We learned, for sure, that the top of the AFC remains stronger than the top of the NFC, with both of last year's NFC Football Championship Game teams getting outclassed: The Bears losing 14-3 at San Diego and the Saints getting routed 41-0 at Indianapolis.
We also learned the offenses may be problem areas this year in Kansas City, Atlanta, Miami, Tampa Bay and Cleveland. The consistent theme among these teams? They all are breaking in new or inexperienced quarterbacks. In fact, the Browns were so put off by starter Charlie Frye's effort (4-for-10, 34 yards, INT) in a 34-7 loss to Pittsburgh that they traded Frye to Seattle on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, injuries will take a big toll on several teams in the upcoming weeks.
The Giants, who lost a shootout to Dallas in Week 1 may have it the worst. New York hosts Green Bay on Sunday and will be without three of its best players: QB Eli Manning, RB Brandon Jacobs and defensive end Osi Umenyiora against the Packers. Manning could miss a month or more with his separated shoulder, while Jacobs could miss several weeks with a sprained right MCL. Untested Jared Lorenzen would start at QB, while Derrick Ward likely will get the call at tailback. Either way, look for the Giants offense to struggle Sunday and beyond.
The Rams also lost a key player for the season in their loss Sunday to Carolina. All-Pro lineman Orlando Pace is done for 2007 after tearing a labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder. This injury could affect the entire St. Louis offense, as Pace protected Marc Bulger's backside and was a key cog in opening holes for running back Stephen Jackson.
Tampa Bay's offense, which struggled in Jeff Garcia's debut, likely will be without running back Cadillac Williams this week against the Saints, if not longer. Williams, who has done zilch since his rookie year, hurt his ribs against Seattle.
Minnesota running back Chester Taylor could play this week at Detroit after getting banged up against Atlanta. But look for Adrian Peterson to continue to steal carries after his stellar debut.
The Bears, who host the Chiefs on Sunday, lost two defensive starters for the season: tackle Dusty Dvoracek and safety Mike Brown. This could affect Chicago's run defense against Larry Johnson this week.
Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, the heart of Baltimore's defense, suffered a triceps injury on Monday night. If serious, that weakens the Baltimore defense significantly. Ravens QB Steve McNair also left that loss to the Bengals, with Kyle Boller nearly leading a rally in relief. That situation bears watching this week as Baltimore hosts the Jets.
Raiders QB Josh McCown struggled against the Lions, but he will start this week against Denver. Look for Daunte Culpepper to see action early if McCown's struggles continue. Newly signed top pick JaMarcus Russell won't be a factor for weeks.
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