NFL Czar: Huge matchup highlights week two
With week one in the books, the
2011 football season is in full
swing. I realize that it is incredibly
early in the year, but there is a game
in the NFC with huge playoff implications.
Not only that, there are
multiple other storylines involved
as well. Michael Vick and the
Philadelphia Eagles take their talents
to the Georgiadome to take on
the Atlanta Falcons in a Sunday
night affair.
Vick will make his return to Atlanta to take on the team that drafted him. Vick carried the Falcons for several years before the whole dog-fighting incident, and now he will bring the "Dream Team" to try to take down Atlanta. On the other hand, the Falcons need to win every game they can as they try to keep pace with the Saints in the NFC South.
Key Matchups:
1. Michael Vick vs. Matt Ryan: Vick is one of the most explosive, dynamic players in the league who will beat you with both his arm and legs. Ryan is a more contemporary quarterback who loves to stay in the pocket and beat you with his arm. These two styles will clash a bit, but it should be very fun to watch.
2. Roddy White vs. Nnamdi Asomugha: The crown jewel of the 2011 free agency period (Asomugha) will try to shut down one of the NFL's elite wide receivers. It will not be an easy task, as White and Matt Ryan were extremely dangerous last year. White will also likely have to contend with Asante Samuel and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie as well, which won't make his job very easy.
3. "Dream Team" vs. The Hype: The toughest thing to deal with when it comes to Super Bowl dreams is not buying into the hype. The "Dream Team" label was created by backup quarterback Vince Young, which isn't a good sign. They have all kinds of talent, but a shaky offensive line and linebacking corps could be the Achilles' heel for this team.
The Rundown:
It's incredibly early, but as I said, this game will likely have huge implications. In the end, it will come down to which team protects the quarterback and establishes a running game. As I noted above, the Eagles have weak linebackers, and if Falcons running back Michael Turner can get going, it may be a long day for Eagles fans. For my first prediction of the year, I am taking the Falcons in an upset 24 to 20.
Be sure to check out the Chargers-Patriots game as well, as that should be a dandy. For more from me, follow me on Twitter @JVZ_NFLCzar.
Vick will make his return to Atlanta to take on the team that drafted him. Vick carried the Falcons for several years before the whole dog-fighting incident, and now he will bring the "Dream Team" to try to take down Atlanta. On the other hand, the Falcons need to win every game they can as they try to keep pace with the Saints in the NFC South.
Key Matchups:
1. Michael Vick vs. Matt Ryan: Vick is one of the most explosive, dynamic players in the league who will beat you with both his arm and legs. Ryan is a more contemporary quarterback who loves to stay in the pocket and beat you with his arm. These two styles will clash a bit, but it should be very fun to watch.
2. Roddy White vs. Nnamdi Asomugha: The crown jewel of the 2011 free agency period (Asomugha) will try to shut down one of the NFL's elite wide receivers. It will not be an easy task, as White and Matt Ryan were extremely dangerous last year. White will also likely have to contend with Asante Samuel and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie as well, which won't make his job very easy.
3. "Dream Team" vs. The Hype: The toughest thing to deal with when it comes to Super Bowl dreams is not buying into the hype. The "Dream Team" label was created by backup quarterback Vince Young, which isn't a good sign. They have all kinds of talent, but a shaky offensive line and linebacking corps could be the Achilles' heel for this team.
The Rundown:
It's incredibly early, but as I said, this game will likely have huge implications. In the end, it will come down to which team protects the quarterback and establishes a running game. As I noted above, the Eagles have weak linebackers, and if Falcons running back Michael Turner can get going, it may be a long day for Eagles fans. For my first prediction of the year, I am taking the Falcons in an upset 24 to 20.
Be sure to check out the Chargers-Patriots game as well, as that should be a dandy. For more from me, follow me on Twitter @JVZ_NFLCzar.
