NFL Week 1: A Key Matchup for Each Sunday Game
St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn (94). Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
St. Louis Rams vs. Minnesota Vikings: DE Robert Quinn vs. LT Matt Kalil
There are a number of interesting battles in the trenches on both sides of the ball, but I’m most intrigued by the battle that will take place between Robert Quinn and Matt Kalil. Quinn, as we all know, is probably the second-best defensive player in the league with only J.J. Watt being more impressive. The numbers Quinn put up last season were ridiculous, and no 4-3 defensive end puts pressure on the quarterback quicker than the monstrous UNC product. Kalil suffered a down year in 2013 due to a nagging injury, but his impressive 2012 campaign shouldn’t be lost on some people. This could be the year Kalil entrenches himself as one of the league’s elite blind-side protectors, and he will need to do that in order to keep Matt Cassel clean. The Rams secondary is their only weakness on defense, so Cassel has to be able to stay upright in order to take advantage of them by throwing it to weapons like Kyle Rudolph, Cordarrelle Patterson, and No. 1 target Greg Jennings.
Houston Texans vs. Washington Redskins: QB RG3 vs. Houston Texans pass rush
There’s no doubt that the Houston Texans have one of the most imposing front sevens in the NFL, as they feature the likes of J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney, and Brian Cushing. It’s Watt and Clowney who will inspire fear in the hearts of offenses the most, and this is especially true for Robert Griffin III and the Washington Redskins. Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson, Jordan Reed, and Andre Roberts form a dynamic core of pass-catchers, and they should have no problem getting open against a mediocre Texans secondary that is hit-or-miss from week-to-week. They aren’t bad, but let’s just say that there’s a reason the Kansas City Chiefs were all too happy to get rid of Kendrick Lewis at free safety; a weak FS in deep coverage is not a winning formula against speedy wideouts and a QB with impressive tools.
That said, it might not matter if Garcon and D-Jax win downfield, because there’s a chance RG3 won’t see them or won’t get into enough of a groove to hit them up with well-placed passes. RG3 looked uncomfortable throughout the 2013 season due to his knee injury, but that can’t be blamed anymore. He didn’t exactly inspire confidence with his performance in the preseason, and the Texans have two blue-chip pass rushers who can beat offensive linemen off the snap with ease. That quick pressure is very worrisome, and D.J. Swearinger won’t be afraid to lay a licking on RG3 in the open field, which is especially concerning for the Redskins. But if RG3 can hold his own against the Texans pass rush, then he has a fair shot at putting up some big passing yardage and easing criticism of his game.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tennessee Titans: TE Travis Kelce vs. Everyone (mostly Bernard Pollard)
With Dwayne Bowe suspended and De’Anthony Thomas listed doubtful, the Kansas City Chiefs need tight end Travis Kelce to look like a star by carrying over his preseason performance into Week 1. Bernard Pollard will be the main man tasked with trying to stop Kelce, who should blossom into one of the league’s most impressive TEs. Kelce is the definition of explosive at the position, as he can stretch the seam, win at the catch point, and turn medium-sized passes into huge chunks of yardage. He’s the reason why the Chiefs felt comfortable with Bowe and Donnie Avery coming back as their wide receiver duo, and his injury last season was a bigger blow than some national observers thought. He’s back this year for his true rookie year, and he’s the main guy the Titans will have to stop in the passing game. The linebackers will have their hands full with Jamaal Charles, so the biggest thing will be for Pollard to make sure Kelce doesn’t abuse the Titans defense and carry the Chiefs passing attack.