We’re three weeks into the NFL exhibition season and the starters won’t be playing much in Week 4. We can get a good idea about some of the strengths and weaknesses of various teams. Here are some tips to keep in mind when the games really count after next week.
Saints: The Saints had a great offseason. They got a new coach cut from the Bill Parcells cloth in former Dallas assistant Sean Payton. They won the Drew Brees draft, landed a top-tier NFL quarterback, and then had RB Reggie Bush fall into their laps. This was already a talented team on offense at the skill positions, so on paper they appear to have one of the most talented offenses in the NFC.
However, the preseason has been a disaster. In the three outings in which they have started against starters, the Saints have been outscored 44-6. The Saints had five turnovers Saturday, including four on offense, and the defense again couldn’t get off the field as Colt’s offense controlled the ball for nearly 20 minutes in the first half racking up 18 first downs. Brees served two interceptions and rookie running back Reggie Bush lost a fumble.
We knew the Saints defense was going to be bad, but this offense looks poor as it is struggling to learn a new system. Saints cornerback Mike McKenzie had a tough time against Colts All-Pro wide receiver Marvin Harrison. McKenzie was called three times for pass interference, costing the Saints 45 yards and three first downs in less than 11 minutes on the clock. If they ever get their offense going, the Saints might be a team to look ‘over the top of’ because this defense isn’t going to stop anyone.
Redskins: As bad as the Saints have looked, the Redskins (a playoff team last fall) have looked worse. Washington has a new offensive coordinator in Al Saunders, who has led the Chiefs’ offense the past two years. The Chiefs were No. 1 in total offense in 2004 and 2005. But it’s obvious that a coordinator needs talented tools on the field, and Washington doesn’t have them. Quarterback Mark Brunell and the first-team offense are yet to score in preseason and the entire team looked lost in a 41-0 loss at New England. Brunell said his understanding of offense is an “ongoing process.” His preseason quarterback rating is 48.1. After a 27-14 loss to the Jets, the players said they looked forward to playing the Patriots because of all the preseason games, Game 3 is the most crucial. The Redskins had 59 total yards and went 2 for 8 on third down in the first half. Washington is 0-3 SU/ATS in preseason and has been outscored 87-17.
Titans: Tennessee is in a rebuilding mode, and has cut expensive defensive players, and also let quarterback Steve McNair go. In the past two preseason games, the first-team offense has managed just three field goals and the Titans have been outscored 45-9. LB Keith Bulluck said, “This loss (expletive) is not right.”
Bills: Buffalo shed some of its best players (Lawyer Milloy, Sam Adams, Eric Moulds) and is rebuilding as well. JP Losman has won the starting job, it seems, mainly because QB Kelly Holcomb has been worse. Last game, Losman threw an interception trying to force a third-down shot, fumbled from center, and let the clock run out for a late game penalty. And it was his BEST performance of the preseason!
Cowboys: The Cowboys, Seahawks and Panthers seem to be the teams to beat in the NFC. Seattle and Carolina played in the NFC Championship game in January, so it’s no surprise. But Dallas looks set to make a run for the elite. Bill Parcells rebuilt the defense a year ago and now has key pieces to a veteran offense, including a rebuilt offensive line, which was needed. Dallas is 3-0 in the preseason, crushed the Saints on the road last week and dominated the 49ers with a 489-197 advantage in yards. Forget the 17 points they only scored, they had 489 yards! And Terrell Owens hasn’t played yet. Good luck, as always… To McMordie.