Defense the Difference in New Orleans, Denver

Two teams that have struggled on defense in years past are making a statement so far this season and it currently has both teams undefeated.  These two teams are being led by new defensive coordinators.  In addition to that they both signed veteran free agent safeties in the off-season that have done more than their share through five weeks.  The fans at the Superdome and INVESCO Field could not be happier. 

The New Orleans Saints the last few seasons have had one of the better offenses in the league and their defense held them back.  Enter Gregg Williams and Darren Sharper.  By implementing Williams’ aggressive style, the Saints are 7^th in the league in points per game against, 7^th in the league in rushing defense and 11^th in passing defense per game.  Those numbers are unheard of in New Orleans over the last few seasons. 

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Monday Morning Headlines: Bengals Win One for Zim

Just days after his wife’s unexpected passing, Mike Zimmer watched his defense put up an inspiring performance as the Bengals marched into Charm City and beat the Ravens 17-14. Cincy is now 3-0 in the AFC North. (Cincinnati Inquirer)

Tom Cable almost killed a guy (allegedly), yet his accuser looks more like the criminal. Nice mug shot, dude. (Yahoo! Sports)

Did this really happen? Miles Austin set a franchise record for receiving yards in a game (250 receiving, also added 2 TD’s) and the Cowboys slid past the now 0-5 Chiefs in OT. (Dallas Morning News)

Dick Jauron: It’s been real…it’s been good….but it ain’t been real good. (Pro Football Talk)

After yet another loss to a winless team, the Jim Zorn punching bag figures to get a lot of work this week in DC. In fact, it already has. (DC Sports Bog)

The Broncos squeaked out another huge win -  this one against the Patriots -  to improve to 5-0. After the game, their head coach showed a side that no one knew existed. (Yahoo! Sports)

How are the Titans so bad? They’re now 0-5 and have to travel to Foxboro next week to take on an angry Patriots team. (Music City Miracles)

Week 1 Quick Hits – Eagles Fly High, Broncos Buck Bengals

What did we learn from Kickoff Weekend? You’re about to find out:

Philadelphia 38, Carolina 10 – It’s early, but the Eagles look like the best team in the NFC after Week 1. The defense was flying around like maniacs, forcing Jake Delhomme into as bad a performance you’ll ever see from a quarterback. Of greater concern is the shot to the ribs McNabb took in the third quarter, forcing him to bow out early. It looks as if McNabb will sit out next week against the Saints. As for the Panthers, where do you go from here? Delhomme has committed 11 turnovers in his last two meaningful games and Matt Moore is the only other healthy QB on the roster. Someone get Jeff Garcia on the horn.

Indianapolis 14, Jacksonville 12 - A weird, low-scoring game that saw one of Peyton Manning’s top targets, Anthony Gonzalez, leave the game with a knee injury. Reggie Wayne more than picked up the slack with 162 yards receiving and a touch. The Jaguars offense was pedestrian and I’m not sure Maurice Jones-Drew can touch the ball 25+ times a game without wearing down.

New Orleans 45, Detroit 27 - Drew Brees went bananas on the Lions, throwing for 358 yards and 6 TD’s, tying a team record. Marino’s passing record was officially put on notice. Rookie Matthew Stafford tossed three picks and only hooked up with Megatron three times, albeit one was for 64 yards. The culture is changing in Detroit, but baby steps…

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