In the black and blue division, there’s no clear cut favorite to claim the crown. There’s also no Brett Favre for the first time in 16 years. But after Week 1, we know a few tidbits: The Lions still don’t have their act together. The Bears turned in one of the best victories on opening weekend, Aaron Rodgers proved he can be the leader of the Pack, and Tarvaris Jackson is still the achilles heel of Minnesota.
Detroit Lions. Sooner or later you would think in a so-called “game they’re supposed to win”, they’d actually win. Nope. This is still the same Lions defensive unit that looked just as horrible as they did a year ago, a defense that gave up at least 31points seven times last season. Before most of us woke up Sunday, Detroit was in the hole 21-0. The Lions won’t beat anyone giving up 318 rushing yards. That’s just a recipie for failure. I thought a Rod Marinelli coached defense would be a lot tougher than we’ve seen under his tenure. Detroit continues to prove they’re not ready. Jon Kitna last year nor Leigh Bodden this year can bait me into drinking the Kool-Aid. This team is mediocre, barely average. Which must be what the Lions organization is going for because Matt Millen still has a job.
Chicago Bears. This was a definite shocker. Chicago went into Indianapolis and quite honestly, the Bears made this one look easy. The defense looked outstanding. This unit was banged up a lot last year and missed DT Tommie Harris and Mike Brown due to injuries last season. Their health remains crucial to the Bears’ success. They looked as dominate and Super Bowl-like as they did in 2006. Kyle Orton protected the football and though is numbers weren’t sexy (13/21 150 yds), he never put the Bears in danger of losing the game. Matt Forte sure had a nice coming out party. In front of the nation, the rookie cut up the Colts for 123 yards, including a 50-yard touchdown run. He’s on his way to making a lot folks around the Windy City forget about his failed predecessors Rashaan Salaam, Curtis Enis, and most recently Cedric Benson.
Green Bay Packers. Game 1 A.F. (after Favre) was a big time success. The Pack defended home field against a divisional foe. Good debut for Aaron Rodgers all around. He was efficient (18/22 for 178 yds.) and his first touchdown pass in a game that counted allowed cheeseheads alike to finally realize they’ll be just fine with No.12. Rodgers has handled everything with class and under the bright lights of Monday Night Football, it was great for him to lead the Packers to victory, and celebrate his touchdown run in style with a Lambeau leap that’s been four years coming. Only downside was the penalties (12 for 118 yards) and how many times during the broadcast Brett Favre’s name was mentioned.
Minnesota Vikings. Alot has been made about whether or not Tarvaris Jackson can get the purple people eaters to sink or swim in ‘08. Monday night against Green Bay, Jackson and the Vikes sank. Jackson was too erratic; he was either good or bad with no real inbetween. Peterson went over the 100 yard mark but I’m just not convinced a terrific running game can compensate for mediocre quarterbacking. And I’m also wondering if a team that appears poised for a postseason run now can sit and wait until Jackson maximizes his potential. Brad Childress has to find a way to beat the Packers. He’s now 0-5 against Minnesota.
