Here's a quick list of the things I learned watching the first Monday night's game and what I learned from the stats and highlights of the second game.
1) RGIII will need some time to reacclimatize to the league. His mechanics were off and he was not sharp in the first half, but...
2) RGIII can play QB in the NFL at a high level. After a disastrous start he finished with respectable stats, which tells me that he's got great poise. I guess we should expect this because he played much of his college career under the gun. Baylor is certainly not a powerhouse and for much of RGIII's formative QB years he played against superior opponents. As long as he can avoid serious injuries he'll be an excellent QB and I needed to see his performance in his second year to say that.
3) RGIII still has an itch to run after his initial read. When that knee brace comes off Griffin will be truly back to his old self. I just hope that before then he learns to depend more on his arm. He took some wicked shots in this game and looked a lot like the QB on the other team when he got up...very slowly. Vick and RGIII are small guys and they've really got to take care to not take too much damage.
4) Chip Kelly's offense will create problems for opposing defenses, but...
5) Chip Kelly needs a more accurate and dynamic QB to really put defenses on their heals. Vick missed several wide open receivers last night and that's because Michael Vick has never been a particularly polished passer. That's a circular argument, but you get what I'm saying. Ultimately Chip Kelly's career, like the career of all head coaches in the NFL, will be tied to the QB he decides to bring in. Kelly's current QB will more than likely get injured at some point this year and his backup is probably not the best fit for the system. If Chip Kelly gets a Colin Kaepernick type QB, one that can stay healthy and make dynamic/accurate throws, this team will be just a bit scary.
6) The Houston Texans are fools gold. With all offseason to prepare, in a later time zone, against a depleted roster, and a first year head coach they were down by 21 points in the third quarter. Say that out loud. Championship teams don't do that. Yes, they pulled out the victory and no one disputes the talent on their roster, but the fact that the Texans were so ill prepared for a game against a lesser opponent with a veteran coaching staff is absurd. If they ever win a Super Bowl with Kubiac and Schaub I'll be shocked.
7) Mike McCoy doesn't have a future as the Chargers' head coach if he keeps Philip Rivers as his QB. It's sad, but I think Rivers' opportunity to ever win a championship is over. While he did throw 4 tds his late pick six was awful and he completed less than 50% of passes. The trajectory of Rivers' career continues to point downward and McCoy will be wise to sell high on the veteran if he can. This franchise needs a complete facelift and having Rivers will just stall that process. McCoy hopefully knows he can't hitch his wagon to a veteran like Rivers, especially in an era where young QBs are playing lights out in their rookie seasons.
Week one is in the books! Bring on week two!
1) RGIII will need some time to reacclimatize to the league. His mechanics were off and he was not sharp in the first half, but...
2) RGIII can play QB in the NFL at a high level. After a disastrous start he finished with respectable stats, which tells me that he's got great poise. I guess we should expect this because he played much of his college career under the gun. Baylor is certainly not a powerhouse and for much of RGIII's formative QB years he played against superior opponents. As long as he can avoid serious injuries he'll be an excellent QB and I needed to see his performance in his second year to say that.
3) RGIII still has an itch to run after his initial read. When that knee brace comes off Griffin will be truly back to his old self. I just hope that before then he learns to depend more on his arm. He took some wicked shots in this game and looked a lot like the QB on the other team when he got up...very slowly. Vick and RGIII are small guys and they've really got to take care to not take too much damage.
4) Chip Kelly's offense will create problems for opposing defenses, but...
5) Chip Kelly needs a more accurate and dynamic QB to really put defenses on their heals. Vick missed several wide open receivers last night and that's because Michael Vick has never been a particularly polished passer. That's a circular argument, but you get what I'm saying. Ultimately Chip Kelly's career, like the career of all head coaches in the NFL, will be tied to the QB he decides to bring in. Kelly's current QB will more than likely get injured at some point this year and his backup is probably not the best fit for the system. If Chip Kelly gets a Colin Kaepernick type QB, one that can stay healthy and make dynamic/accurate throws, this team will be just a bit scary.
6) The Houston Texans are fools gold. With all offseason to prepare, in a later time zone, against a depleted roster, and a first year head coach they were down by 21 points in the third quarter. Say that out loud. Championship teams don't do that. Yes, they pulled out the victory and no one disputes the talent on their roster, but the fact that the Texans were so ill prepared for a game against a lesser opponent with a veteran coaching staff is absurd. If they ever win a Super Bowl with Kubiac and Schaub I'll be shocked.
7) Mike McCoy doesn't have a future as the Chargers' head coach if he keeps Philip Rivers as his QB. It's sad, but I think Rivers' opportunity to ever win a championship is over. While he did throw 4 tds his late pick six was awful and he completed less than 50% of passes. The trajectory of Rivers' career continues to point downward and McCoy will be wise to sell high on the veteran if he can. This franchise needs a complete facelift and having Rivers will just stall that process. McCoy hopefully knows he can't hitch his wagon to a veteran like Rivers, especially in an era where young QBs are playing lights out in their rookie seasons.
Week one is in the books! Bring on week two!
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