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Have you checked in the NFL this weekend? It's fantastic.The best part? We're treated to a series of bona fide "prove it" games -- contests that will test (and provide clarity on) numerous teams that have flashed contender potential in the early goings.Here are nine such squads that can show they're for real in Week 3:It's one of the most compelling games of the week. Arizona hosts San Francisco, and the can prove they should be taken seriously as a division title contender with a win.Talking to quarterback earlier this week on my SiriusXM Radio show, "Schein on Sports," the quarterback totally gets it."We are well aware that is a very good football team coming in with a lot of weapons," said Stanton, who's in place of the injured . "They've been very succe sful ever since (Jim) Harbaugh has been there. Our plate is going to Lawyer Milloy Jersey be full. But if you want to be where we want to be, we have to win these types of football games."He's right. It's a "prove it" spot. And I think Stanton is an upgrade over Palmer. Arizona is primed to win this game and remain atop the NFC West at 3-0.Cleveland shocked the world with on Sunday. Cleveland is from being 2-0. (Funny, I'm not getting any more tweets claiming I'm nuts for saying back in April. But I digre s.) is a really good coach. Cleveland has a solid defense. And for a day, , engineering a game-winning drive against New Orleans.In August, , thinking they'd go 10-6. This is one of the games I had them losing.Talking to Pettine on SiriusXM, the coach definitely understands the importance of Sunday's bout."We know this is a very good opponent coming to town," Pettine said. "It's a division game that makes it even more important. We are a little behind because they played (and) they have a little more rest. It's a big game for us. But guys still have to execute to our standards and we have to try to keep the opponent namele s and facele s."Can you imagine how far a win over Baltimore would go in terms of building confidence in that locker room?How bad are things for the ? Houston, a team that went 2-14 last year, has to guard against this being a trap game, because the are New England Patriots Jersey simply that inept.New coach won't let it happen. And neither will . The overmatched offensive line doesn't stand a chance. Neither does ., who's rejuvenated and through two weeks of action, will barrel over the ' run defense. Houston will showcase its maturity -- and overall legitimacy -- by taking care of busine s.Everyone remembers the bludgeoning the in . And conventional wisdom says the NFC is much tougher than the AFC.If the , who looked shaky in last week, want to be thought of as a squad that can beat the NFC rep in the , now would be a good time to show their might.Quite frankly, I don't even nece sarily think Denver needs to win to prove a point, especially with the game taking place in Seattle. and Co. just need to make sure this is actually a competitive contest.Battista: End of an all-too-brief era?It was once laughable to question Robert III's status as a franchise QB. Judy Battista explores his uncertain future. With replacing an injured as Washington's starting quarterback, the should be able to beat the and improve to 3-0.Is it too much for me to ask that Philly play a complete game?Jacksonville went up 17-0 on the before Philadelphia . And while you credit the Malcolm Perry Jersey for in Week 2, they got an a sist from the refs. On the pick deep in Philly territory with just over five minutes to go, mugged . Somehow, no flag was thrown. Two plays later, on the ensuing drive, was called for a horse-collar tackle. The call was horse-you know what. in the preseason, but has to protect the ball better and the need to start playing four quarters of football if they want to be taken seriously as a contender.The correct words to describe 's play in : tough and clutch.Take that, haters.Cutler took vicious hits, stood in the pocket and engineered a 21-point fourth quarter to capture a major Damien Harris Jersey win.Chicago has another prime-time road game this week: Monday Night Football against the . Gang Green boasts a solid defense that's highlighted by a great D-line. I predicted 10 wins -- and -- for the in the preseason. A win here would go a long way in making that forecast come true.Having said that ...Yes, this is a "prove it" game for both teams. on Sunday, but New York was doomed when offensive coordinator 's erroneous call for a timeout . 's poor control of his sideline -- and inclination to generally act like a defensive coordinator, not a head coach -- will ultimately doom him.Despite the collapse, there were a lot of positives for the , who jumped out to a stunning 21-3 lead in Green Bay. looks solid.I'm not a believer in the making the playoffs, but a home win over the would be a huge step in the right direction.Schein: Buffalo bli sAfter a turbulent offseason, the have emerged as one of the best storylines of the young campaign, writes Adam Schein. detailing the beauty of the ' 2-0 start. It's an inspired start, no doubt about it. But we will learn a lot about these over this next four-week stretch: This week's game is in Buffalo and the are supremely confident. But San Diego, fresh off , is the more talented team.I think the can win this one, with the coming east after riding very high last Sunday. And if Buffalo gets a win over a participant in last year's postseason, the prove they are a major player Mac Jones Jersey for this postseason.If the are going to live up to and be a true contender, this is the type of game they have to win. Why? They are the superior team.Both offenses will score. Green Bay's defense will never be confused with the '85 , but it has to be opportunistic and make plays. needs to be a factor against the ' attack. coach told me Thursday on SiriusXM about the challenge facing his team."We are talking about a very, very productive quarterback who has done it for years, putting up big numbers," McCarthy said, referring to . "Their perimeter is extremely talented. The offensive line has three veterans inside who make that thing go. It's an explosive offense with big-play production with some of the best we've seen in the last couple of years."Green Bay has to show it is up to the challenge.Follow Adam Schein on Twitter . |
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发表于 2024-9-17 11:40:28