+ Michael Lombardi writes after the Bengals loss:
Look no further than the Bengals' offense for needing more than two preseason games to be better prepared for the season. The Bengals were never in rhythm against the Patriots and allowed the Patriots to build a huge lead early. Forget the offensive numbers, the Bengals were rusty when it mattered most.
+ Chad Ochocinco tweeted after the Patriots loss:
"Apologies to Cincy fans, tough loss today, only week 1, we've a long season ahead, all of you be blessed."
+ The Bengals have lost seven of their past 10 kickoff weekend games. Does it really forecast your season? No. Not at all. Cincinnati lost to Denver last year, yet won the division. They beat Cleveland in 2005, yet won the division. They beat Kansas City and Baltimore respectively in 2006 and 2007, yet lost.
Think Tank: "Is it worth blitzing Brady when the Bengals couldn't get a sack in 35 pass plays, or is it better to rush three and play coverage?" - Pat Kirwin
AWARD NOMINATIONS. Every week, the NFL has several sponsored awards, rewarding the best quarterbacks, running backs and rookies. This isn't the same as the NFL's player of the week awards, which typically come out later in the week.
FedEx Air Nominations
- New England’s TOM BRADY completed 25 of 35 passes for 258 yards and three touchdowns in the Patriots’ 38 – 24 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
- Chicago’s JAY CUTLER went 23 of 35 for 372 yards and two touchdowns with one interception in the Bears’ 19-14 win over the Detroit Lions.
- Jacksonville’s DAVID GARRARD completed 16 of 21 passes for 170 yards and three touchdowns in the Jaguars’ 24 - 17 win over the Denver Broncos
FedEx Ground Nominations
- Houston’s ARIAN FOSTER ran for a team-record 231 yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries in the Texans’ 34 – 24 win over the Colts.
- Tennessee’s CHRIS JOHNSON rushed for 142 yards and two touchdowns in the Titans’ 38 – 13 win over the Oakland Raiders.
- Pittsburgh’s RASHARD MENDENHALL rushed for 120 yards, including the game-winning 50-yard touchdown in overtime as the Steelers edged the Falcons 15-9.
Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week Honors
- Philadelphia’s NATE ALLEN made five tackles and one interception returned for 11 yards in the Eagles’ 27 – 20 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
- Jacksonville’s TYSON ALUALU had three tackles and his first career sack in the Jaguars’ 24 – 17 win over the Denver Broncos.
- Detroit’s JAHVID BEST rushed for two touchdowns on 14 carries and added five receptions for 16 yards in the Lions’ 19 -14 loss to the Chicago Bears.
- Kansas City’s DEXTER McCLUSTER returned three punts, including one for 94 yards for what would end up being the winning touchdown in the Chiefs' 21-14 win over the San Diego Chargers.
- Tampa Bay’s MIKE WILLIAMS recorded five receptions for 30 yards and one touchdown in the Buccaneers’ 17-14 win over the Cleveland Browns.