More On the Opener

KW, you really think the Pats won't make the playoffs? That's a bold call. Both teams on Thursday were a bit rusty, but both looked good enough to make the final twelve. In this age of parity, the Pats have a few advantages that put then in the top quarter of the league, even if the D has slipped a little (which I'm not sure about).

Peyton throwing it away on the goal line was too familiar. Sure the pass protection was bad, but he still made a bad throw under pressure. That plus the Edge fumble cost them the game. Yeah, the Payton-Bellichek thing a bit of media silliness, but I think some of the blame for losing lands on Manning's head. I thought they'd win Thursday partially because it wasn't a big game, but in hindsite it was. The opening game is now a big one for the NFL, and Manning has yet to prove himself in the big games.

For the Colts it's the Titans next, and then a pretty good Packers team. Not a good opening schedule at all. They could easily be 1-2 and still be a great team.