NFL Week one preview
The New Orleans Saints opened the season as defending champions for the first time in their history with a victory against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night, a rematch of last year’s NFC title match. Read the review http://www.senore.com/Saints-open-title-defence-with-win-over-Vikings-a26501
Highlights of week one – aside from the game on opening night – comes from New England where the Cincinnati Bengals travel to, in order to take on the New England Patriots. Both are legitimate play-off contenders and both have big weapons they can turn to.
The Bengals welcome Terrell Owens to their offense and could cause the Patriots some trouble in the backfield, who will have to pay close attention to Chad Ochocinco as well. Cedric Benson will provide a huge threat from the ground after rushing for a career high 1251 yards last season.
The Patriots showed in the http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=622q_KsEr3A they struggle against the rush and could struggle again this year despite trying to fill some gaps with their draft picks.
The Bengals drafted tight end Jermaine Gresham who could provide the biggest impact on the team, if Carlson Palmer can find him.
The Patriots will welcome Wes Welker back to the team after undergoing surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament, which forced him to miss the last two games of last season. Though Welker says he isn’t back to a hundred percent yet, he will command a close eye from the Bengals defence.
Rob Gronkowski could see some time at tight end for the Patriots after being selected in the second round of the draft and impressing in pre-season.
Add Randy Moss – in a contract year – and home field advantage, the Patriots should be able to hold off the Bengals in a close, high-scoring game.
The St Louis Rams went 1-15 last season and will be hoping to improve dramatically on that record. That starts with announcing No.1 draft pick Sam Bradford as their starting quarterback.
Bradford has shown remarkable form this pre-season. In his two starts Bradford was 21 for 28 for 257 yards and three touchdowns. But with Donnie Avery, the side’s best wide receiver, out for the season with a knee injury Bradford will find it considerably harder to find open men this season.
They start with a home game against the Arizona Cardinals, who are not without their problems. They released quarterback Matt Leinhart, after he reportedly lost the confidence of the dressing room and had a poor showing in pre-season. That means Derek Anderson will take the starting role, and depending who you read, he’s either terrible or below average. But he does have Larry Fitzgerald to throw to and against the Rams the Cardinals should do just fine.
Both the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens have big play-off aspirations this season and for the Jets, who are at home, if they view themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders this season this is a must win game.
The Jets will have Darrelle Revis back with them after his contract issues were resolved and veteran running back LaDainian Tomlinson to help Shonn Greene shoulder the running load. Quarterback Mark Sanchez is in his second year and should improve, but won’t be given that many touches, so don’t expect him to light up the Ravens.
The Ravens will be thinking they can go into New York and come away with a win. They reached the AFC Championship game so they have the confidence to win anywhere and added a good wide receiver in Anquan Boldin from the Cardinals. The passing game will play second to their rushing game but Boldin provides a great outlet if they need it. Even against Revis – the best cornerback in the NFL- Baltimore should be able to pick up decent yardage in the air.
Against the Jets’ strong defence, Ray Rice should still be able to cause trouble throughout the game. Spoiling the Jets’ home opener at their new Meadowlands stadium will be motivation enough for the Ravens to pull off an upset.
Week one fixtures
Minnesota @ New Orleans
Miami @ Buffalo
Detroit @ Chicago
Oakland @ Tennessee
Cincinnati @ New England
Carolina @ NY Giants
Atlanta @ Pittsburgh
Cleveland @ Tampa
Denver @ Jacksonville
Indianapolis @ Houston
San Francisco @ Seattle
Green Bay @ Philadelphia
Arizona @ St Louis
Dallas @ Washington
Baltimore @ NY Jets
San Diego @ Kansas City
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