Key Points From Opening Night 2014

1. Richard Sherman is elite, but let’s pump the brakes a little on him being THE best in the game. It is no disrespect to Sherman and I understand that the Seattle defense is so supremely talented that it doesn’t NEED Sherman to travel with the top receiver all over the field. This is especially evident by the fact that Seattle didn’t just beat, but quite honestly blew out the BEST quarterback in the game in Aaron Rodgers and strongly contained a top ten running back in Eddie Lacy. BUT, coming out of this game, I would have thought a lot more highly of Sherman if he had maybe two or three balls caught on him for 50 yards by Randall Cobb and/or Jordy Nelson rather than give up nothing to Packers third string receiver Jarrett Boykin. That just isn’t as impressive to me. That isn’t what Patrick Peterson or Darrelle Revis do, and its not what Deion Sanders did. Plain and simple.
2. Russell Wilson is making moves very, very swiftly. Last year I saw him as a middle tier quarterback, along the lines of Andy Dalton and Alex Smith (both who signed huge contract extensions over the past month). He was more of a game manager, but he did his job to the highest level, unlike Dalton who sometimes struggles with that. But, the way Wilson played in the Super Bowl, then yesterday against the Packers, he is quickly elevating up the list. He definitely is not at the level of the Fantastic Four (Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees in that order). But he is moving to be in the class of Andrew Luck and Ben Roethlisberger. Quite honestly, right now I might be close to giving him the edge over a Tony Romo, although I’ll hold that thought for a few games.
   
3. Aaron Rodgers is the best in the game, but he isn’t Superman. He needs some kind of help. He needs Lacy to be back in the lineup and productive. He needs Bryan Bulaga back to blocking his front side. And he needs his receivers to make the plays they are capable of making.
4. Seattle is primed to be in Glendale in February. That is clear. Their biggest competition came from the San Francisco 49ers last year, a team that is clearly reeling. They already demolished the Denver Broncos, and also beat the New Orleans Saints on the road to the Super Bowl last year. Right now, the only two scenarios that we haven’t seen is Seattle matching up with New Orleans in the Superdome, and them matching wits with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
5. Lastly, the biggest takeaway from last night, was that life is just better when it is NFL season. It doesn't matter whether "your" team is playing or not, or if your player is dominating, competitive NFL football is just the best. Blessed with another season!