The Jacksonville Jaguars already
have passed two impressive tests. Now they get another exam in
the form of Peyton Manning.
After beating "America's Team" and the defending Super Bowl
champion, the Jaguars visit Manning and the Indianapolis Colts
on Sunday in an AFC South matchup that highlights Week Three of
the NFL.
There also are key divisional battles that will be contested in
the NFC North, AFC North and NFC South.
First place is on the line in the NFC North as the Minnesota
Vikings (2-0) host the Chicago Bears (2-0).
After winning their first divisional title since 1990 last
season, the Cincinnati Bengals (2-0) could make another
statement when they visit the defending champion Pittsburgh
Steelers (1-1) in an AFC North showdown.
Facing the Steelers has to bring back painful memories for
Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer, who suffered torn knee
ligaments in the first quarter of a 31-17 loss to Pittsburgh
last January in the wild card round.
"I hate them even more than I hate UCLA," said Palmer, who
played collegiately at Southern California.
The Carolina Panthers were a popular pick to represent the NFC
in Super Bowl XLI. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the NFC South
last season. But on Sunday, both teams are looking to avoid
0-3 starts when they meet at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
A battle for the first place also is on the line when the
Jaguars (2-0) face the Colts (2-0).
Last year, the Jaguars were the only team in the league to beat
both Super Bowl teams - Pittsburgh and Seattle. But they lost
twice to the Colts and did not hang around very long in the
playoffs, losing in the wild card round at New England.
Beating Indianapolis may be coach Jack Del Rio's biggest
challenge after the Jaguars opened the season with home wins
over Dallas (24-17) and Pittsburgh (9-0).
"When you look at it on paper and look at what we've done the
last two games, we're right there," Jaguars linebacker Mike
Peterson said. "But that doesn't mean anything. We've got to
go up there and do it Sunday."
However, the Jaguars lost both meetings against the Colts last
season.
"They've dominated our division," Del Rio said. "Clearly,
they've been in control of this division, and we're in pursuit
of it. We have a goal of being division champions, and in order
to do that, we've got to win in our division. Our first
opportunity is this week against the Colts."
No team came closer to beating Seattle (2-0) at Qwest Field last
season than the New York Giants (1-1). On Sunday, the Giants
get another crack at the Seahawks.
Last season, Jay Feely missed three potential winning field
goals before counterpart Josh Brown capitalized on his
opportunity with 2:45 left in overtime, giving Seattle a 24-21
victory.
The Denver Broncos ended the New England Patriots' dynasty last
January. On Sunday night, the Patriots (2-0) look for a measure
of revenge against the Broncos (1-1) when the teams meet in a
rematch of an AFC divisional playoff game.
Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey returned an interception 100
yards to set up a touchdown and the Broncos forced four other
turnovers in a 27-13 home victory over the Patriots on January
14.
It was the first postseason loss for two-time Super Bowl MVP Tom
Brady, who won his first 10 games to set a record for
quarterbacks. The loss also ended any chance the Patriots had
at becoming the first team to win three straight Super Bowls and
four in five years.
Kurt Warner faces the team he guided to a Super Bowl title as
the Arizona Cardinals (1-1) host the St. Louis Rams (1-1) in
battle of NFC West foes. A former Arena Football League
quarterback and grocery store clerk, Warner took the NFL by
storm in 1999 while with the Rams.
After starting quarterback Trent Green went down with a knee
injury during the preseason, Warner was named the starter by
coach Dick Vermeil and became of the unlikeliest success stories
in NFL history.
Warner was NFL MVP in 1999 and 2001 and the MVP of Super Bowl
XXXIV, when he led the Rams past the Tennessee Titans. He also
led the Rams to Super Bowl XXXVI, where they lost to the
Patriots.
In six seasons with the Rams, Warner completed 1,121-of-1,688
passes for 15,447 yards and 102 touchdowns with 65
interceptions, directing an offense known as "The Greatest Show
on Turf." He was released by the Rams in June 2004 and replaced
by Marc Bulger.
After spending 2004 with the Giants, Warner is in his second
season with the Cardinals.
The Baltimore Ravens (2-0) have allowed just field goals in
their first two games heading into an AFC North matchup against
the Cleveland Browns (0-2).
Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs looks to avoid his second career
0-3 start when the Washington Redskins (0-2) visit the Houston
Texans (0-2).
A three-time Super Bowl winner, Gibbs was 0-3 in his first
season in 1981, when Washington lost its first five contests
before recovering to finish 8-8.
Gibbs retired following the 1992 campaign, then returned 12
years later. Last season, he guided the Redskins back to the
playoffs for the first time since the 1999 campaign.
There also are two other matchups with teams trying to pick up
their first wins of the season.
The Detroit Lions (0-2) host the Green Bay Packers (0-2) in an
NFC North matchup, while the Miami Dolphins (0-2) entertain the
Tennessee Titans (0-2).
In other games, the Buffalo Bills (1-1) host the New York Jets
(1-1) in AFC East battle and the San Francisco 49ers (1-1) take
on the Philadelphia Eagles (1-1).
Just over a year after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the
New Orleans Saints return to the Louisiana Superdome on Monday
night.
In a game that has captured the attention of media, fans and
observers on an international level, the Saints (2-0) host the
Atlanta Falcons (0-2) in a battle for first place in the NFC
South.
The Saints have taken a leadership role in the healing of the
entire region, following the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina
to the Superdome. Monday's game has become a symbol of the
region's resolve and determination after a massive rebuilding
project.
"The NFL and the New Orleans Saints have done a great job of
promoting the game, obviously," Saints running back Deuce
McAllister said. "The city of New Orleans couldn't be more
excited to show the world they're back."
Last season, the Saints were forced to move their home games,
playing four at Louisiana State University and three in San
Antonio. One other "home" game was played at Giants Stadium.
But the franchise made a commitment to participate in the
rebuilding of the Gulf Coast region, and the fans showed their
appreciation by selling out each home game. Now Saints
officials are making plans for a waiting list.
"We're now competing on that basis with places like New York,
San Francisco, Chicago and other major cities," Saints owner Tom
Benson said. "This is just tremendous. People can't believe
what people in this whole area have done."
Benson also called on all Saints fans to wear black and gold
Monday as a show of solidarity. Fans can also celebrate the
Superdome debut of Heisman Trophy-winning running back Reggie
Bush, who has lined up in the backfield and as a receiver and
also returns punts for the Saints.
The San Diego Chargers (2-0), Kansas City Chiefs (0-2), Oakland
Raiders (0-2) and Dallas (1-1) have bye weeks.
credit to www.nfl.com
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