Wednesday Morning Headlines: The Final Week of Zorn

Redskins executive VP of football operations Vinny Cerrato and The Washington Post’s Sally Jenkins have traded barbs over the past few weeks – Sally delivered a haymaker on Wednesday. (The Washington Post)

Clinton Portis doesn’t think the blame for the Redskins failures should fall at the feet of Dan Snyder. (DC Sports Bog)

Rich Gannon candidly speaks about his pre-game chat with Snyder before the Chiefs game. (Pro Football Talk)

Not only will Michael Crabtree make his 49ers debut on Sunday, he’s starting. Josh Morgan is thrilled. (Niner Noise)

The truth behind Steve McNair’s murder is still uncertain, but it sounds like Armen Keteyian has uncovered more than the police. (CBS News)

Jay Cutler just got paid. (Chicago Sun-Times)

Impact Faces: First Quarter Grades

Prior to the season we commented on players and their new teams heading into the season.  Now that we are through the first quarter of the season, we would like to look at how those players have performed to date as well as a few others worthy of mention. The grade is based on stats and overall impact on the team.  Here we go:

Terrell Owens, Buffalo Bills: Through 4 games, T.O. has 8 catches for 158 yards and 1 TD.  While the average yards per catch is nice, the number of catches just isn’t there.  The Bills are 1-3 and it seems like an implosion is on the horizon.   Grade: D

Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears: Following the opening game debacle at Green Bay, Cutler has settled into his new team.  He is earning his teammates respect, a perfect example was his rushing TD Sunday against the Lions as he launched himself into the endzone.  Not putting up great numbers, but is sacrificing numbers to win games.  Has completed 64.3% of his passes for 901 yards, 8 TD’s and 5 INT’s. Grade: B

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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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Impact Faces in New Places

As we get ready to begin the 2009-10 NFL season, it is worth noting the player movement in the league and how certain players will impact their new teams.  Here is a look at the players who I view will have the biggest impact in their new homes:

5. Terrell Owens, Buffalo Bills - TO and his love me some me attitude signed in Orchard Park after being released by the Dallas Cowboys.  It was a great move by the Bills who have been in obscurity for a number of seasons.  TO gives the Bills a 1-2-3 punch with Lee Evans and Marshawn Lynch.  The question now becomes can Trent Edwards distribute the ball properly without this move imploding.  If he can the Bills could compete with the Dolphins for second place in the AFC East and a possible wild card slot. … Continue Reading