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America's XML Games of the Week: Week 2 Edition
Don't you hate how flex scheduling in the NFL doesn't start until week 11? Don't you wish you had the power to make sure all the prime time match-ups were of the highest quality of the week? Well, lets pretend we have that power here at XML. Each XML week, i'll highlight the best match-ups of the week, and slot as the primetime game each week (Sunday @ 4:15, Sunday Night, Monday Night). I'll break down what to expect from each team in each match-up, and come up with predictions for the scores. Welcome to America's XML Games of the Week!
Sunday Afternoon Game of the Week, 4:15PM on FOX: Carolina Panthers (1-0) @ San Francisco 49ers (1-0)
In this weeks nationally televised game on FOX, the Carolina Panthers cross country to take on a new look San Francisco 49ers squad. While Joe Flacco remains as the QB of the Niners, one of his big time weapons from last year is no longer here. Pro Bowl WR Brandon Marshall was traded in the off-season. Now the big time weapon for Flacco becomes the youngster Johnathan Baldwin, traded from Kansas City. In their first game of the season, the two only hooked up once for a mere 16 yards. So its clear the two have chemistry to work out. But with multiple offensive linemen brought in to bolster the strength up front, its clear that RB Maurice Jones-Drew is the highlight of the offense. He rushed for 156 yds and 2 TDs on 23 workhorse attempts in Week 1 against the Bears.
The Panthers on the other hand, made a big time transition on offense, and it seems to be working out so far. QB Cam Newton was traded to the Rams in exchange for QB Sam Bradford. The Panthers coaching staff had a desire to move on from Cam Newtons mobility, and instead have a QB that was more of a pure pocket passer. Insert Sam Bradford, who ripped up the Raiders for nearly 250 yds and 2 tds, completing nearly 73% of his passes. He was without one of Newtons original weapons in AJ Green (Traded to Miami), but faired well throwing to Steve Smith and Jason Witten. With a more successful pass game than in seasons past, things have opened up much better for Frank Gore, who went for for 173 yds and 3 TDs.
Defensively, each team made several changes, and faired well with them in their week 1 games. The Niners held the Bears down to just a touchdown, while the Raiders had trouble scoring more than 13 over the Panthers. With each defense coming in this matchup improved from last season, I don't expect much of a shootout here. They each have strong front sevens, and fast play makers in their secondaries to keep each other from scoring easily. But each defense is historically known for breakdowns at some point in the game. The question is which offense can protect their QB the most and get more out of their run game in end. I expect the Niners to want to try to get Flacco and Jon Baldwin connected more, and it may lead to a costly turnover. Panthers 20 to 49ers 13
Sunday Night Football, 8:20PM on NBC: Kansas City Chiefs (1-0) @ San Diego Chargers (1-0)
The AFC West proved last season that it can be as tough as any division in the XML. All four teams finished with winning records, with three teams making the playoffs with double digit wins. The Chiefs were one of them, standing out as a surprise team from last year. Behind Rookie QB Ryan Kaiser and defensive MVP Eric Berry, the Chiefs are back and head into the San Diego to take on a Chargers team that has won 3 of the last 4 against the Chiefs.
San Diego survived a 17-10 game against the Saints in Week 1, but lost their star receiver Vincent Jackson for two months due to a herniated disk. This could prove very costly to this offense that started slow last season due to major injuries at the RB position. Now with VJ out, Antonio Gates and Malcolm Floyd can expect to see increased roles in the passing game. But they'll need more consistency from the RB corp if they want to survive this two month stretch without Jackson.
Kansas City pulled off a huge road win over the former division champion Broncos at Mile High. A big start from Jamaal Charles and an efficient day from K Ryan Succop provided the spark to edge out Denver. Kaiser did throw two interceptions, one of them being returned for a TD that gave Denver a 1 point lead with roughly 2 mins left in the game. But his ability to bounce back and drive the team into field goal range made up for the mistake.
The key to this game will not only be how the Chargers move forward without Vincent Jackson, but how they plan to stop the Chiefs explosive offense. The Chiefs have playmakers all throughout their secondary that will make things hard for the Charger receivers. If the San Diego run game can show signs of life, it can life some of that pressure off the receivers. The Chiefs on the other hand will try to attack the lack of speed in the Chargers secondary, which means the Chargers will need to "Bolt Up" the pass rush from Shaun Phillips and the boys. Neither team wants to lose ground in this heated division. but in the end, I look for the Chiefs offense to be too explosive, while the Chargers try to experiment ways to get the ball to other receivers without Vincent Jackson. Chiefs 27 to Chargers 16
Monday Night Football, 8:30PM on ESPN: Tennessee Titans (0-1) @ Indianapolis Colts (0-1)
The Titans and Colts finished last season battling for supremacy in the AFC South. Now, both are scratching their heads after each losing to their other division rivals in the Texans and Jaguars. The Colts blew an opportunity to start fast, losing to an ownerless Jaguars team. The Titans on the other hand, came back from a 14-0 deficit to take a lead, only to blow the lead and lose in overtime to the Texans. The one good thing the Titans can take from their loss is that their offense was on point for the most part. QB Jake Locker connected with nearly all his weapons in the pass game, while RB Chris Johnson continued his dominance over the Texans defense. The bad thing? Their defense was torched for 38 offensive points.
The Colts got their usual explosive plays from their offense, but turnovers (2 ints, 2 lost fumbles) and sacks (3 allowed) proved costly to the rhythm of the offense. They were crushed in time of possession by 10 minutes, and got away from the run early. Both teams have things to work on defensively, but this wont be the game that will happen in. Neither team wants to start 0-2 in this division, and who ever does, will likely be wanting to chop heads off. Each team is going to pull out all the stops from start to finish, and it will make for an entertaining game. I expect the Titans to make less mistakes though and outlast the Colts, sending them to the bottom of the South with an 0-2 record. Titans 31 to Colts 27
Notice a trend? Yup, 3 road teams favored by me this week. Purely coincidence though. Look for another edition of America's XML Games of the Week each and every XML week. Thanks for reading!
