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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Quick Hits from Week 4: Release T.O.?

Washington 16, Tampa Bay 13: I guess “a win is a win” but 16 points against a bad Buccaneers defense? More of the same if you’re a Redskins fan. In the end, Jason Campbell’s 2 TD’s over-shadowed his four turnover performance as Jim Zorn lives to see another week. By the way, Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas and Fred Davis combined for 1 catch, -1 yard on Sunday. Campbell completed more passes to Aqib Talib. That 2008 draft class looks better each and every week, doesn’t it?

Chicago 48, Detroit 24: Jay Cutler continues to roll with no-name receivers and Matt Forte finally broke out, rushing for 121 yards and a TD against the Lions. The Bears are for real and the Lions are back in their comfort zone – the L column.

Houston 29, Oakland 6: I challenge you to find me an NFL starter worse than JaMarcus Russell. His latest masterpiece: 12 for 33, 128 yards. And to think that Jeff Garcia was on this roster last month.

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Morning Headlines: Rex v. Singletary?

Alright Rex, refusing to kiss Belichick’s rings was funny but do you really want beef w/ Mike Singletary? The Niners have accused the Jets of tampering with Michael Crabtree, so the answer is yes. (NY Daily News)

Exciting Monday night game. Peyton Manning may be the only quarterback that can lead a team to victory after holding the ball for less than a quarter.  (Miami Herald)

Would it be weird to say that Jim Zorn is coaching for his job on Sunday against the Lions? I would throw down pay-per-view-type money to see the closed-door meeting between head coach and owner if the ‘Skins lose. Detroit has lost 19 straight.  (Washington Post)

The Cowboys lost to the Giants on Sunday night and may have lost their starting RB for next week’s MNF showdown against the Panthers (HINT: Check the ‘Waiver Wire’ post below for some fantasy advice).  (Dallas News)

Tweet, Retweet, whatever – T.O. ain’t T.O. if he isn’t trying to belittle one of his former QB’s. Come on Terrell, that’s really unfair. Tony was your teammate…he was your quarterback. (Shutdown Corner)

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