1-0 to start

[painekiller]

So we beat the Manning-less Colts and a lot of poster in the game day thread seem to be picking the team apart for not keeping the foot on the pedal in the 2nd half. Did they coast in the 2nd some what, but we also have to play this team again, and in the NFL there is a point where you do not embarrass your opponent, cause it comes back to haunt you.

Many of you guys do not remember the Glanville Oilers, they embarrassed the Bengals with a 40 point game in the dome, well when the Oilers went to Cincy the Bengal returned the favor, the Oilers never recovered from that ass whipping.

I do not see Kubiak being the dumb ass that Glanville was. He showed the proper respect, they played a lot of young guys in the 2nd half. Now they did try to maintain the shutout, which Tate's fumble gave away, but last year has taught this team that a fast start means nothing. They have to play one game at a time.

We have a tough early season schedule and are going to have a tough time securing a 4-2 start, but as last year again taught us, 4-2 does not get you to the playoffs.

All that cautionary talk aside, it was fun to see the 1st half of the game, offense, defense and special teams all looked solid, and we have room to improve. I liked it, now go out and prove yourselves against Miami.

[TheMatrix31]

Yeah, this whole thing about the second half and keeping the foot on the gas is absurd.

It's natural to take it easy a bit when you're up 34 nothing. That said, it was a bit concerning about the sloppiness. You can take your foot off the gas without being sloppy. I hope that much gets shored up.

[kravix]

Beating the team down for the second half is absurd. We were up and the def was still beating on the door.

My concern is, did we take the foot off the gas or did the team do what is has historically done, one good half of football?

I really wanted to see the egg, but oh well. I hope the turnovers get fixed next week.

All in all it was a great game. We dominated all phases of the game and I hope we see that same domination week in and week out.

[barrett]

Our DEs were fantastic. Watt lived in the backfield and Smith is a different man in the 34. He is great at getting off and collapsing the pocket, and he hand fights inside better than anyone we've ever had.

Our OLBs were pretty average. Mario played hard and picked up 2 sacks against Dallas Clark. It looks like he will be what he was last year, a big fast guy who plays hard. He doesn't really have pass rush moves or the lateral agility to turn the corner hard, but the fastest route is a straight line and he has to be accounted for. Barwin was not a factor and doesn't appear to have anything as a pass rusher but the inside move. Reed played but was about the same.

Demeco did not look very good. He is small and may be a guy who struggles in this defense where there are no DL to protect him. Cushing actually played great. Best game I have seen from him since his rookie year. He was the tackling machine and physical presence we need in the middle, and he blitzed well too. And I was glad Dobbins got a LB number.

CBs played well. Joseph was good all day and even had a nice hit in the run game. Jackson and Mccain looked like they have been coached for the first time ever. Allen got badly turned around on an out route.

Quinn was really good. Looks like a great move. Manning did not show up much which is probably a good sign.

Special teams was very good. No kickoff started past the 20. The only one we returned came past the 40. Jacoby Jones needs to stop shuffle stepping when he catches every punt. Just get upfield. He even did it on his TD for a moment before he realized there was nobody there and he could get upfield. But the run was a good one obviously.

[nunusguy]

Agree with Barrett about the defense: Demeco & Barwin were not impressive in the season opener whereas our DLine was very impressive and Cushing had an excellent game. I checked the stats afterwards and saw that Cushing led the team in tackles with 8, but I swear it seemed like it was twice that as he was very active. But here's the thing about DeMeco & Connar, I'm surprised
and relieved that both are playing (and starting) in the season opener after the season ending injury each suffered last year ?
And if I recall accurately DeMeco had the more serious injury and it's usually the type that a player doesn't fully recover from until the second year (if he experiences a full recovery at all ?). And Barwin is in a new position and didn't get the advantage of lining up on the weakside like Mario does, though I'm more than pleased with Marios initial RS game at OLB.
It will be interesting to see what they do at WR with the injury to Walters ? I hope they bring in the rookie Maehl off of the PS, but for sure we need JJ to step up as our #2 WR.

[jcp]

Personally don't have a problem with the second half performance other than the 2 turnovers. The offense still moved the ball and chewed up clock...exactly what good teams do with a 34 point lead. We absolutely domininated the line of scrimmage on both sides all day long...something I can't recall ever being able to say before and Manning doesn't play on either.

As for defense it's a team game and as a team they dominated in every facet...again something I can't recall ever being able to say. Not real concerned about individual performances because as a D we had constant pressure for the first time ever and were swarming the ball. It was a joy to watch. It was the first time in years I've been able to just watch the D at work without feeling compelled to fast forward through the torture.

Anyone who thought Demeco would come off injury AND missing most of camp and be sharp was delusional. I think it was a great game for him...no glaring mistakes and no injuries...he'll be fine. It was good to see Cushing playing with his old agressiveness and if Mario continues to get consistent pressure anything we get from the other side will be gravy b/c I'm pretty certain both Barwin and Reed will just get better...don'y forget Barwin is recoving from a gruesome injury and learning a new position. The DL ate up the colts line and while the DB's were not exactly tested, they didn't have any of the glaring mistakes we've become so used to.

All in all an excellent start...now let's kick some dolphin ass next week.

[JW295]

Opening Week was crazy. A total of 752 points were scored along with 8 kickoff-return tds. I would’ve thought the defense would have the edge after a short offseason.