Twistity Eye on Football: NFL PREVIEW

  The Minnesota Vikings didn’t plan on rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater playing so early in the season, but an injury to Matt Cassel forced them to make a move....


 
The Minnesota Vikings didn’t plan on rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater playing so early in the season, but an injury to Matt Cassel forced them to make a move. Bridgewater responded well, winning his first start but also injuring an ankle. He’s considered questionable for Thursday night’s meeting at Lambeau Field with the Green Bay Packers.

The Packers (2-2) straightened out their offensive woes with a big win against the Chicago Bears and should be their normally potent selves. The Vikings (2-2) say they have plans if Bridgewater can’t go, but it won’t be good news if that plan is Christian Ponder.

WHAT WE’LL BE WATCHING ON SUNDAY

Houston Texans (3-1) at Dallas Cowboys (3-1): Who expected both of these teams to be 3-1? Put your hand down. You did not. The Cowboys have won three in a row behind a defense far better than anyone anticipated (put your hand down, you did not anticipate this).

New York Jets (1-3) at San Diego Chargers (3-1): The Chargers are thriving despite the absence of a running game and quarterback Philip Rivers has played like a potential MVP. The Jets have had turnover issues with quarterback Geno Smith and have so far not been inclined to replace him with Michael Vick. They’ve lost three straight and patience is not always a virtue in the NFL.

Cincinnati Bengals (3-0) at New England Patriots (2-2): The Bengals are the only undefeated team in the AFC. The Patriots looked horrible in a blowout loss on Monday night to the Kansas City Chiefs. Pats coach Bill Belichick spent Wednesday’s time with the media not answering questions about Tom Brady or, well, anything, simply saying over and over: “We’re on to Cincinnati.” He needs better answers. The lack of an offensive line or playmaking receivers is not Brady’s fault.

Today’s question

What’s wrong with the Patriots, and can they fix it?

Answers in the comment box, please.

Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .