It was an eventful first two weekends in the NFL. In week one & two we learned new things and we were reminded of others. Here are some of the biggest takeaways from the first two weeks in the NFL.
Seattle: Geno Smith can win some ball games. It was an eventful night on Monday Sept. 12 as Russel Wilson made his anticipated return to Seattle as a Bronco, but it was Geno Smith who got the last laugh and stole the show. Smith completed 23 of 28 pass attempts and threw for two touchdowns. Smith outplaying Wilson in primetime was not an outcome many saw coming.
Los Angeles: The Chargers defense can hold down the fort. It is no secret the Chargers offense is the spine of this team with generational superstar quarterback Justin Herbert at the helm; however this defense has historically always, always shot themselves in the foot season in and season out. On Sunday, that was not the case. The Chargers offense was elite for three quarters of the game. In the fourth the Raiders found a groove and were threatening. Enter Khalil Mack who secured the game on a fourth down sack. The Chargers defense as a whole finished with three INT’s and six sacks. They held Mahomes in check for most of the night on Thursday prime time but a costly Justin Herbert pick six ended up being the deciding factor.
Kansas City: Patrick Mahomes is still that guy and the Chiefs are still the team to beat in the West. There were constant questions of what this Kansas City Chiefs offense and in particular Patrick Mahomes would look like without speedy wideout Tyreek Hill. We got our answer on Sunday and it was special. Mahomes went out Sunday and threw five touchdown passes and threw for 360 yards. This Chiefs offense is perhaps more dangerous than ever due the fact opposing defenses have no idea who is getting the ball on a play to play basis. On Thursday night primetime, the Chiefs didn’t look as good but the defense still looked legit. This Chiefs team is not going anywhere.
Buffalo: The Bills are the consensus team to beat. The Bills marched into Sofi to open the season on Thursday night football and dominated. Josh Allen looked as fantastic as Josh Allen has looked and Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis looked like a top one-two punch in the receiving department. The defense is what stood out. What Von Miller does for this pass rush is huge. It isn’t just a benefit to have Von getting to the quarterback, but it opens up everything else for the other pass rushers. This team is legit.
Chicago: Justin Fields is feeling not like the guy. It was a lackluster flashy rookie campaign for quarterback Justin Fields and this season is more of the same. Week 1 was excusable in the slop fest conditions that were; however, on Sunday night primetime he managed to complete fewer passes in perfect conditions than he did in the monsoon in week one. The Bears have holes everywhere, wide receiver in particular. But if this new regime wants a new guy and Heisman winner Bryce Young is available you may have to pull the trigger.
Miami: This Dolphins offense can make some major noise. Tua Tagovailoa is always going to be at the head of criticism on this Dolphins team. But in week 2, you have to give him his flowers. The Dolphins were down 21 points in the second half against the Ravens. Enter Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. The two combined for 361 receiving yards to help complete the comeback, but Tua was throwing accurate darts to both receivers to help. If Tua can manage to take the third-year leap, this Miami team can make a magical run come January.