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NFL Weekend Wrap Up- What did we learn?
Week 1 of the NFL saw Underdogs
cover at a rate of 8-4 ATS, a far cry from last
years trends where favorites ate up the books
and pro cappers alike, BUT it was week 1. The
play of the Quarterbacks was key to many underdog
covers this weekend, let us highlight a few of
them.
Jake Plummer looked lethargic and undecided in
the pocket all day long against a mediocre St.
Louis team who could not stop the run in the preseason.
The key to beating Denver is to force Jake the
Snake out of the pocket and get him throwing on
the run, and he did it yesterday and Denver turned
the ball over 4 times in the process and on the
road in the NFL, that is doom. St. Louis's defense
showed it was better than advertised and Leonard
Little had a huge day. What did we learn here?
The defense of St. Louis shut down a high octane
offense, food for thought.
Brett Farve and the Packers look horrible on
Sunday and it looks like a long season and potential
future starter Aaron Rodgers may get the helm
before seasons end. Although Ahman Green went
for over 100 yards, Green Bay never scored, and
Rex Grossman for Chicago looked very at ease in
his role as a starter. Interceptions are the rule
with Brett Farve, and although I love him playing
and watching him, he will have many interceptions
this year, simply because the Packers will be
playing from behind in most games and Farve will
force it down field to make plays.
It is a case where Green Bay is NOT a good team,
BUT Chicago is a great team who will be better
than last year. Take note of that.
Dallas starter Drew Bledsoe threw 3 key interceptions
and Dallas blew a lead against a very good Jacksonville
team. Many had the Cowboys in the upset role here
as an underdog, but Jacksonville proved they are
not a one hit wonder and Jack Del Rio, for those
of you living under a rock, is a great NFL coach.
Unlike most Parcells teams, the Cowboys repeatedly
shot themselves in the foot with turnovers and
9 penalties for 99 yards, versus just 2 penalties
for Jags. What did we learn? Jacksonville is going
to be a contender and Dallas has a long way to
go to prove they will be a force in a very tough
NFC East division, and Bledsoe, as in the past,
is either great or he simply costs his team the
game with interceptions. Dallas was in the red
zone twice and came up empty, and the ground game
was weak at best.
One QB I thought has a great day, in a low profile
game was Drew Brees, not from a huge numbers perspective,
but from leadership standpoint, as he threw for
just 176 yards and 1 TD and a pick, but he spread
it around, and managed the offense well. The offensive
line played better than expected, and Reggie Bush
showed everyone that he is for real and will contend
for rookie of the year without question. This
is a team that will compete in every game and
the RB scenario with Deuce McCalister and Reggie
Bush is a strong tandem, and with excellent WR's
and a defense that showed some moxy on Sunday,
the Saints may have a .500 year here folks. Cleveland
on the hand with Charlie Frye at QB, are a work
in progress, and it will take some time for the
Browns to gel, a go against team till they find
their stride.
Tony George is a documented member of The Professional
Handicappers League.
Read more of his articles and get his premium
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