Well, we're off and running!

Dateline: Tiger Stadium. Could this be a possible Gilchrist Conference title preview? Time will tell, but Texas did put forth a gallant effort, only to come up a missed 2 pt conversion short of tying the game in the last minute. Louisiana's defense was strong, sacking Steers QB Jay Cutler 5 times and picking him off twice. They also held RB Frank Gore to just 87 yards and stopped the Steers on 11 of 16 third down attempts. Rematch in two weeks; outstanding!

Strong performances were turned in by QBs Vince Young of the Brooklyn Neckbreakers (369 yards, 3 TDs) and Marc Bulger of the Pittsburgh River Rats (349 yards, 2 TDs) in another close battle that was won by Pittsburgh 22-21 on a late FG by Jeff Reed. While Colorado's Eli Manning did not have a 300 yd game this week, he did throw for 255 yards and 5 TDs. Impressive.

What a week for the running backs! Brian Westbrook, the dangerous multi-purpose back for the Erie Slayers, led the way w/ 175 rushing yards while adding a game high 6 catches for another 36 yards. Last year's MVP, Erie Assassin LaDainian Tomlinson, had 157 yards and 2 TDs on only 20 carries and Cincinnati got a huge effort from newcomer Thomas Jones, who exploded for 156 yards in the Curmudgeons' big opening day win. Another player to watch this year in the MVP race is Philly rookie Marshawn Lynch, who ran for 127 yards and a TD in his first game. Just keep him sober and off the roads.

It's way too early to predict things, that's for sure. Still, a few teams showed good balance by finishing the opening week w/ top 10 offensive and defensive performances. Props to Louisiana (4th offense, 8th defense), Cincinnati (7th offense, 6th defense), New Orleans (9th offense, top defense), Toronto (10th offense, 2nd defense), Philadelphia (2nd offense, 9th defense) and the most balanced team, Springfield, who had the 3rd ranked offense and the 4th ranked defense. Well done.

On the injury front, not many big ones, but there were a few. The Isotopes were hurt by the loss of Jon Jansen, who will miss 13 games w/ a neck injury. Vegas says bye bye to DL Tommy Kelly for the next 8 games (back) while Colorado does the same to RB Lorenzo Booker (elbow) and the already depleted Oakland D line gets even worse w/ the loss of DT Grady Jackson for 8 games (ankle). The Isotopes also lose another major cog in their O line machine w/ G Justin Smiley set to miss the next 7 games w/ a bad knee.

Okay, on to week 2. To those who came up short this week, fear not. You'll get your shot @ this week's opponent in week 3. Enjoy.

I am surprised that you didn't mention Devin Hester's two return TD's. That is freaking nuts

Sure is.

I'm working on the players of the week polls. I don't know if we even need any other names for special teams this week.

it's going to be a long season in Las Vegas.

It's only one week. Seattle is a pretty good defensive team that also can run the ball and has an okay passing game. You'll get 'em again in a couple weeks. Maybe the story will be different then.

i don't have a team close to last year and the Kelly injury hurt real bad.

Blarg.

My team is done, but given what I started with in Year 1, where Cleveland's picks were passed over for what, 20 rounds, and everyone else loaded up, I am not surprised. Already looking ahead to next season.

I believe it's just a tad early to say who is "done" or not. Also consider that you were playing the team that could very well end up winning the conference title this season (but the Assassins ain't gonna just give it away, ya know).

Cut yourself some slack.

Thats true...I was just disappointed after the spending spree the Steamers had in the off-season, but Ill give it a few more weeks...

Hey we had a good game, besides you shouldn't get yourself down in week 1. Remember you did beat me in the preseason game.