No Longer Perfect

This stat line for Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is telling; 14-22, 77 yards, 0 TD, sacked 3 times. It pretty much tells me that the Denver Broncos have a legitimate defense. Also not every elite quarterback can play over a mile above sea level. Regardless it was a hyped up game between two undefeated teams that ended up falling flat. Peyton Manning did throw for over 340 yards, but had no touchdowns and threw another interception. The rushing attack destroyed the Packers defense and Denver had a 7 minute advantage in time of possession as a result. This isn’t the best Broncos team that they’ve had with Manning, but the defense is certainly playing at its peak and if the rushing attack can continue this kind of production, who knows where they’ll end up. Green Bay needed to have a game like this. It’s a good thing it happened now and not towards a playoff game.

Defense Was MIA

This is getting a little ridiculous. Eli Manning’s stat line; 30-41, 350 yards, 6 TD. Drew Brees’ stat line; 40-50, 511 yards, 7 TD. The final score? 52-49 to the New Orleans Saints. Right from the beginning of the game I was wondering out-loud if there was going to be any defense played in this game. That prediction came true by halftime and it only got worse. I like to see a high scoring affair, but only if the defense tries to stop the other opponent from time to time during the game. Only six punts were attempted in this game; four by New York and two by New Orleans. The advantage went to the Saints defense, but Drew Brees did throw an interception so the Giants showed up on one possession there. If you expect either of these teams to fix their problems on defense you will be sadly mistaken. Look for more of the same the rest of the way.

Tough Day In Steel City

Not only did Ben Roethlisberger have a terrible day, but they also lost Le’Veon Bell to a torn MCL thus ending his season. They do have a reliable backup in DeAngelo Williams, but he isn’t a replica of what Bell can do. This would have been a big win for the Steelers who had the lead for most of the game. Their defense played well and kept Bengals QB Andy Dalton at bay until the very end. With Cincinnati winning and staying undefeated, it puts Pittsburgh’s chances of catching them a little more out of reach with a 4-4 record. Big Ben can’t throw three interceptions in a game if they want to stay afloat for a Wild Card spot. Losing Bell sucked the life out them it seemed, but those interceptions came at crucial times in the game. The next two games are at home against Oakland and Cleveland. If they win those two they will be in a good spot, but being 5-5 or 4-6 going into their bye week will be a tough pill to swallow.