While the first week of the NFL season is in the books and we’ve seen our share of upsets, fans are already eagerly looking forward to the upcoming week. Here are five can’t miss games during week 2 of the 2009 NFL season.
New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles
The New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles dominated during week 1 and earned convincing wins over their opposition. These two teams will face off in what some predict may be a preview of the NFC championship game.
All eyes will be on Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb who limped off the field with was later determined to have cracked ribs. Before he left, McNabb completed 10 of 18 passes for 79 yards with two touchdowns and 1 interception. McNabb also picked up 27 yards on four carries and scored one rushing touchdown. Though McNabb is not completely ruled out, he is listed as doubtful and will probably be on the sideline for the game.
The big match up in this game will be between the Saints offensive line and the Eagles pass rush. We know if Saints quarterback Drew Brees has time, he will find someone to throw the ball to. The Eagles will need to bring the pressure and keep it up for success. The Eagles defense was able to produce five sacks before Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme was pulled from the game with five interceptions.
Keep an eye on Reggie Bush’s performance during this game against the Eagles. He will need to do a better job of holding onto the ball if the Saints are going to win. Remember, the Eagles have already scored one defensive touchdown when they returned a fumble against the Panthers.
In the end, the Saints offense is going to be too much for the Eagles to handle, especially if they are without McNabb. The Saints will continue to march on into week 3 of the NFL season with a 2–0 record.
Prediction – New Orleans 31 Philadelphia 10
New England at New York Jets
The second week of the 2009 NFL season will feature a key AFC battle between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets. The winner will have a leg up in the AFC East division race which could prove to be pivotal in the playoff stretch.
The Jets defense was solid when they played the Houston Texans last week. New York held the Texans to 183 total yards and didn’t allow any points. The question is whether the Jets’ defense will be able to do the same against the Patriots impressive offensive unit.
The key for the Jets to win this game will be squarely on the shoulders of Mark Sanchez. The Patriots will know just what to make sure Sanchez feels pressure during the game. If he is able to limit his mistakes while completing more than 57% of his passes, the Jets will have an outside shot.
In the end, the experience of the Patriots will be too much for the upstart Jets to over come. The Patriots will earn the victory and will be ready to move on to week 3 of the NFL season.
Prediction – New England 24 New York 7
Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers
The Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers will meet up in week 2 of the NFL season with each team looking to start the season 2–0 in the NFC West by the time the day is done.
The 49ers showed they are ready to rebound in 2009 when they upset the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL’s opening weekend. San Francisco managed to pull off the win despite the fact their star running back, Frank Gore, was held to 30 yards on the ground. If the 49ers are going to start the season 2–0, they will need to receive more production out of him against the Seahawks.
The Seahawks offense was clicking on all cylinders against a hapless St. Louis Rams team. Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck was impressive, completing 25 of 36 passes for 279 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.
The key to this game could be the success of Seahawks’ running back Julius Jones, who scampered for 117 yards and 1 touchdown last week. The 49ers did keep the Cardinals running game in check but they will be tested this week by the experienced Jones.
The reemergence of Hasselbeck will prove to be too much for a 49ers defense that is susceptible to the pass. Look for the Seahawks to come away with a single digit victory.
Prediction – Seattle 24 San Francisco 17
Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Bears
The Pittsburgh Steelers, well rested from their overtime win against the Tennessee Titans, will travel to the windy city to face the Chicago Bears, still recovering from their grudge match with the Green Bay Packers.
The Steelers have started the 2009 NFL season where they left off, on a winning note thanks to late game heroics of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. While Big Ben was masterful, completing 76.7% of his passes for 363 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, the Steelers faithful have to be concerned about the inept running game. If the Steelers want to win in Chicago, they will need the ground game to gain more than 36 yards.
The Bears have found their quarterback in Jay Cutler, but they will need to find a way to protect him from the ferocious Steelers blitz. The Packers were able to harass Cutler, sacking him twice and forcing three interceptions. Keep an eye on the budding relationship between Cutler and wide receiver Earl Bennett.
In the tale of two defenses, the Steelers will come out on top by another narrow margin. Expect to see this game won by the Steelers on the foot of kicker Jeff Reed.
Prediction – Pittsburgh 17 Bears 13
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
Some fans say when it comes to NFL rivalries, there are none better than the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys. Fireworks are expected when Dallas plays their first regular season game in the new Cowboys Stadium.
The time had come for quarterback Tony Romo to step up and he did just that, leading the Cowboys to a victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Romo completed 59.3% of his passes for 353 yards with three touchdowns. He did a solid job of spreading the ball around to six different receivers and will need to do more of the same against the Giants defense.
The G-Men defeated the Washington Redskins last week in typical Giants fashion: with their defense. Pro Bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora made sure NFL teams knew he was back by recording his first sack of 2009 in addition to recovering a fumble for a touchdown.
Both teams had less than stellar production from their running backs during the opening weekend and will be looking to establish the ground game early. The Cowboys Marion Barber was impressive, averaging 5.6 yards every time he touched the ball while the Giants were led by Ahmad Bradshaw, who racked up 60 yards on 12 carries. The edge in this match up goes to the team with the running back who breaks the century mark.
The game will be close through three quarters and will not be decided until the last fifteen minutes of the game. The Cowboys will earn the victory in this grudge match thanks to the home-field advantage.
Prediction – Cowboys 24 Giants 17
Year to Date Record 5 – 0
I’d say to nailed the Saints-Eagles. Although New Orleans looks like they’ll hang another scores on Philly before the game is over.