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View From The Sidelines: Monday Morning Quarterback

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 9, 2008

We all know the hooded figure on the New England sidelines is a great coach. Now that Bill Belichick is no longer tethered to Tom Brady, we'll see just how great. ...

The Lions started four former Bucs on defense at Atlanta (NT Chuck Darby, DE Dewayne White, CB Brian Kelly, SS Dwight Smith) yet still managed to surrender 474 yards to Tampa Bay's next opponent. Detroit defensive coordinator Joe Barry doesn't seem to have any answers when the Lions hit the road. ...

Let's just admit it - the Cowboys have the most talent in the league. ... A 10-point win in San Francisco is a decent start, but I'm not buying into the Cardinals until they beat a good team on the road. ...

Every time you watch Drew Brees play, you appreciate him a little more. ...

The Jaguars have a heck of a time beating Tennessee because the Titans are one of the few teams that match Jacksonville's physicality. ...

Disgraceful effort by Cincinnati's offense at Baltimore, averaging 3.1 yards on 50 snaps. ...

Texans owner Bob McNair keeps waiting for a breakthrough season, but Houston just can't play with the big boys. Still, DE Mario Williams, LB DeMeco Ryans and WR Andre Johnson can play with anybody.

Bravo for Panthers QB Jake Delhomme, who worked so hard in the offseason to rehab from Tommy John elbow surgery. Carolina gouged a solid rushing defense for 4.9 yards per carry in that thrilling comeback win at San Diego. ...

Any NFL owner who suggests the Saints should abandon New Orleans needs to be shown a tape of Sunday's raucous crowd at the Superdome. ...

Chiefs S Bernard Pollard doesn't owe anyone an apology for his season-ending hit against Brady, but Coach Herm Edwards should apologize for K.C.'s popgun attack. ... In 1986, the Chiefs made the postseason sparked by terrific special teams play. The 2008 Bills apparently like the blueprint. ...

The Dolphins never trailed the Jets by more than one score until late in the third quarter, so why did Miami run the ball only 17 times in 64 snaps? ...

It became fashionable to knock Shaun Alexander the past few years, but the Seahawks are desperately seeking a reasonable facsimile. ...

Philly rolled up 522 yards against the hapless Rams, but the bigger news was an Eagles defense that didn't yield a third-down conversion.

New NT Shaun Rogers didn't have much of an impact on that sorry Browns defense in his Cleveland debut. ...

Sunday night's 16-point setback against Chicago marked the worst home loss for Indianapolis since dropping a 44-27 decision against the Giants late in the 2002 season. ...

Bucs LT Donald Penn will need a big effort against Atlanta DE John Abraham on Sunday. Abraham sacked Jon Kitna three times in the opener and he posted a sack in each game against Tampa Bay last season. ...

Chargers Pro Bowl LB Shawne Merriman, playing on a left knee that will eventually require surgery, was no factor against Carolina. ...

Rams WR Torry Holt, one of the league's true professionals, caught one pass for 9 yards at Philadelphia. He needs to go somewhere else and have a chance to win another Super Bowl.

POWER RANKINGS

1. Cowboys. Big Monday night matchup ahead vs. Eagles.

2. Steelers. Power running game and Big Ben's soft touch.

3. Eagles. McNabb eager to test that Dallas secondary.

4. Patriots. Mr. Cassel, meet Mr. Favre.

5. Saints. Pass rush looks much improved.

6. Jaguars. Still struggling within the division.

7. Chargers. Should take frustrations out on Broncos.

8. Giants. Nobody ever talks about this nasty OL.

9. Panthers. Talk about a stirring start.

10. Titans. Jeff Fisher is rarely outcoached.

11. Packers. Heading to Motown with momentum.

12. Vikings. Catching the Colts on the rebound.

13. Bills. We'll know more after they visit Jacksonville.

14. Colts. No excuses, they were whipped.

15. Seahawks. Hasselbeck's health is a concern.

16. Bucs. Usually feast against rookie QBs.

17. Bears. You can't ask for a better opening night.

18. Jets. Thomas Jones has more running room with No. 4 around.

19. Cardinals. No turnovers - that's how you win on the road.

20. Browns. This defense was no match for Dallas.

21. Redskins. Jim Zorn's offense had better post against the Saints.

22. Ravens. Way to debut, Mr. Harbaugh.

23. Broncos. Can this defense handle the Chargers?

24. Raiders. Bracing for a sea of red at Arrowhead.

25. Falcons. Michael Turner will test Bucs' rushing defense.

26. Bengals. Defense shows up and offense takes a siesta.

27. Texans. No team was more disappointing in Week 1.

28. Lions. Except maybe this one.

29. Dolphins. Much more respectable, especially at home.

30. 49ers. May not average 10 points per game.

31. Chiefs. Ditto.

32. Rams. This defense has been broken for far too long.

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