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Headliners: NFL Week 3 Preview
Cassle comes up big against Philly and the Lions... win?
In this version of headliners, we'll write a headline you may see Monday morning for a handful of the NFL's Week 3 match-ups. Along with the headline, I'll highlight some of the talking points to listen for from the probable commentators. Feel free to rewrite your own headlines in the comment section, or write one for a game not covered below.
"Lions end 19-game losing streak"
Washington at Detroit (1p.m. - Sunday - FOX)
Commentators: Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick
It's not much of an upset if everyone is penciling in Detroit to get their first victory in their last 20 attempts against the Redskins. With games against Chicago, Pittsburgh and Green Bay coming up before the bye week, and after seeing Washington's pathetic performance last week against the Rams, Detroit coach Jim Schwartz has to have this game circled as a game they actually have a chance to win. This could also be the game that is the beginning of the end for Jim Zorn's short tenure as the Redskins' head coach.
"Titans avoid sinking to 0-3"
Tennessee at New York Jets (1p.m. - Sunday - CBS)
Commentators: Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf
The talk will be about the impressive start of Mark Sanchez, the Jets defense and Rex Ryan's ever-so engaging personality. "Must-win game" will also be tossed around heavily in terms of the Titans' need to avoid going 0-3 to start the year. It's not impossible to make the playoffs after going 0-3, but history suggests that it'd be a challenge. The Titans' veterans know that. Solid defense and a steady dose of running dampen Broadway Mark's visions of his very own ticker-tape parade...for a week anyway.
"Cassel spoils Vick debut"
Kansas City at Philadelphia (1p.m. - Sunday - CBS)
Commentators: Kevin Harlan, Solomon Wilcots
While everyone will be excited to see how Vick will be used in this wildcat formation craze that's sweeping the nation, Cassel and company will steal a victory out of Philadelphia. McNabb complained of Vick's presence interfering with the flow of the offense in the preseason. Putting a shaky Kevin Kolb in at the helm won't help matters. K.C. took a tough Baltimore team into the 4th quarter before losing and Cassel comes in healthier than he was against Oakland last week. Vick may make a couple of highlight plays, but the Chiefs will surprise everyone this week.
"Brady, Patriots quiet critics"
Atlanta at New England (1p.m. - Sunday - FOX)
Commentators: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman
Buck will absolutely pound the "Is this the end of the Patriots' dynasty?" angle. With Welker likely making a return to the lineup and an angry Tom Brady (you wouldn't like him when he's angry), the Patriots put on a solid enough performance to get back to their winning ways against a good Atlanta team. Plenty of praise will be tossed in Matt Ryan's direction, but when was the last time New England lost two in row?
"Favre strikes gold against 49ers"
San Francisco at Minnesota (1p.m. - Sunday - FOX)
Commentators: Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan
It's only 2-0, but this is the only match-up of undefeated teams of the weekend. It's being built up as a run-heavy, defensive battle with the likes of Frank Gore and Adrian Peterson in starring roles. Because of the strong defenses, the quarterbacks will be asked to win this one and I'll take Brett Favre over Shaun Hill. Favre has been held back thus far (Vikings sit dead last in passing yards per game), but he'll hurl a couple of deep shots this week as he makes his home debut in purple at the Metrodome. Favre will be labeled as a hero or a goat, depending on whose hands those tosses end up in.
"Lions end 19-game losing streak"
Washington at Detroit (1p.m. - Sunday - FOX)
Commentators: Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick
It's not much of an upset if everyone is penciling in Detroit to get their first victory in their last 20 attempts against the Redskins. With games against Chicago, Pittsburgh and Green Bay coming up before the bye week, and after seeing Washington's pathetic performance last week against the Rams, Detroit coach Jim Schwartz has to have this game circled as a game they actually have a chance to win. This could also be the game that is the beginning of the end for Jim Zorn's short tenure as the Redskins' head coach.
"Titans avoid sinking to 0-3"
Tennessee at New York Jets (1p.m. - Sunday - CBS)
Commentators: Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf
The talk will be about the impressive start of Mark Sanchez, the Jets defense and Rex Ryan's ever-so engaging personality. "Must-win game" will also be tossed around heavily in terms of the Titans' need to avoid going 0-3 to start the year. It's not impossible to make the playoffs after going 0-3, but history suggests that it'd be a challenge. The Titans' veterans know that. Solid defense and a steady dose of running dampen Broadway Mark's visions of his very own ticker-tape parade...for a week anyway.
"Cassel spoils Vick debut"
Kansas City at Philadelphia (1p.m. - Sunday - CBS)
Commentators: Kevin Harlan, Solomon Wilcots
While everyone will be excited to see how Vick will be used in this wildcat formation craze that's sweeping the nation, Cassel and company will steal a victory out of Philadelphia. McNabb complained of Vick's presence interfering with the flow of the offense in the preseason. Putting a shaky Kevin Kolb in at the helm won't help matters. K.C. took a tough Baltimore team into the 4th quarter before losing and Cassel comes in healthier than he was against Oakland last week. Vick may make a couple of highlight plays, but the Chiefs will surprise everyone this week.
"Brady, Patriots quiet critics"
Atlanta at New England (1p.m. - Sunday - FOX)
Commentators: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman
Buck will absolutely pound the "Is this the end of the Patriots' dynasty?" angle. With Welker likely making a return to the lineup and an angry Tom Brady (you wouldn't like him when he's angry), the Patriots put on a solid enough performance to get back to their winning ways against a good Atlanta team. Plenty of praise will be tossed in Matt Ryan's direction, but when was the last time New England lost two in row?
"Favre strikes gold against 49ers"
San Francisco at Minnesota (1p.m. - Sunday - FOX)
Commentators: Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan
It's only 2-0, but this is the only match-up of undefeated teams of the weekend. It's being built up as a run-heavy, defensive battle with the likes of Frank Gore and Adrian Peterson in starring roles. Because of the strong defenses, the quarterbacks will be asked to win this one and I'll take Brett Favre over Shaun Hill. Favre has been held back thus far (Vikings sit dead last in passing yards per game), but he'll hurl a couple of deep shots this week as he makes his home debut in purple at the Metrodome. Favre will be labeled as a hero or a goat, depending on whose hands those tosses end up in.
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