Things I Think I Think
1 I think Ravens running back Ray Rice (below) made the best offensive play I saw all week. Circling out of the backfield into the right flat, he reached for a high Joe Flacco pass and caught it one-handed, with the nose of the ball nestled against the palm of his right glove. Don't be surprised if he beats out Willis McGahee as the starter.
2 I think the best defensive play came out of Eagles camp. Running back Eldra Buckley burst through the right tackle--tight end hole and looked to be headed for a nice gain. But underrated defensive end Juqua Parker sloughed off a block and at the last second blew up Buckley, bouncing him to the dirt as if they were both wearing rubber suits.
3 I think the team most likely to have a "miracle season" is the Rams. Teams that draft offensive linemen high (Jason Smith, second overall) almost always improve. Teams that were horrible in the red zone almost always improve. Teams with that many offensive injuries (third in the league) almost always improve.
Check it all out at SI.com/bonus
PHOTO
JOHN BIEVER (RICE)
