NFL Week 3 Notes
September 28th, 2009 at 6:04 am by Displaced Cleveland FanThese are stories from around the league that I thought were worth noting. You can read my recap of the Browns week 3 game here.
Eric Mangini’s former team, the New York Jets, improved to 3-0 after beating the Tennessee Titans 24-17.
According to ESPN, Rookie QB Mark Sanchez (the one the Browns could have taken in the draft, had they not traded down) became the first rookie QB to start and win his first three games.
Meanwhile, the Browns have Mangini yanking Brady Quinn out of the game after the first half in favor of a 3 interception performance by backup Derek Anderson. Just for fun, let’s compare the stats from these two QB’s:
Sanchez: 49/83 (59.0%), 606 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
Quinn: 45/74 (60.8%), 400 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT
I admit, I was tempted to start thinking the Browns should have taken Sanchez and dumped Quinn. But then I compared their numbers. Sure, those stats favor Sanchez. But not by so much that by comparing QB stats alone you’d guess that the Jets are 3-0 and the Browns are 0-3.
There’s a fairly big difference in their yards per attempt. Quinn is significantly lower here (5.41 to Sanchez’s 7.30). “Well that’s because Brady Quinn can’t throw the ball long.” No, that’s not the reason. There is one significant statistical difference between these two QB’s - sacks.
Sanchez has been sacked five times in 3 games. Quinn has been sacked ten times in 2 and a half games. The Browns offensive line is not protecting the quarterback. Sanchez would look just as awful as Quinn if he was Cleveland’s QB. Give Brady some protection and you’ll see a more capable and confident quarterback.
Two things I enjoyed seeing in this game though: the Houston Oilers Tennessee Titans lost to fall to 0-3, and the teams were wearing their old school uniforms. I really like these uniforms for the Jets.
Speaking of uniforms, the Seattle Seahawks became the eyesore of the NFL with their new neon green jerseys. (Yes, they’re even worse than the Browns brown pants.) Maybe it was a joke. Or maybe they lost a bet. Either way, not cool.
Maybe they brought out the green jerseys in an attempt to blind their opponent or distract them or something. Whatever it was, it didn’t work. They lost at home to Chicago, 25-19.
There is no denying it now. The Browns are officially worse than the Lions.
Detroit, coming off an 0-16 season, and losers of 19 in a row, finally won a game. They beat the Redskins 19-14. Number 1 pick Matthew Stafford, the consolation prize for a winless season, threw for 241 yards and a touchdown in leading the Lions to their first win since December 23, 2007.
In the Division:
The Cincinnati Bengals shocked Pittsburgh, beating the Steelers 23-20. The loss dropped Pittsburgh to 1-2 on the season. But settle down Browns fans. Just because your team is one game behind the Steelers in the standings, does not mean that the Browns are anywhere close to being competitive with Pittsburgh. Not this year. After winning this game, the Bengals improved to 2-1. Funny thing is, if they didn’t blow their first game in the final seconds, they’d be undefeated right now.
Speaking of undefeated, the Ravens are sitting atop the AFC North at 3-0. They look like a very good team this year. Their defense isn’t quite what it used to be. But the offense is improving.
Quick hits:
- Michael Vick was back on the field for the Eagles in his first game back after his suspension. Statistically, he didn’t do much. But I’m glad to see him getting a chance to make a comeback.
- Peyton Manning is still one of the best. I watched some of the game last night in which he calmly and efficiently picked apart the Cardinals defense for 379 yards and 4 touchdowns. It’s nice to be reminded sometimes about what a good quarterback can do with time to throw the ball.
-dcf
Tags: Brady Quinn, Eric Mangini, Mark Sanchez, Matthew Stafford, Michael Vick, Peyton Manning
