First Impressions

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First impressions are important. We all know that. Your mother told you so. First day at a new job, first date, first exam of a tough course … starting off on the right foot is essential if you hope to be successful.

The world of sports is no different. As any coach will tell you, preferably during the traditional pre-game pep talk, the first game on the schedule sets the tone for the entire season. Win it, and everything’s coming up roses. Lose it, and it could be a long season.

Yeah, right.

Tell that to the cream of this year’s NFL crop.

Tell it to the Patriots. Remember September 7? Buffalo 31, New England nada. After twenty minutes of play, the Pats had managed to compile negative yardage. Tom Brady threw four picks, and was officially labeled a fluke. The Lawyer Milloy-less Patriots were, equally officially, declared dead in the water.

Today, many of those who wrote their obituary are touting them as the Super Bowl favorites.

Tell it to the Rams. Remember their season opener? Any fantasy owner who drafted Kurt Warner does. Warner fumbled six times, and St. Louis’ vaunted offense scored just one touchdown against the Giants (and we all know how good they were this year). Tiki Barber ran at will, compiling 146 yards on the ground. Final score: New York 23, St. Louis 13.

Guess who finished tied for the most wins in the NFC?

Or tell it to the Eagles. In the first Monday night game of the year, Philadelphia was embarrassed by Tampa Bay in their debut game at brand-new Lincoln Financial Field, with Joe Jurevicius catching his only two touchdowns passes of the season. Tampa Bay 17, Eagles zilch. Criticism of the Eagles was harsh, long before Rush Limbaugh opened his mouth.

Today? Home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Of the four teams that earned byes for the first week of the playoffs, only Kansas City won in week 1, beating lowly San Diego at home. Overall, they were outscored 40 to 85 – by teams that combined for a 21-43 record and a .328 winning percentage this season. And look where they are now, rested and playing on their own turf.

First impressions?

At least in the NFL, forget about it.

 
Arlo Vander’s fantasy team finished the season with a league-best 12-2 record after losing the opening game. He doesn’t like to talk about what happened in the playoffs.