the Jets can stop the Giants’ offense from putting points on the board. Barring some late injury news, I say the Giants take it. Score: NY Giants 27, NY Jets 20.
Detroit (3-1) at Washington (2-1): Could the Lions be for real? It’s starting to look that way after watching them ring up the Bears for 34 points in the fourth quarter of a 37-27 win. The Redskins rely on their rushing attack, which will help keep the Detroit offense off the field, but riding the momentum from last week, I think the Lions will beat a rested but vulnerable (particularly in their linebacking corps) Redskins team. Score: Detroit 31, Washington 23.
Seattle (3-1) at Pittsburgh (3-1): Seattle is coming off an efficient performance in a win over the 49ers, while the Steelers suffered their first loss of the season last week against Arizona. Pittsburgh will be up for this one at home, but the key will be whether the Seahawks’ offensive line can hold off the Steelers and make some holes for Shawn Alexander. I don’t think they will – Pittsburgh is tough in the trenches, and that will be the difference here. Score: Pittsburgh 17, Seattle 13.
Chicago (1-3) at Green Bay (4-0): The Packers are 4-0 thanks to Favre’s brilliance and a fast, aggressive defense. The Bears have more talent than their record indicates, but until they get their quarterback situation resolved, they’ll have trouble generating any offense, which is bad news against a Green Bay team that knows how to score. No matter who’s under center for the Bears, Favre will keep the run going with a couple of touchdown passes, and the Packers will win it. Score: Green Bay 21, Chicago 17.
Tampa Bay (3-1) at Indianapolis (4-0): A game that looked like a cakewalk for the Colts is shaping up as one of the best games on the schedule this Sunday, as Tampa has had the best defense in the league so far. Though undefeated, the Colts have looked vulnerable, and now they’re dealing with a mess of injuries (although it’s unclear whether Marvin Harrison, Joseph Addai, Bob Sanders or Rob Morris will miss any time). I’d love to call an upset here, and it very well could happen, but I can’t see Peyton Manning losing at home to Jeff Garcia and the Bucs, especially with Cadillac Williams lost for the season. The Colts will stay undefeated. Score: Indianapolis 24, Tampa Bay 10.
Quick picks: Tennessee will handle Atlanta, Denver will extend San Diego’s misery at home, Baltimore will beat San Francisco, New England will top Cleveland and in the Monday-nighter, Dallas will dominate Buffalo.
Last week’s record: 6-4. Overall: 28-12.