Things can and do change in the NFL. But through the first two weeks of the season the Cowboys have been the league’s most impressive and complete team. That defense can be historically good. Offensively, about the only thing that needs a tune-up is red zone efficiency.
I was disappointed by the Texans’ lack of progress in Sunday’s loss to the Colts, and I’m not going to simply write it off to an offensive line that has been decimated by injuries. Houston couldn’t run the ball or protect the passer, and, defensively, tackling remains atrocious. The Texans’ rushing defense remains a disaster. But, on a positive note, this much is clear. C.J. Stroud has remarkable arm talent. And he has yet to throw a pick.
Wishing the best for Indy QB Anthony Richardson. I thought it was very mature and responsible of him to take himself out of the game after experiencing concussion symptoms.
2-0 Surprises
Bucs
Commanders
Falcons (Bijan is already a beast!)
0-2 Disappointments
Bengals
Chargers (Brandon Staley is going to lose his job.)
Broncos (They blew an 18-point lead at home?)
Bears (They appear clueless, and they’re going to ruin Justin Fields.)
0-2, but surprisingly competitive
Cardinals
And speaking of Being 0-2…
Since 1990, only 31 of 270 teams that started 0-2 made the playoffs.
Monday Night Doubleheader Predictions
Saints 27 Panthers 21
Steelers 24 Browns 20
The Giants are sweating out the status of Saquon Barkley’s injured ankle. For now, the team is cautiously optimistic. But this is a short week for the G-Men, who play at San Francisco Thursday night.
The Lions are a nice story, but let’s hold off crowning them. Detroit’s defense was atrocious in that home loss to the Seahawks, giving up three touchdowns in the fourth quarter and overtime.
Who needs training camp? Who needs practice? Chris Jones was often the best player on the field in the Chiefs’ 17-9 win at Jacksonville with a sack-and-a-half, five QB pressures and a batted pass.
Alabama is out of the Top Ten for the first time in eight years. Texas sleep-walked for three quarters against Wyoming, but nevertheless rose from fourth to third in the AP Poll.
Last week’s college football schedule didn’t have much sizzle, but some of this Saturday’s matchups are going to jump out of the frying pan. Colorado at Oregon. Oregon State at Washington State. Iowa at Penn State. Florida State at Clemson. UCLA at Utah. Ole Miss at Alabama. Ohio State at Notre Dame. I’m gonna have to buy new batteries for the remote.
Astros win. Rangers lose. Mariners lose. The Trifecta!
