National Over-Reaction League

The most wonderful week of the year has now come and gone. The NFL is back in full swing, and it's a glorious sight. And with that comes the over-reactions to every team's win or loss each week.

Glenn Dorsey played great last night

Let's look at the four "upsets." Kansas City over San Diego, Washington over Dallas, Seattle over San Francisco and Houston over Indianapolis.

All were somewhat unexpected but were they really that surprising? All were divisional games won by the home team. As Brian Billick reminded viewers during another near/shouldabeen upset, Detroit/Chicago, winning a division game on the road is "the hardest thing in sports."

With those wins come the over-reactions by the fans and media. "Dallas won't win a game!" "Look at how great the Chiefs are!" "It's the Texans' year to get over on the Colts!" "Pete Carroll is a genius!"

There are certain truths to all the over-reactions from the games. Dallas did play like garbage. But they probably just need a little more time to knock the rust off. The Colts defense just got ran over to the tune of a NFL record (first player to go over 200 yards and 3 TDs in the opener). But those games meant more to the Redskins and Texans than vice-versa.

Kansas City made some big, splash plays on special teams, had a long run and its defense looked much improved but they passed for just 68 yards. KC converted 1 of 11 third downs. They were outgained 389-197 on offense. San Diego was missing three of its best players in the middle of a downpour. Malcolm Floyd slipped twice at the goal line in the final minute that may have tied the game.

Oh, well. A win is a win. Kudos to the Chiefs for getting it done. They made more plays than the Chargers. But let's not put the Chiefs in the playoffs just yet. Same goes for the Texans and Seahawks. To use an old, over-used cliche "there's a lot of football to be played."

Despite the over-reactions being a bit much and sometimes off-base, it once again shows the power of the NFL. Each game means so much, even game one. The passion and pride generated is why we love this league. A win in Week 1 may not get a team to the Super Bowl but it sure feels like it can.