Week 2 - THE AFTERMATH

THE GOOD

Say it with your chest, or at least your chest hair; the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are (2-0) and lead the league in offensive total yards (482.5), passing yards (405.0) and second in scoring with (37.5 ppg). Ryan Fitzpatrick is experiencing the best year of his career under offensive coordinator Todd Monken and his scheme. Fitzpatrick has passed for (400) yards in consecutive games to begin a season, only Tom Brady and Cam Newton has done that. Fitzpatrick has accounted for nine touchdowns (8- pass / 1- rush) this season. Desean Jackson leads all receivers in receiving yards while his (7) touchdowns of 75 yards or more is the most all time tied with Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens. While the defense bend don't break attitude has accounted for (4 sacks and 3 turnovers). On the flip side they have also given up (40 and 27) points in back to back weeks. It's only (2) games but another showcase like this by Fitzpatrick on MNF in front of a national audience will have folks saying Jameis who? At least for another week.

Patrick Mahomes becomes the first quarterback in NFL history to pass for (10) touchdowns in their first two games to start a season. Alongside Kansas City totaling (80) points in the first two weeks as they lead the league in scoring, Mahomes has connected on almost (70%) of his passes to go with zero, count em, zero interceptions. At least (7) players has caught a pass from Mahomes each game while three receivers have at least a (100) yards receiving game. Patrick Mahomes has took the NFL  by storm and his confident and cool composure is rare for a second year player, especially playing the quarterback position. His numbers must remain high as his defense has not bailed him out much. Besides a good run game, the Chiefs rank in the bottom half of most all NFL defensive categories. While giving up over (500) total yards a game, opponents have found the end zone (8) times on Kansas City. However as long as Mahomes stays healthy and continues to protect the ball the way he has, the Chiefs will be a force but the defense must improve over the course of the season.

Sacksonville is alive and well, and the population is growing once more. Well at least in Duvall it is. The Jaguars continue to win an unleashed QB Blake Bortles (29-45 / 377 yards / 4 TDs / INT) in a 31-20 win over the Patriots. Bortles (377) passing yards was a career high for the fifth year player out of UCF. Jacksonville pretty much dominated the Patriots the whole game. They limited Brady and New England on offense, as a lot of the times the Pats eliminated themselves with the lack of playmakers on offense. Meanwhile Blake Bortles found four different receivers for touchdowns as they try to find some continuity in their receiving core. The offensive line protected Bortles well all game, however offensive lineman Cam Robinson went down for the season with a torn ACL. If Bortles can replicate his performance on a weekly basis surrounded by that defense, the AFC South should be theirs again.

The Miami Dolphins are (2-0) for the first time in (5) seasons. Largely due in part to a defense that has (5) interceptions and (7) turnovers forced through just two games. QB Ryan Tannehill had zero interceptions Sunday vs a good Jets defense. While the Dolphins picked off Jets QB Sam Darnold twice on the evening. Miami's defense also has (5) sacks on the season. Running back Frank Gore ironically passed former New York Jets great Curtis Martin as (4th) on the all time rushing list. Gore now a (14) year veteran in the game is in a running back by committee group alongside Kenyon Drake make up the Dolphins backfield. As long as Tannehill manages the game along he has no worries. No deep threat outside of Kenny Stills brings red flags. With Robert Quinn coming over in the Suh trade, and Cameron Wake and company on defense, they cause enough havoc and turnovers to give Tannehill and that Miami offense multiple chances to score. With a horrific Raiders team coming from west to east and, Miami could start (3-0). Tannehill is (9-1) in his last (10) starts.

This Dallas Cowboys defense have came to life this season. They are only allowing (14.0 ppg) and is second in the league in sacks trailing only Chicago in that department. Coming off an impressive Sunday night win vs the Giants, their offense was desperate to find an identity with their running attack. However the RPO (run/pass option) looked good for Dallas the majority of the game. They threw a few wrinkles in the playbook, showcasing Tavon Austin, but other than that big play Dak Prescott averaged a measly (3.2) yards per pass. Dallas secondary has played lights out, holding Odell Beckham Jr. in check most the night. Their front seven has been as dominant as ever with their pass rush. Six sacks against a bad offensive line, but the Cowboys have been causing pressure all season ranking (3rd) in overall defense, (5th) versus the pass, and (4th) in total yards given up. Just the Cowboys offense ranks (30th) and they have not got Ezekiel Elliott more involved as they should. With the defense playing the way they have, and David Irving returning off suspension in a couple weeks, should have them even stronger on the defensive side of the ball.

THE BAD

The New England Patriots offense looked putrid at best and pathetic for a Tom Brady led team on Sunday. They got manhandled up front an all game long to be honest. Their receivers could not get open, the run game was non effective, and once they got down early, it was a steep uphill battle to come back from. A flourish of unhealthy players in the backfield and receiving core has dramatically impacted New England, even if they do not want to admit it. Dysfunction always between Brady and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as well as the defense took some major blows due to injuries as the Jacksonville receivers gashed the Patriots for 31 points. One thing is for certain the depth chart is getting slimmer by the day in Foxborough and Julian Edelman alone may not be enough for the Pats this season.

Those NEW YORK QUARTERBACKS. Boy wonder Sam Darnold came back to reality, at least for a moment. The rookie QB threw (2) interceptions as he now has (3 TDs / 3 INTs) for the season. A strip sack fumble as well on the rookie as the Dolphins defense harassed Darnold all game long. Mishaps on both sides of the ball, whether it be turnovers or play calling for the Jets. They are (1/6) in the red zone over the first (2) games and this must improve. With a young signal caller, you cannot be leaving points on the board. While Eli Manning is trying to keep his head on his shoulders, figuratively and literally. His offensive line should feel embarrassed after their performance. Granite they did play Jacksonville and Dallas but you made some summer moves for improvement in that area. When Saquan Barkley is your leading receiver with (14) receptions, that means your getting the ball out with a hurry because of a failed offensive line. The Giants will need to get this fixed ASAP, before Manning doesn't make it the entire season.

David Johnson has looked far away from that MVP candidate season back in 2016 for the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona paid Sam Bradford $20 million to basically get outscored (58-6) over the first (2) games this season. They rank dead last in offense, scoring offense, passing yards, and total yards offensively. Their defense has hit a decline as well. The offensive line has struggled at times, and getting no pressure from their defense and lackluster offense performances, it may be time for "Chosen Rosen", or at least before Halloween.

"As the Weeks Turn" should be the new motto and soap opera fiasco theme for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The antics, the divas, and overly consumer players, head coach via a "glorified cheerleader" and more headlines for the Steelers. Everything but football related which is not the Steeler way. As many points the Steelers score on offense the defense is giving it up right back. Pittsburgh is giving up (31.5 ppg) which ranks (28th) in the NFL. AB = NO SHOW, Bell = NOT ON DEPTH CHART, Big Ben = HALF RETIRED/HALF NOT, while Mike Tomlin = HANGING ON BY A THREAD. They gave up (6) touchdowns to a second year QB = NOT STEELER-esch. A tie with the Browns = OH NO BABY, WHAT ARE YOU DOIN?, and a loss Monday Night at Tampa could = FITZMAGIC and (0-2-1) on the year.

THE UGLY

Buffalo told Tyrod Taylor to kick the curb and his services were no longer needed in favor of Nathan Petermna, AJ McCarron, and rookie QB Josh Allen. Why did they do that? Peterman aka "Mr. Costly" is somewhere throwing the ball to the other team, McCarron has been got traded to the Raiders, and Allen, we have yet to tell. So far Allen has (24-48 / 319 yards / TD / 2 INTs). He has received no help from the Bills offense nor defensive lines. The Bills defense has surrendered (78) points while that offensive line has given up (11) sacks thus far. Not to mention LeSean McCoy suffering an injury. While adding injury to insult, 10 year pro Vontae Davis apparent walk out and retire on his team at halftime. Most had to say it was one of the most bizarre scenes in the sport. He has went to a lengthy explanation to his reasoning behind his actions via Twitter, however that was the most Bills thing ever. However with the defense struggling to get off the field, porous offensive line play, they have a true road test at Minnesota which is not what the doctor ordered. Looks like another 20 years before Buffalo taste the postseason again.

TNF: If it is one thing the Browns are good at, its finding a way to lose a game. Kicker Zane Gonzalez missed a pair of extra points and field goals that would had propelled Cleveland to a real victory. Tyrod Taylor played much better than in week one (22-30 / 246 yards / TD / INT). However it still wasn't enough for the Browns to get the victory. While their defense has been stingy only allowing (21) points to the likes of Pittsburgh and New Orleans; they may fair better this Thursday at home versus the Jets. New York has (5) turnovers in two games and Cleveland has been very aggressive in takeaways. New York only rushed the ball for (42) yards Sunday compared to (165) in week one. The Browns also run the ball well with (135.5) rush yards per game. Thursday Night Football from Cleveland could actually give the Browns their first real win since 2016.

New Orleans is just (7/21) on third down this season while averaging just (52.5) rushing yards per game. Miss Mark Ingram yet? Only (3) sacks to go with one interception as the defense continues to struggle. Alvin Kamara can't shoulder the load running the ball by himself, especially with a defense giving up (30.0 ppg). Their secondary has been torched by the specialties of Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tyrod Taylor. Wide receiver Michael Thomas (28 rec / 269 yards / 3 TDs) brings a bright spot to the Saints. Thomas (28) receptions are the most ever receptions for a player in their first two games to start a season. Outside of Thomas and Kamara, their is no real threat offensively which is making New Orleans very predictable and one dimensional. With a defense identical of those horrific 2012 and 2015 Saints defenses, NOLA better snap out of this funk fast.

MISSED KICKS: A total of (19) missed field goals and extra points were tallied up by the end of week 2. At least in (9) games a kick was missed. A total of (5) missed kicks in the Saints/Browns game including Zane Gonzalez for the Browns missed XP that would had won the game. He also left (8) points on the board that would had been the difference. Daniel Carlson for Minnesota missed (3) field goals, including two in overtime that resulted in the Packers/Vikings game ending in a tie. Carlson has been let go for Dan Bailey, former Cowboys kicker. 

WHAT WE KNOW

The Los Angeles Rams are who we thought they were. Dominance on both sides of the ball as they rank in the top (15) in all offensive categories. (5th) in scoring with (33.5 ppg) led by third year QB Jared Goff (64% completion / 587 yards / 3 TDs). Goff now in year two of his transformation under head coach Sean McVay. McVay has redefined the Rams into not just a divisional tough outing but a real NFC title contender. Todd Gurley coming off a big contract has four touchdowns ( 3 rush / 1 rec). Brandin Cooks who they bought over from New England is top (5) in receiving yards. While of course the defense ranks #1 overall giving up just (6.5 ppg) and top (5) in defending the rush, pass, and overall yards given up. Only (3) sacks but the aggressive front is forcing quarterbacks into bad situations with an opportunist gang of ball hawks (4 INTs) on the season, the sky is the limit with this defense. Kicker Greg Zuerlien will be out a couple weeks and Pharaoh Cooper is injured, but that is their only weakness right now, their special teams. Other than that the Rams are primed for another great season. 

Good Joe Flacco vs Bad Joe Flacco is actually a thing. Flacco after committing zero turnovers in week one threw (2) interceptions and lost a fumble as the Ravens never fully recovered and lost to the Bengals for the (7th) time in (9) meetings. Baltimore has lost six straight games to the Bengals in Ohio. Joe Flacco did throw for (376) however it wasn't enough. He and fellow receiver John Brown who they acquired over the off season have grew a connection though. Brown has (7 rec / 136 yards / 2 TDs) leading the Ravens and seems to be Flacco's main target. Not having CJ Mosley out their manning that defense is a hassle in itself. As well as Jimmy Smith who is on suspension by the league. Baltimore's defense still the heart and soul of this team. Flacco must play better and protect the ball. More consistent play and ball security is needed especially with Denver and Pittsburgh on the slate next.

Kirk Cousins is the real deal in Minnesota. Cousins is looking like he is well worth the guaranteed money the Vikings paid him this off season. Minnesota ranks (5th) in passing yards with (319.6) per game thus far. Not only has Cousins spread the ball around as four different receivers have found the end zone. The Vikings were a couple of missed field goals away from going into Lambeau Field and stealing a win. Cousins play methodical late game, dropping dimes to several different receivers as their efforts just came up short. With Buffalo in town this weekend, expect monster fantasy numbers for Cousins and that Minnesota defense.

LOOKING AHEAD

Can the Bengals keep up the pace with their (2-0) start? QB Andy Dalton has played strong with just (1) interception while passing for (6) touchdowns. Dalton tossed (3) first half scores to fellow wide out AJ Green in their win over Baltimore. Having TE Tyler Eifert back helps ease pressure off Green and can help free up one on one matchups with John Ross as well. Cincinnati offensive line has played well as a balance of run and pass has benefited the Bengals this season, While defensive studs Geno Adkins and Carlos Dunlap have accounted for (4) of their team total (6) sacks on the season. These two have definitely showed they were worth the hefty contract extensions. With RB Joe Mixon going down with a minor knee injury requiring surgery and will miss a couple weeks, Giovanni Bernard the six year back out of North Carolina will take over primary rushing duties. Hopefully the Bengals can hold fort until they get Mixon alongside LB Vontaz Burfict off suspension as Cincinnati have two tough road test traveling to Charlotte and Atlanta in consecutive weeks to play the Panthers and Falcons.

Falcons word of the day is DEPTH. They have been plagued by the injury bug thus far in 2018, maybe worst than anyone since the season started. Being said their depth has allowed them to basically plug in the holes along the way. A vast improvement from week one was these Atlanta Falcons. Penalties - wk 1 - (15) / wk 2 - (2). Points - wk 1 - (12) / wk 2 - (31). Offensive plays - wk 1 - (43 pass / 18 rush) / wk 2 - (28 pass / 32 rush). Most importantly those red zone woes improved. Red zone - wk 1 - (1/5) / wk 2 - (4/4). Matt Ryan did throw one interception however the team rallied behind the 2016 NFL MVP. Between Ryan and way better play calling behind their second year OC, the Falcons sealed the deal with an 8 yard scamper by Matt Ryan giving himself up for the score. Something that got Ryan, his teammates, and the fans pumped as Atlanta held on to beat Carolina. With divisional rival New Orleans coming into town, the Falcons can grab a (2-0) record in the ever so tough NFC South.

If Josh Gordon is worth a fifth rounder, what's the take on Dez Bryant? Bryant who has in most eyes lost a step and not the same receiver as he once was, limited on the field, and system player still hasn't found a home. However, we know the Josh Gordon story. Off the field issues, suspensions, injuries and more, yet the Patriots was willing to take him. The same Patriots Dez had on his "wish list" of teams he was interested in. Yes money is a factor, with Bryant demanding way more and even turning down a contract from the Ravens which seems to been moons ago; Gordon obligation for money may not reach over $2 million in two years. So the Patriots rather give it go and lean on a prayer that Josh Gordon returns to Flash Gordon while staying clear of negativity and troublesome activity and Dez Bryant still does not have a job? Think this is more of an indictment to Dez rather then Josh.

The Chicago Bears and head coach Matt Nagy has baby stepped their way with second year QB Mitchell Trubisky. Both of his game plans were good until he played to lose the game vs the Packers while keeping Trubisky in tune against Seattle. Nagy got off script in week one but stayed the course with his young QB in week two. Trubisky is last in yards per attempt in the NFL. Only (200 passing yards / 2 TDs / 2 INTs) is not eye popping numbers to say the least. Being said both games were predicated around their defense. As we know prior Bears teams thrived off running the football and stingy defense. When you hear the name Chicago Bears you think defense, and that is what they have back with some midway monsters. Linebackers in general, so Khali Mack (2 sacks / 2 forced fumbles / 8 tackles  /  INT / TD), Leonard Floyd and those boys, they fit that mold. Mack and his (2) sacks are as much as his former team the Oakland Raiders have as a team. Chicago leads the NFL with (10) sacks.

MNF: Teams ranked #1 and #2 in total offensive yards and #1 and #2 in passing yards meet in South Florida Monday Night. Pittsburgh in dyer need of a win, can score at will but cannot stop anyone. That is not good with a Bucs team averaging (37.5 ppg). Both teams resemble each other in players, expect of course Fitzpatrick doesn't have the two rings to along like Roethlisberger. However Antonio Brown / Mike Evans, Desean Jackson / JuJu Smith-Schuster, and OJ Howard / Jesse James. The Steelers have an advantage at running back with James Conner but the Bucs rank second against the run. Both teams secondary have room for improvement but this will be a shootout for sure come Monday Night.

THE RUNDOWN

49ERS - San Francisco must find ways to protect Garoppolo better. They have given up (9) sacks in two games including (6) on Sunday. Running back Matt Brieda leads the league in rushing.

BEARS - Chicago leads the league in sacks with (10). They also have (14) points from their defense off turnovers.

BILLS - Buffalo defense is horrific, offense is atrocious and these two don't mix well with a rookie quarterback. Offensive line and receivers both must help out Josh Allen more.

BENGALS - Cincinnati has their first (2-0) start since 2015. That same year they won the division and went to the playoffs. It is still early, but the rest of the AFC North seems a bit dysfunctional.

BRONCOS - Case Keenum pulled off some late heroics but we see why he was a glorified backup for years. Defense needs to play better, just one sack in week two and only (3) incomplete passes for Derek Carr all game on Denver's defense.

BROWNS - New kicker, replace stud wide receiver, defense gives up late drive, still can't finish games. Yepp, same ol Browns.

BUCS - Fitzpatrick leads the league in passing yards with (819) and postgame apparel. Whether it's Fitzpatrick throwing passes or Connor McGregor, it doesn't look like Jameis Winston will be, even after the suspension. 

CARDINALS - Just six points through two games and David Johnson is a shell of himself.

CHARGERS - Los Angeles harassed the Bills QB with (5) sacks and (2) interceptions on Sunday. The Rams and the potent offense comes to town this week.

CHIEFS - Patrick Mahomes is straight balling. Mahomes reaping the benefits off sitting out one year and a coaching guru in Andy Reid.

COLTS - Andrew Luck overcame two early interceptions and put together a 13 play drive to break any chance Washington had at coming back. Indy offensive line played much better it is just up to Luck to limit the turnovers.

COWBOYS - Dallas has (9) sacks on the season and have kept everything in front of them  defensively. Offensively more usage of Zeke is a must.

DOLPHINS - Win the turnover battle, win the game. Tannehill has played good but not great as that defense is prime to help Miami improve to (3-0).

EAGLES - After getting Fitzmagic and barely escaping the Falcons week one, Carson Wentz has returned from season ending knee surgery. Philly offense should be returning back to normal within a few weeks.

FALCONS - Better play calling by Sark, red zone struggles seemed to have disappeared momentarily. Back to back division games with a banged up team on both sides of the ball.

GIANTS - Eli has been sacked (8) times, third most in the NFL. Talent like OBJ, Barkley, Shepard, and Engram; the Giants need to find a way to give Manning more help and time to throw the ball.

JAGUARS - Bortles and Jacksonville are (4-0) when Leonard Fournette is out of the lineup. Weird stat to say the least. The defense has started back to shape to form however, (18) penalties over two games is a huge negative when trying to win games.

JETS - Sam Darnold hit back to life but Todd Bowles must manage games better. His defense must come up with stops and turnovers to help give Darnold better field position to work with.

LIONS - Detroit played much better in week two. Stafford threw for (3) scores and over (300) yards passing and most importantly zero turnovers. Legarratte Blount was ejected for coming onto the field, the defense had (6) sacks and they still lost.

PACKERS - Aaron Rodgers played with a knew brace on against the same team that knocked him out of the 2017 season. Rodgers was cautious and counterproductive but the Packers still need more help. (83.5) rushing yards per game won't keep any defenses honest and their defense still needs help.

PANTHERS - Offensive line continues to be a blunder. Outside of Cam and McCaffrey no real weapons on offense. Thomas Davis only has two games left on his suspension. Devin Funchess and DJ Moore must give Cam some aerial options.

PATRIOTS - Rob Gronkowski left Jacksonville with just (2 rec / 15 yards) as the Jags played Gronk well all game. Adding Josh Gordon could be beneficial or detrimental. With #12 still at QB they always have a chance, but no running game and a beat up defense, Matt Patricia could be licking his chops vs New England.

RAIDERS - Lack of pass rush is so evident with this team. Gruden threw his QB under the bus earlier in the week to watch him just throw (3) incompletions against a good Broncos defense. Highly critical is his defense which he needs to be. Oakland score just (16 ppg) while allowing (26.5 ppg).

RAMS - The Rams have outscored their opponents (57-0) over the last six quarters. Gurley and Cooks seem to bring a balance to the offense. Where Donald/Suh with Peters/Talib give that continuity on defense.

RAVENS - Flacco and his struggles continue. Injuries lingering on the defensive side cannot be good as Flacco needs all the assistance he can use.

REDSKINS - Almost (100) yards in penalties, no running attack; the tide quickly changed in Washington. Jay Gruden's offense disappeared like a Sigfried and Roy event. However their defense ranks #1 in total yards given up and against the pass. They will need to be precise as ever on defense with Mr. Rodgers visiting the nations capital.

SAINTS - Michael Thomas is on the verge of breaking Marvin Harrison single season reception record this year. However their defense is on verge of giving up the most yards again in NFL history.

SEAHAWKS - (12)s mean (12) sacks this year not that extra crowd in Seattle. That bad offensive line has Russell Wilson all over the place. Wilson tried to save them once more but uncharacteristically a late turnover and the Seahawks are (0-2).

STEELERS - As much as they score, they give up likewise

TEXANS - Houston is (0-2) and everyone is to blame. Poor coaching, suspect QB play, and no pressure from a defense that was supposed to be back to their explosive ways since becoming healthy.

TITANS - Head coach Mike Vrabel picks up his first win with Blaine Gabbert at QB, no Delanie Walker, and several key offensive lineman out. Resilience, yes.

VIKINGS - Statistically Minnesota defense is not the same as last season, however their offense isn't either with Captain Kirk running the show. Cousins has (6) touchdowns to just one interception.