Zsports! + 2008 NFL Week 3 Review + The Media Leader

AFC East
Patriots- So that’s why they liked that Brady fellow so much. The 38-13 stomp down at the hands of the ?Miami Dolphins? turns out to be the worst home loss the Patriots have had during Coach Belicheck's tenure with the team. They have a lot of coaching to do during their bye week before they head to San Francisco Oct. 10th.
Jets- Looks like the New York Bretts caught the ultra talented Chargers at the wrong time. Speaking of #4, the coaching staff and the new/old quarterback are not nearly on the same page yet. Either that or they had some incriminating photo's on the sideline, cause there was a lot of looking at pictures, and hollerin' going on the Jets sideline after just about every offensive series. The Jets other weaknesses became glaring in their 2 losses in a row; They have young and inexperienced defensive backs, and have trouble defending the pass because of that, and their lack of consistent pass rush. Brett Favre will have to show patients and a better grasp of the offensive scheme, as well as better rapport with his receiving crew (Why can't Laveranues Coles catch the ball, #4 sling that hard?)
Bills- They may have only slid by the Raiders 24-23, but that makes them (3-0). Marshawn Lynch, great special teams, their tenacious defense, and the accurate (and timely) quarterback play of Trent Edwards. And Buffalo is suddenly in the American league spotlight. Roscoe Parrish (the Bills most explosive playmaker, receiver, and return man) will be out for 4-6 weeks, a devastating blow to the teams scoring abilities, Marshawn Lynch suffered an ankle injury, and if he can't go either, there will be trouble. Oh wait… none of that will matter this week as they travel to Saint Louis. This will not be the greatest show on turf.
Dolphins- Welcome to the Tony Sparano and Bill Parcells era of exciting, hard nosed, patient brand of winning football. (38-13) over the Patriots defense? Do not sleep on this young hungry team with a chip on its shoulder. Apparently Ronnie Brown (113 yards rushing, 4 rushing touchdowns, and one "single wing" flashback touchdown pass.) and Ricky Williams (98 yards rushing) and Chad Pennington (248 yards passing) have a chip on their shoulders as well. An inspired Joey Porter did not look too pleased about all the talk of him being washed up with a return to form showing against the patriots. With the bye this week this will be the first time in over a year and half that Miami will go 2 weeks in a row without a loss.

AFC North
Steelers- Lost the battle for the Keystone state cup. Big Ben sacked 9 times as Steeler offense struggled against the blitzing Eagles. The steel curtain defense was intact but could only hold them off for so long. Pittsburgh looks to regain their winning ways with the Baltimore Ravens coming to town, for the Monday night game.
Browns- (28-10) loss to the Baltimore Ravens and their suddenly resurgent defense, drops the Browns to (0-3). This team won 10 games last year and were hoping to improve upon that? In-state rival Cincinnati and their (0-3) record is this week’s opponent. If the Browns can not get together for this game expect major changes. Who is gonna start (0-4)???
Bungles- Heartbreaking loss in overtime to the defending Super Bowl champs. Next up Cleveland comes to town, which Browns team will show up? Which Bengals team will show up, tune in if you dare (if you care!)
Ravens- Undefeated still, thanks to hapless Browns, and Bengals (not to mention Ike). The defense is as stout as ever, but the team will get its first true test of the young season as rookie quarterback Joe Flacco gets his first taste of Blittsburgh on Monday night.

AFC South
Colts- Lost to the slumping, banged up Jaguars 23-21. Peyton’s decreased mobility is being exposed by a very inexperienced and porous offensive line (An offensive line that has also shut down Peyton’s audibles and ad-libs, that he is famous for after he sets the team at the line.) When The Colts ball control offense can't keep their small & fast defense off the field, they get pushed around, and last week the run defense went away, and when did the coaching staff last take a time management course? With a bye this week, maybe Peyton will get his timing back in sync with his very talented receiving corps, and maybe Center Jeff Saturday will make a miraculous recovery, or some other blessings could be poured onto an offensive line that cant guard a locked door.
Jaguars- Very big win for a team in need of one; I don't care how early in the year it is. The running game that they are known for was the difference in the game, while that and a Josh Scobee field goal with no time left. This team is still a top NFL powerhouse, when everyone is healthy, and out of trouble. They should easily prove that this weekend with a visit from the Texans, who have trouble stopping the run.
Titans- (3-0) With stout defense, and an offense that not only overcame early mistakes, but also the early lead. The surprise Tennessee Titans led by Kerry Collins are off to a great start. (Great start Courtland Finnaegen 4 interceptions so far, with the last one for the game ending touchdown.) The defense has been dominant on all three levels (line, linebackers, and defensive backs.) Kerry Collins has led the ball control offense with a lot of help from rookie running back Chris Johnson, and brick wall running back LenDale White. With the resurgent Vikings, and Adrian Peterson coming to town this ought to be good old school football. Bum Phillips would be proud.

- Matt Schaub, welcome to the NFL hot seat, You are (0-2) and back-up quarterback Sage Rosenfels has a winning record as a starter. They travel to Jacksonville this weekend where the Jags running game, and stout defense are a scary proposition....Uhhm..Houston we have a problem!

AFC West
Chargers- Now that is how you finish a football game. After two games that the Chargers led in the fourth quarter and let slip away, they did not give the NY Bretts a chance to get back into it at all (magic or not). The elite Chargers look to uplift spirits in San Diego as they travel to Oakland looking to show their team wide prowess, Phillip Rivers, LT, Antonio Gates and friends should show their true colors now, cause after 3 weeks they are not really the division favorite anymore (this week anyway).
Broncos- They dominated the Saints, they let them back in late (giving them a chance to take the lead that sailed just outside the upright). This team has played some high scoring heart stopping games all year, look for them to continue on their winning ways as they roll into, and probably over Kansas City.
Chiefs- Changing quarterbacks, again going back to original second stringer immobile journeyman Damon Huard (not that it will matter), after (38-14) thrashing at the hands of the Atlanta Falcons, This is a long season, and it wont be any fun for a team and coach that know "you play to win the game." Where are Hank Stramm, and Len Dawson when you need them, dang what about Steve DeBerge, and Christian Okoye, what about Trent Green?
Raiders- Lost a tough game that they held a 9 point lead during the fourth quarter. If they thought the first few games were rocky, the schedule gets tougher starting with a visit from the Chargers. Looks like trial by fire for Jamarcus Russell, Speaking of fire, coach Lane Kiffin had better by looking for the nearest moving co. As owner Al Davis wants to see something besides a loss every once in a while. (good luck with that!)

NFC East
Eagles- Keystone state showdown did not disappoint, Philly's defense shut down the Steelers offense, and Donovan McNabb played steady and came back from an injury to lead his team to victory, without Brian Westbrook their pro-bowl do it all running back. If Westbrook cannot go, look for long time Eagle Correll Buckhalter to step in, but expect a drop off from the level of play that the Eagles have been riding on to start the year if Westbrook can not go.
Cowboys- There are no describable chinks in the armor up to this point, but they don’t play NFC East games on paper so look for the Redskins to give all they have got before finally succumbing to the super star Dallas Cowboys in Irving Texas. Too much offense too much defense, too many stars to name. The 'BOYs' keep rollin, rollin, rolling, rolling!!!! Everyone's team to beat can't rest this week, this is the toughest division in football.
Giants- Talk about a bye week coming at the right time, the undefeated defending Super Bowl champs slid by the lowly Bungles in overtime and Plaxico Burress is starting a 2 week suspension.
Redskins- Man this is a tough division, (3-0) Giants, (3-0) Cowboys,(2-1) Eagles and the (2-1) Redskins (in for a fight to stay in contention). Easily dispatched of the offensive Arizona Cardinals. They take on the total package this week as they travel to Dallas.

NFC North
Vikings- With Adrian Peterson, that amazing defense (that is living up to the hype as the NFL's best), and finally smart and consistent play from the quarterback (Gus Ferrotte), Minnesota finally looked like the division favorite against a good Carolina team. They travel to Tennessee for what should be a smash mouth game from whistle to whistle.
Packers- Seeing stars, just seeing stars, almost hung with the Cowboys for three quarters, but morale victories do not count. Most people expect Tampa Bay with defensive coordinator (wizard) Monte Kiffin to have their way in the battle of the Bays, but those people forget just how good Green Bay's defense is, This should be an evenly matched game, but it may show us who is where at this point in the young season.
Lions- (0-3) After getting beat down by the 49ers, they get a bye week. At least they won’t lose this week.
Bears- Opened up the season well, and had double digit leads in the fourth quarter of their two close losses, Forte continues to run roughshod through the stat book, and the defense is as opportunistic as ever. Apparently even the monsters of the midway get tired when their offense does not help them win games. Game vs. blitz happy Philadelphia in the windy city should be one of the best games a football purest can watch this early in the season.

NFC South
Buccaneers- Brian Griese attempted over 60 passes, and big defensive tackle Gaines Adams had an interception return for a touchdown, for a hard fought comeback victory in overtime vs. a tough Chicago team. Next up the battle of the Bays, as the Green Bay Packers invade Tampa Bay, these two teams match up very well, with Tampa Bay having the advantage of experience, where as the Packers have youth on their side.
Panthers- You want to talk about some costly penalties? If it weren’t for the flags flying all over the field the complexion of the game would have been completely different. I think they just threw another flag for false start on left tackle Jordan Gross, and a holding call on Jordan Gross, and he still would have found a way to give up a few sacks, is that even possible. The offensive lines discipline was so bad it overshadowed the 87 yard kickoff return by Johnathan Stewart that was called back on a (tight end) Jeff King block in the back. The upstart Atlanta Falcons come to town this week and no matter what the score is or who wins the over/under on penalties by #69 Jordan Gross is 7 (he'll cover!).....Did I just here another whistle?
Falcons- Riding high after another unexpected win and all around good game. Michael Turner is making a name for himself quickly, and the kid Matt Ryan has a cannon arm. Their run defense will be tested by Carolina's great pair of backs. Yet I think Atlanta is more concerned with trying to use their defensive backs to try to cover the Panthers many receiving options (STEVE SMITH)!
Saints- Crawled right back into a game against Denver that was looking like a whitewash, and still missed the game winner at the end. The San Francisco 49ers come to town in what could be an offensive showcase, or the next great bloopers DVD. Looks like they made the right choice picking that Bush kid a few years back. He is their only real offensive threat.

NFC West
Seahawks- They love playing division games, easily handled the Rams (37-13), even though they have no one to throw the ball to. Team hopes to get a little healthier during their bye this week.
Cardinals- They lost to the Skins in D.C. Now they will try to outscore the NY Bretts, because even though the Cardinals have a very talented and athletic defense they are young and prone to lapses in concentration. However as hot as Kurt Warner, and Anquan Boldin, and Larry Fitzgerald have been, the defense doesn't have to be that good. (apparently they are well aware of that).
49ers- Beat down the Lions, but so has everyone else, now they will take on the New Orleans Saints with the explosive running back/wide receiver/kick returner Reggie Bush. The explosive Saints offense looks very pedestrian without Marqueus Colston. 49ers offense looks pedestrian vs. decent defenses, no worries about defense this week!
Rams- The undefeated Buffalo Bills ride into town on cloud nine, and not just because their going to St. Louis, because even though a devastating injury leaves them without Roscoe Parrish, and they are not certain how healthy Marshawn Lynch is, they are confident that their defense and special teams can probably win this one without the offense.

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