Last week was our first look at the men under center so let’s try and analyze their performances to see how it translates against their Week 3 opponents. How will their Week 2 outtings change the way the NFL odds makers look at this coming weekend?
The Best
1. Eli Manning - Some will rightfully argue that anyone who throws three
interceptions should not be on any best
of the week list. While that point has merit, I will counter and state that
anyone who can pick themselves up and dust themselves off after a dismal first
half to lead his team to a thrilling come from behind victory while throwing
for 295 yards in the 2nd half alone deserves not only the
recognition but our unflinching admiration. Eli Manning launched for a total of 510 yards
passing and three TD's, proving yet again that he is the best quarterback in
the league when the money is on the line. Don't expect a repeat performance
next week when the Giants host a solid Carolina defense.
2. Andy Dalton - Perhaps what I liked best about
Dalton's 318 yard and three touchdown performance was that
he was sacked six times and didn't let it rattle him. He just got up and
tortured the Browns secondary a little bit more as he struck to several
receivers but none more than his trusted, talented wingman A.J. Green. Look for
more of the Cincinnati air force next week when the Bengals face the 31st
ranked passing defense, the Washington Redskins.
3. Sam Bradford - Something tells me the Rams signal
caller had a little extra oomph in his passes on Sunday as he was determined to
prove the team's faith in him was justified when they dealt away the number two
pick overall, which was essentially passing up the opportunity to draft RG3, proving
that Bradford was in fact, their guy.
RG3 was on the opposite side of the field and had another impressive day but it
was Sam the Man who threw for 310 yards and three touchdown strikes. Next week
will be a much sterner test for Bradford as the team travels to Soldier Field
in Chicago.
The Worst
1. Jay Cutler - Cutler is only bearable when he's
winning but he's downright nasty when he's losing. Gifted with a big arm and
precision timing when he's on, he becomes a big bowl of fail when he's losing. He
snarkily wished the Green Bay defenders "good luck" earlier in the
week when discussing how he and his receivers would match up. But it was Cutler
who needed the luck as he got pasted for 7 sacks and tossed four picks in the
process. Things should turn around next week when the Bears host the Rams but
then again, Green Bay's defense is usually easy pickins' for big
passers...except for Jay Cutler.
2. Peyton Manning - Ah yes, he had to ruin the fairy
tale. Just when we believed Peyton Manning the Elder was a modern day superhero after
his Week 1 performance he revealed that he is merely mortal with an uncharacteristic
three interception night against the Falcons. Next week he and his teammates
will return to the clean, crisp and thin air of Mile High but there will be
some tall Texans waiting to bust those Broncos.
3. Blaine Gabbert - Gabbert regressed last
week after a solid Week 1 performance. He was not poised in the pocket this
week and hurried his throws as he completed only 7 of 19 passes, good for a
grand total of 53 yards. But to be fair, he did have one of the best defenses
breathing down his neck as the Houston Texans outclassed the overwhelmed Jags
27-7. Next week they take to the highway where the going should get much easier
against the Indianapolis Colts.