Sportretort's Blog

Football is Back 08/17/2009

Some thoughts from week 1 of the NFL pre season.

The Lions won a game!  So what if it was pre season.  This franchise has not ended a game ahead in the score since a 25-

Stafford is the future for Detroit, and the future is now!

20  victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.  That broke a 21 game loss streak.  Every one knows that Detroit went 0-16 last season.  But they also lost their last game of the 2007  season (against Green Bay) and all 4 pre season games last year.  So even though it counts for nothing, it is a big thing to feel success again.   Number one overall draft pick Matthew Stafford was 7-14 for 114 yards and a beautiful 23 yard touchdown pass.  He also threw an interception that was returned for a td.  Dante Culpepper will probably begin the season as the starter, but the Lions need to get Stafford in as soon as possible.

Take heart, Broncos fans.   For all of you who were in an uproar over the game new Denver qb Kyle Orton had (3 interceptions),  did you watch the beginning of the Bears game?  Their new qb (former Bronco) Jay Cutler did not fare much better.  Here’s how it went.  First possession, 3 and out.  Second possession, interception.  The third possession should have ended in an interception.  Cutler hit Bills defensive back Reggie Corner between the 2 and 7 on his jersey, that pass should have been interception # 2.  The Bears then punted, and recovered the muffed punt to keep the drive alive.  After the fumble recovery, Cutler moved the Bears into the red zone and had a first and goal on the nine.  Continuing his 2008 pattern, the Bears failed to find the end zone and settled for a field goal.  The third down pass was deflected a the goal line and could have been intercepted.  Cutler was 5-10 for 64 yards and one interception.  It should have been 2 and could have been 3 picks.  Orton was 9-16 for 89 yards and 3 picks.  Neither was exactly stellar.

Sage Rosenfels is the Vikings QB

The Vikings did not land Brett Favre as their quarter back.  They did sign Sage Rosenfels during the off season, and in the first exhibition game, Rosenfels showed he should be the starter.  He was 10-13 for 91 yards.  The Vikings looked crisp and in sync.  Tavaris Jackson went 7-15 for 39 yards.  Minnesota’s offense sputtered with Jackson at the helm.  This is Rosenfels’ job to loose.

The Cleveland Browns played a poor game, getting drubbed by the Green Bay Packers 17-0.  But on the strength of his 7 of 11 performance, Brady Quinn will be the Browns starting qb come week one of the regular season.