Who are the best teams in the AFC? (1 Viewer)

[Burning Sensation]

With the Patriots losing Brady and barely beating the Chiefs at home. The Chrgers losing at home to the Panthers, and Merriman being out of the picture. The Colts get beat at home by a less than good Bears team, and the Jaguars losing.

I dont want to overreact, but the Steelers, Bills, Jets and Titans chances had to certainly increase after week 1.

 

[renesauz]

With the Patriots losing Brady and barely beating the Chiefs at home. The Chrgers losing at home to the Panthers, and Merriman being out of the picture. The Colts get beat at home by a less than good Bears team, and the Jaguars losing.

I dont want to overreact, but the Steelers, Bills, Jets and Titans chances had to certainly increase after week 1.

Then don't!

 

[timschochet]

Much as I would love it to be the Steelers, the Colts are the best team if Brady is gone.

Manning was off, the team was off, but they're still the best.

I also think both San Diego and Jacksonville are very good, though the Steelers have the chance to be as good as those teams.

We really don't know enough about the Bills, Jets, and Titans to judge, but I'm skeptical.

 

[infantsam]

Indy gets a pass - sort of

San Diego - too many injuries and a pedestrian QB

NE- - hard to say but history isn't kind to backup QB's

Yes - I think the door is open. I won't be surprised when Pittsburgh walks through it.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I'd love to see the Broncos step up, now that the AFC looks for the taking, but I am not sure they have the defense to do it. We'll see how they look tomorrow night.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

With the Patriots losing Brady and barely beating the Chiefs at home. The Chrgers losing at home to the Panthers, and Merriman being out of the picture. The Colts get beat at home by a less than good Bears team, and the Jaguars losing.I dont want to overreact, but the Steelers, Bills, Jets and Titans chances had to certainly increase after week 1.

its one weekthis conference will come down to SD Indy if both teams are healthy. NE is a large unknown but if bradys done for the year.Losses in september are no big deal.oh and link to merriman being out of the picture?

 

[yinzer]

I think its obviously PIT at #1 for the time being and then you go from there in a few weeks to figure the next couple

Out of all the top teams losing (IND, JAX, SD, CLE) - NE not being included now - I think you gotta think that IND is most uncharacteristic bc idk Mannings healthy yet and certainly hasnt had the reps to be ready. I give them the only pass

I was very surprised to see CAR beat SD without Smith, so you really gotta watch them. I think Rivers is only average and Merrimans injury might hurt that D more than I though

Judging by this week though, I would be very surprised if PIT doesnt end up with a bye in the playoffs even with their schedule (barring injuries which hampered them late last year). Their only weakness is their OLine, and before the injuries started to number, they were fine with basically the same OLine (downgrade from Faneca, upgrade from Mahan)

I think the wild card's will be more wide open than initially expected, and NE does play into that

 

[Burning Sensation]

Much as I would love it to be the Steelers, the Colts are the best team if Brady is gone.Manning was off, the team was off, but they're still the best.I also think both San Diego and Jacksonville are very good, though the Steelers have the chance to be as good as those teams.We really don't know enough about the Bills, Jets, and Titans to judge, but I'm skeptical.

I dont know about the Colts. i would like to blame their Oline problems, but i didnt think they did a bad job. They are certainly better than they showed tonight, but maybe not the dominant team they have been.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

With the Patriots losing Brady and barely beating the Chiefs at home. The Chrgers losing at home to the Panthers, and Merriman being out of the picture. The Colts get beat at home by a less than good Bears team, and the Jaguars losing.

I dont want to overreact, but the Steelers, Bills, Jets and Titans chances had to certainly increase after week 1.

its one weekthis conference will come down to SD Indy if both teams are healthy. NE is a large unknown but if bradys done for the year.

Losses in september are no big deal.

oh and link to merriman being out of the picture?

Losses in September usually has a role in home field advantage. In the NFL every game is important if you want to win the SB.

 

[yinzer]

I'd love to see the Broncos step up, now that the AFC looks for the taking, but I am not sure they have the defense to do it. We'll see how they look tomorrow night.

I wouldnt be surprised at all if DEN makes the playoffs. I think theyre in line with the NYJ's, TEN's, and BUF's but no one is or was talking about themI dont think they have enough defensively to win 1 in the playoffs though

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

With the Patriots losing Brady and barely beating the Chiefs at home. The Chrgers losing at home to the Panthers, and Merriman being out of the picture. The Colts get beat at home by a less than good Bears team, and the Jaguars losing.

I dont want to overreact, but the Steelers, Bills, Jets and Titans chances had to certainly increase after week 1.

its one weekthis conference will come down to SD Indy if both teams are healthy. NE is a large unknown but if bradys done for the year.

Losses in september are no big deal.

oh and link to merriman being out of the picture?

Losses in September usually has a role in home field advantage. In the NFL every game is important if you want to win the SB.

yeah because wildcard teams never win the SB

 

[Burning Sensation]

With the Patriots losing Brady and barely beating the Chiefs at home. The Chrgers losing at home to the Panthers, and Merriman being out of the picture. The Colts get beat at home by a less than good Bears team, and the Jaguars losing.I dont want to overreact, but the Steelers, Bills, Jets and Titans chances had to certainly increase after week 1.

its one weekthis conference will come down to SD Indy if both teams are healthy. NE is a large unknown but if bradys done for the year.Losses in september are no big deal.oh and link to merriman being out of the picture?

I should rephrase, with his injury keeping him from being 100%, which clearly showed in the game today.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

think its obviously PIT at #1

from a guy named yinzer?nah

 

[Michael Brown]

San Diego - too many injuries and a pedestrian QB

Did you see any of the game today, or any of the second half of last season? Or is it just because he doesn't put up eye-popping fantasy numbers that you consider him this way? He's certainly not pedestrian.

 

[yinzer]

think its obviously PIT at #1

from a guy named yinzer?nah

I think anyone with a brain would say PIT is #1 right nowEvery playoff team from last year lost, except PIT and NE.So either youre telling me NE is still that good with Cassel, of BUF just suddenly jumped themQuit your denial

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

San Diego - too many injuries and a pedestrian QB

Did you see any of the game today, or any of the second half of last season? Or is it just because he doesn't put up eye-popping fantasy numbers that you consider him this way? He's certainly not pedestrian.

Rivers is the real deal people. (non-FFL wise and actually FFL wise he had a good game)

 

[Raider Nation]

<-------

 

[yinzer]

San Diego - too many injuries and a pedestrian QB

Did you see any of the game today, or any of the second half of last season? Or is it just because he doesn't put up eye-popping fantasy numbers that you consider him this way? He's certainly not pedestrian.

I personally think hes average because hes not very good at reading defenses, and very bad at checking down to his next option when pressured IMO. When I saw how he double pumped that TD pass to Jackson to give them the lead late, who was pretty open, I saw another characteristic Ive seen consistently from him that will def cost him at times.Right now, I think he's getting way to much credit for the gutsy playoff performance. Im not denying he had a good game, but hes more flawed than his statline might make you believe. He is working with the best RB in the league as well, that cuts him even more slack.

Id put him between around 12 as far as QB talents go

 

[GoBills02]

Been a Bills fan for too long to get real excited......

 

[Burning Sensation]

think its obviously PIT at #1

from a guy named yinzer?nah

I think anyone with a brain would say PIT is #1 right nowEvery playoff team from last year lost, except PIT and NE.

So either youre telling me NE is still that good with Cassel, of BUF just suddenly jumped them

Quit your denial

Not to far fetched.

 

[Tau837]

San Diego - too many injuries and a pedestrian QB

Did you see any of the game today, or any of the second half of last season? Or is it just because he doesn't put up eye-popping fantasy numbers that you consider him this way? He's certainly not pedestrian.

Rivers is the real deal people. (non-FFL wise and actually FFL wise he had a good game)

 

[massraider]

Please don't overlook the Raiders--currently tied for the division lead.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

think its obviously PIT at #1

from a guy named yinzer?nah

I think anyone with a brain would say PIT is #1 right nowEvery playoff team from last year lost, except PIT and NE.So either youre telling me NE is still that good with Cassel, of BUF just suddenly jumped themQuit your denial

LOLyeah after rolling the texans why not just hand them the trophy now

 

[Burning Sensation]

Please don't overlook the Raiders--currently tied for the division lead.

Cant wait to see how Dmac does against a less than stellar Broncos defense tomorrow night. I think he is the real deal, but i doubt the Raiders are going to go very far with Russell at QB.

 

[benm3218]

uhhhh.... Did anyone see our run game and defense? With Collins in there we might actually move the ball even more.

The way this board NEVER gives the Titans any credit is rediculous. We dominated a very good Jags team that many have picked for SuperBowl and play-offs.

 

[massraider]

With the Patriots losing Brady and barely beating the Chiefs at home. The Chrgers losing at home to the Panthers, and Merriman being out of the picture. The Colts get beat at home by a less than good Bears team, and the Jaguars losing.I dont want to overreact, but the Steelers, Bills, Jets and Titans chances had to certainly increase after week 1.

But that's exactly what it is, an overreaction.Are we also placing the Bears among the NFC elite?The Titans beat the Jags, and I thought the Jags were a better team, and still do.

 

[Rovers]

I think it's wide open now... and no, I don't think the Steelers are a front runner.

I'm a Jets fan, but still think NE wins the east..... but in a tie breaker... it won't be easy. I can see Indy having a bad start, but as Manning gets better physically, and C Saturday returns... that is still a good team. Urlacher over that rookie center caused big problems for Indy tonight... that wil change when Saturday returns.

Houston is not a good team... they made Pitt look better than they are today. SD is not as good as many think they are. The Bills don't have a proven QB.... the Jets have a new one who still doesn't know the plays. Denver's D is not good...

I think it's wide open. I don't see a 13 win team in the bunch. For 12 wins, I'd say Pitt is most likely.... but it's no front runner acclamation either.

 

[Riffraff]

Basically, the OP said that the best teams in the AFC will not go undefeated.

We already knew that.

15 more games to go.

 

[massraider]

Please don't overlook the Raiders--currently tied for the division lead.

Cant wait to see how Dmac does against a less than stellar Broncos defense tomorrow night. I think he is the real deal, but i doubt the Raiders are going to go very far with Russell at QB.

I was kiddin'.Dreaming of 9-7 with our schedule, but expecting 7 or 8 wins.

 

[ahill84006]

uhhhh.... Did anyone see our run game and defense? With Collins in there we might actually move the ball even more.The way this board NEVER gives the Titans any credit is rediculous. We dominated a very good Jags team that many have picked for SuperBowl and play-offs.

I agree 100%. It seems to me that the major media outlets never give the Titans credit where credit is deserved. Even at the half of tonight's game, they just had a BRIEF statement of how the Jags were upset today at Tennessee.Ridiculous................

 

[massraider]

uhhhh.... Did anyone see our run game and defense? With Collins in there we might actually move the ball even more.The way this board NEVER gives the Titans any credit is rediculous. We dominated a very good Jags team that many have picked for SuperBowl and play-offs.

You beat the Jags week 1 last year as well. And they won the rematch. Major problem with the Titans: If you have a 10 point lead, they are toast.

 

[twistd]

With the Patriots losing Brady and barely beating the Chiefs at home. The Chrgers losing at home to the Panthers, and Merriman being out of the picture. The Colts get beat at home by a less than good Bears team, and the Jaguars losing.I dont want to overreact, but the Steelers, Bills, Jets and Titans chances had to certainly increase after week 1.

I think that you are underestimating the Bears. This is a better team than many of us thought. The offense has looked average in the preseason, but average is a huge upgrade from last year. Forte is a very solid RB. And I don't know why they kept this defense under wraps all preseason, but they are pretty good. The Colts obviously didn't play their best game, but the Bears might not be so bad after all.

 

[Burning Sensation]

With the Patriots losing Brady and barely beating the Chiefs at home. The Chrgers losing at home to the Panthers, and Merriman being out of the picture. The Colts get beat at home by a less than good Bears team, and the Jaguars losing.I dont want to overreact, but the Steelers, Bills, Jets and Titans chances had to certainly increase after week 1.

But that's exactly what it is, an overreaction.Are we also placing the Bears among the NFC elite?The Titans beat the Jags, and I thought the Jags were a better team, and still do.

What exactly did i say that was an overreaction? Did i say the Colts are out of the Playoffs or the Bills are Going to win the Superbowl?Yesterday the Pats, Colts and Chargers were sure bets to win their division, do you still think they are safe bets to do so?

 

[Dragon1952]

Right now I'd have to say Pittsburgh and San Diego, although the Chargers may need a few games under there belt to get going. Pittsburgh was awesome (my defense in both my leagues, I might add ).

 

[yinzer]

think its obviously PIT at #1

from a guy named yinzer?nah

I think anyone with a brain would say PIT is #1 right nowEvery playoff team from last year lost, except PIT and NE.So either youre telling me NE is still that good with Cassel, of BUF just suddenly jumped themQuit your denial

LOLyeah after rolling the texans why not just hand them the trophy now

Did I say anything close to that really?I said right now I dont see how you can put a team ahead of them, or that close to them quite yet. By the time they made the playoffs, they had 3 injured pro bowlers and an underrated safety in Clark injured last year, with Smith missing a good 6 games, Clark half the season, and Polamalu basically hampered the whole season. How's Indy's D w/o Sanders? or SD's with a hampered Merriman? and thats only 1 injured pro bowler.Id probably put SD at 2 right now, followed by IND because they should come around, but I dont see how you rank either team ahead of PIT right nowWith PIT schedule, were going to see them play DAL, SD, IND, JAX, NE, PHI, and basically every other good team, so I think a time will come where we have a better idea of what team fits in where.I just dont see how you can really put anyone ahead of them in the AFC right now

 

[Raider Nation]

Please don't overlook the Raiders--currently tied for the division lead.

Sole possession in about 24 hours.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

With the Patriots losing Brady and barely beating the Chiefs at home. The Chrgers losing at home to the Panthers, and Merriman being out of the picture. The Colts get beat at home by a less than good Bears team, and the Jaguars losing.

I dont want to overreact, but the Steelers, Bills, Jets and Titans chances had to certainly increase after week 1.

its one weekthis conference will come down to SD Indy if both teams are healthy. NE is a large unknown but if bradys done for the year.

Losses in september are no big deal.

oh and link to merriman being out of the picture?

Losses in September usually has a role in home field advantage. In the NFL every game is important if you want to win the SB.

yeah because wildcard teams never win the SB

Which would you rather have, a wildcard birth or home field throughout the playoffs? Yes, every loss is important.

 

[Road Warriors]

Pittsburgh looked a lot better on the O-line, and very strong on D. They'll be better than advertised this year.

The Colts looked like they REALLY missed Saturday, and may have protection troubles until he returns or someone steps up to lead the O-line. Manning wasn't bad tonight, but he was getting whacked a bunch.

I didn't see the Chargers, but unless Merriman is really becoming a hinderance to the D, I think they'll be fine. Division winner and a bye most likely.

Lets not get too wrapped up in the Jets, who snuck past MIA. They'll be interesting, but still 3rd in the Division.

NE should still eke out 10 Ws with Cassel with the schedule they've got, win the division and host a wildcard game. BUF could sneak into a wildcard with 9 Ws.

What I don't see anywhere in the AFC is a dominant team. 11 or 12 wins will get the #1 overall seed in the AFC this year, IMO.

 

[massraider]

With the Patriots losing Brady and barely beating the Chiefs at home. The Chrgers losing at home to the Panthers, and Merriman being out of the picture. The Colts get beat at home by a less than good Bears team, and the Jaguars losing.I dont want to overreact, but the Steelers, Bills, Jets and Titans chances had to certainly increase after week 1.

But that's exactly what it is, an overreaction.Are we also placing the Bears among the NFC elite?The Titans beat the Jags, and I thought the Jags were a better team, and still do.

What exactly did i say that was an overreaction? Did i say the Colts are out of the Playoffs or the Bills are Going to win the Superbowl?Yesterday the Pats, Colts and Chargers were sure bets to win their division, do you still think they are safe bets to do so?

Well, the question in your title is then followed up by a listing of the Bills, Jets, Steelers, and Titans. So what are we supposed to think? It seems to me that you are asking if these teams are now AFC elite. Maybe I am reading too much into it.But Brady going down increases everyone's chances, that is for sure.1 game means so little to me. I still think the Bears have problems, Vince Young is a bad QB, the Steelers have line trouble, the Jags are a legit contender, Rivers is the real deal, the Texans are for real,the Ravens have no shot, and the Colts are a playoff lock.Chances are I will be wrong on some of these, but I won't let one game change my mind.

 

[Burning Sensation]

think its obviously PIT at #1

from a guy named yinzer?nah

I think anyone with a brain would say PIT is #1 right nowEvery playoff team from last year lost, except PIT and NE.So either youre telling me NE is still that good with Cassel, of BUF just suddenly jumped themQuit your denial

LOLyeah after rolling the texans why not just hand them the trophy now

Did I say anything close to that really?I said right now I dont see how you can put a team ahead of them, or that close to them quite yet. By the time they made the playoffs, they had 3 injured pro bowlers and an underrated safety in Clark injuredId probably put SD at 2 right now, followed by IND because they should come around, but I dont see how you rank either team ahead of PIT right nowWith PIT schedule, were going to see them play DAL, SD, IND, JAX, NE, PHI, and basically every other good team, so I think a time will come where we have a better idea of what team fits in where.I just dont see how you can really put anyone ahead of them in the AFC right now

Nobody has an easier schedule than the Bills, and with Peters coming back next week, watch out!!!Not to mention the Bills man-handled the Steelers starters in the preseason.

 

[Zow]

I like Jacksonville the best. They have a history of struggling with Tennessee and they will eventually get the ground game going. Just odd play calling today IMO.

Sand Diego will rebound and be there in the playoffs.

Jax

San Diego

Indy

PIT

NE

TEN

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Three teams stood out to me, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and San Diego.

The Steelers pushed Houston around and take apart your secondary on offense and terrorized them in a feeding frenzy on defense. The Steelers we know and love

Buffalo was also reminiscent of past quality Bills teams, productive in all three facets of the game. The fake FG is a great sign to me that this group has the mentality of a winning team from the coaches down to the special teamers. Edwards is a good game manager, Lynch is a ball control back, and remember, they didn't have Peters against a very tough pass rush.

San Diego's defense was not as impressive as previous versions, but they did collapse the pocket a lot, and they have the potential get rabid like the Steelers. They get Stephen Cooper back in three weeks. The secondary is young and will continue to get better. Rivers basically willed the team to victory in the 4th quarter before Delhomme answered with a victorious crusade of his own. LT is still LT. And they were also missing McNeill. They will have something to say.

These teams look the closest to complete. The Steelers offensive line is far from a strength and the D can be defeated through the air if the pressure is kept at bay. The Bills have a ho hum offense and the loss of Crowell hurts. The Chargers were the AFC runner up last year and a healthy Rivers might have taken down the Patriots, so they're the new favorite in my book.

 

[Burning Sensation]

With the Patriots losing Brady and barely beating the Chiefs at home. The Chrgers losing at home to the Panthers, and Merriman being out of the picture. The Colts get beat at home by a less than good Bears team, and the Jaguars losing.

I dont want to overreact, but the Steelers, Bills, Jets and Titans chances had to certainly increase after week 1.

But that's exactly what it is, an overreaction.Are we also placing the Bears among the NFC elite?

The Titans beat the Jags, and I thought the Jags were a better team, and still do.

What exactly did i say that was an overreaction? Did i say the Colts are out of the Playoffs or the Bills are Going to win the Superbowl?Yesterday the Pats, Colts and Chargers were sure bets to win their division, do you still think they are safe bets to do so?

Well, the question in your title is then followed up by a listing of the Bills, Jets, Steelers, and Titans. So what are we supposed to think? It seems to me that you are asking if these teams are now AFC elite. Maybe I am reading too much into it.But Brady going down increases everyone's chances, that is for sure.

1 game means so little to me. I still think the Bears have problems, Vince Young is a bad QB, the Steelers have line trouble, the Jags are a legit contender, Rivers is the real deal, the Texans are for real,the Ravens have no shot, and the Colts are a playoff lock.

Chances are I will be wrong on some of these, but I won't let one game change my mind.

Real what?

 

[massraider]

Real what?

I thought the Texans were for real before the season, and one bad game against a tough opponent isn't going to change my mind. I think their D and their O are better than we saw today.I may certainly be proven wrong, won't be the first time, but I think the Texans are going to be a tough team. Going by today, they look like a 6-10 team, and I think they are a lot better than that.I think some good teams lost today, and some bad teams won.

 

[Burning Sensation]

I like Jacksonville the best. They have a history of struggling with Tennessee and they will eventually get the ground game going. Just odd play calling today IMO. Sand Diego will rebound and be there in the playoffs. JaxSan DiegoIndyPITNETEN

You dont think the Bills make the playoffs? How many wins do you think it will take to make the playoffs in the AFC? How many losses can you find on their schedule?Sep 14 BUF @ JAC 3 Sep 21 OAK @ BUF 4 Sep 28 BUF @ STL 5 Oct 05 BUF @ ARI 6 Bye 7 Oct 19 SD @ BUF 8 Oct 26 BUF @ MIA 9 Nov 02 NYJ @ BUF 10 Nov 09 BUF @ NE 11 Nov 17 CLE @ BUF 12 Nov 23 BUF @ KC 13 Nov 30 SF @ BUF 14 Dec 07 MIA @ BUF 15 Dec 14 BUF @ NYJ 16 Dec 21 BUF @ DEN 17 Dec 28 NE @ BUF If the Bills beat Jacksonville next week, i think they become an instant contender for the AFC championship.

 

[yinzer]

Three teams stood out to me, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and San Diego.

The Steelers pushed Houston around and take apart your secondary on offense and terrorized them in a feeding frenzy on defense. The Steelers we know and love

Buffalo was also reminiscent of past quality Bills teams, productive in all three facets of the game. The fake FG is a great sign to me that this group has the mentality of a winning team from the coaches to the special teamers. Edwards is a good game manager, Lynch is a ball control back, and remember, they didn't have Peters against a very tough pass rush.

San Diego's defense was not as impressive as previous versions, but they did collapse the pocket a lot, and they have the potential get rabid like the Steelers. They get Stephen Cooper back in three weeks. The secondary is young and will continue to get better. Rivers basically willed the team to victory in the 4th quarter before Delhomme answered with a victorious crusade of his own. LT is still LT. And they were also missing McNeill. They will have something to say.

These teams look the closest to complete. The Steelers offensive line is far from a strength and the D can be defeated through the air if the pressure is kept at bay. The Bills have a ho hum offense and the loss of Crowell hurts. The Chargers were the AFC runner up last year and a healthy Rivers might have taken down the Patriots, so they're the new favorite in my book.

Bloom - you gotta agree though that the OLine looked pretty darn good for it intial performance. I thought Smith and Kemoeatu paticularly stood out. The pass blocking wasnt quite as good as the run blocking, but considering the had IMO the best pass rusher in the AFC on the other side of the ball in Williams, I think they did pretty good. Outside of Williams 2-3 significant plays, Roethlisberger really felt no pressure.Agreed on the PIT secondary as well, but Id have to say with Woodley and Timmons stepping up, PIT probably has the best LB corps in the NFL. That will help prevent the secondary weakness. You cant discount the importance of Ryan Clark either to the secondary. Outside of Polamalu's INT (which was almost a gimme), Clark clearly stood out to me as the guy running things behind the front 7.

I agree SD is certainly right there with them almost despite losing today, but I want to see a full season of Rivers playing like he did tonight - not necessarily production wise, but lack of mistakes - before I say their the best team. D didnt look as advertised vs. a Smith-less CAR team today either. Outside of the pass rush I thought their secondary was their strength, and CAR is average at best at WR w/o Smith, so who knows

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Real what?

I thought the Texans were for real before the season, and one bad game against a tough opponent isn't going to change my mind. I think their D and their O are better than we saw today.I may certainly be proven wrong, won't be the first time, but I think the Texans are going to be a tough team. Going by today, they look like a 6-10 team, and I think they are a lot better than that.I think some good teams lost today, and some bad teams won.

You are not alone, mass.

 

[Burning Sensation]

Real what?

I thought the Texans were for real before the season, and one bad game against a tough opponent isn't going to change my mind. I think their D and their O are better than we saw today.I may certainly be proven wrong, won't be the first time, but I think the Texans are going to be a tough team. Going by today, they look like a 6-10 team, and I think they are a lot better than that.I think some good teams lost today, and some bad teams won.

I think they were a 6-10 team going into the season, they looked liked an 0-16 team today. They are going to need MUCH better QB play than they had today if they are going to win 6 or more games.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Three teams stood out to me, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and San Diego.

The Steelers pushed Houston around and take apart your secondary on offense and terrorized them in a feeding frenzy on defense. The Steelers we know and love

Buffalo was also reminiscent of past quality Bills teams, productive in all three facets of the game. The fake FG is a great sign to me that this group has the mentality of a winning team from the coaches to the special teamers. Edwards is a good game manager, Lynch is a ball control back, and remember, they didn't have Peters against a very tough pass rush.

San Diego's defense was not as impressive as previous versions, but they did collapse the pocket a lot, and they have the potential get rabid like the Steelers. They get Stephen Cooper back in three weeks. The secondary is young and will continue to get better. Rivers basically willed the team to victory in the 4th quarter before Delhomme answered with a victorious crusade of his own. LT is still LT. And they were also missing McNeill. They will have something to say.

These teams look the closest to complete. The Steelers offensive line is far from a strength and the D can be defeated through the air if the pressure is kept at bay. The Bills have a ho hum offense and the loss of Crowell hurts. The Chargers were the AFC runner up last year and a healthy Rivers might have taken down the Patriots, so they're the new favorite in my book.

Bloom - you gotta agree though that the OLine looked pretty darn good for it intial performance. I thought Smith and Kemoeatu paticularly stood out. The pass blocking wasnt quite as good as the run blocking, but considering the had IMO the best pass rusher in the AFC on the other side of the ball in Williams, I think they did pretty good. Outside of Williams 2-3 significant plays, Roethlisberger really felt no pressure.Agreed on the PIT secondary as well, but Id have to say with Woodley and Timmons stepping up, PIT probably has the best LB corps in the NFL. That will help prevent the secondary weakness

I agree SD is certainly right there with them almost despite losing today, but I want to see a full season of Rivers playing like he did tonight - not necessarily production wise, but lack of mistakes - before I say their the best team. D didnt look as advertised vs. a Smith-less CAR team today either.

The O Line was rockin, but the Steelers hung similar games on teams like BUF, SF and SEA in home romps early last year. when the whole team is rolling and dictating the tone, the offensive line seems to follow the physicality of the defense. It's contagious. Woodley's addition is very exciting. I agree he can help mask the limits of the secondary. I have visions of Lloyd and Greene in my head.Rivers is definitely not out of the woods, but this seems like a direct carryover of the mentality he displayed in the playoffs. The defense was kinda weak, but I really do think that secondary will gel around Cromartie and Weddle. The precarious status of Merriman is an issue, but Harris and Tucker are underrated depth.

 

[yinzer]

Real what?

I thought the Texans were for real before the season, and one bad game against a tough opponent isn't going to change my mind. I think their D and their O are better than we saw today.I may certainly be proven wrong, won't be the first time, but I think the Texans are going to be a tough team. Going by today, they look like a 6-10 team, and I think they are a lot better than that.I think some good teams lost today, and some bad teams won.

I think they were a 6-10 team going into the season, they looked liked an 0-16 team today. They are going to need MUCH better QB play than they had today if they are going to win 6 or more games.

I dont know. I think a lot of people where drinking that acid-laced kool aid in HOU this yearObviously they have 3 elite players in AJ, Williams, and DeMeco. After that, I dont see too much talent there. Yeah, Schaub, Walter, Daniels, Greenwood, are decent, but come on. Well see about guys like Okoye and Slaton, but they finish 3rd at best in that division - and with how TEN looked, that might be surprising.I thought a lot of people - at least FF wise - were giving Schaub a lot more credit than he deserved this year. He did only have 9 TDs paired with 9 INTs last yearThe only teams I know that are worse than HOU in the AFC are MIA, CIN, BAL, KC, and OAK. Id have a hard time putting them ahead of CLE, DEN, or NYJ as of now