Here are my five takeaways from Week 2 of the NFL season:
1. Rex CRyan
Full disclosure that I’m a Jets fan (THE 2-0 NEW YORK JETS). What Rex Ryan has managed to do is almost impossible in the way I can’t stand him. I’m beyond appreciative of the 2009 and 2010 seasons when he led Gang Green to the AFC Championship Game, but the schtick is old and tired. Ryan played up the same angle leading up to this Sunday’s Buffalo Bills game against the New England Patriots and the result was more of the same — Ryan lost. He tried to talk himself up like he’s in the same league as Bill Belichick, don’t be tricked by Ryan’s bravado, he’s not. Ryan’s record since an 8-5 start to the 2011 season is 20-34. Find me a 54-game stretch of Belichick’s career where he’s been that bad. Ryan hasn’t earned the right to condescend people like he did in this post game presser after the Bills loss. The Bills are 1-1 and aren’t as good as they looked Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts or as bad they played for most of Week 2 versus the Pats. They head to Miami to play their first road game in a huge early season matchup opposite the Dolphins in Week 3.
2. What’s happening in the NFC East?
I don’t have the slightest clue. The New York Giants are 0-2, but should be 2-0 if they didn’t crap the bed in the fourth quarter twice. The Dallas Cowboys are 2-0, but are without Tony Romo and Dez Bryant for a significant period of time. The Philadelphia Eagles were my preseason Super Bowl pick, but the offensive line is so bad it’s cratering their offense and Sam Bradford hasn’t looked competent for six out of eight quarters. The Washington Redskins look kind of good so that confuses me.
The Skins have ridden a tried and true formula to 1-1 and they should probably be 2-0. Washington is averaging 4.6 yards per carry and the defense has been solid. I’m not sold yet, but I’m intrigued. I still don’t believe in the Giants, I’m nearing bail point on the Eagles and the Cowboys situation makes me sad. I’m not ready to live in a world where I think the Redskins are going to win the NFC East. Again, not there yet, but it’s a thought running through my head.
3. Superman Returns
This was fun from Cam Newton. He is putting the Carolina Panthers on his back with arguably the worst supporting cast including offensive line and skill positions across the NFL. Against the Texans he went off for 195 passing yards, 76 rushing yards and three touchdowns helping Carolina get to 2-0. His throwing and running ability is truly one of the most unique packages of talent we’ve ever seen in the league. It’s a joy to watch and I hope he continues to prove doubters wrong.
4. The Best?
I’ll throw out a prediction; By Week 8 the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to have the best offense in the NFL. They’ve been excellent through two weeks and have been without running back Le’Veon Bell plus wide receiver Martavis Bryant. Bell is back on Sunday and Bryant follows in Week Five. Adding those two to Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown isn’t fair. They destroyed the San Francisco 49ers for 43 points and made it look way to easy. I’m not sure how you game plan for an offense with that level of talent once their at full strength.
5. End of an Era?
It sure feels like Drew Brees’ time with the New Orleans Saints is coming to an end. It’s been a great ride for a decade that included a Super Bowl, but this team is dreadful. Brees is regressing from top notch to solid and the offense around him isn’t enough to make it up. The defense isn’t able to pick up the slack either. That’s a bad combination. It makes sense for both sides to part ways this offseason as the Saints start over and Brees goes somewhere putting him in a position to be successful.
