Early Season Surprises
The start to the NFL season has been nothing short of fun, crazy, and surprising. The bingo cards I’m sure didn’t have a lot of the circles that are on them currently. Let’s take a look at the early surprises through two weeks.
The Saints offense
I will be the first to admit this might be the most shocking story through two weeks. Derek Carr is playing at an MVP level, literally his odds are sky-rocketing. They have averaged 406 yards of offense through two games. Scored ninety-one points with a whopping eleven touchdowns.
I don’t know how sustainable this can be, but this team is rolling right now. I don’t care if it’s been the Panthers and Cowboys those are NFL teams with real players. It’s impressive nonetheless.
Baker’s Coaching Transitions
The story going into the year was that we need to be ready for the Bucs to take step back and specifically Baker Mayfield with the loss of Dave Canales. Wellllllll, I’m still looking for the step back. Baker is 36 and 49 for 474 yards with five touchdowns and one interception. A QBR of 129 and averaging nearly ten yards a throw.
Not to mention his connection with Godwin is a real thing. He’s averaging thirteen yards a catch with two touchdowns. They now enter the teeth of their schedule over the next eight weeks, but for now things are fun in the sun down in Tampa.
The Ravens Struggles
I am on record saying that their o-line lost some pieces, but I also had them winning the division. Right now that looks like a pipe-dream. Something is not right in Baltimore. I don’t know if confidence or maybe just a lack of focus, but losing to a Gardner Minshew led team for the second straight year at home is odd. This team was coming off a mini-bye and just looked so slow. Henry seems to look as if “Father Time” is catching up to him, that’s on top of just looking like this team is out of sync. It’s time to get right against the Cowboys this week or this thing could be over.
Sam Darnold
This is a surprise because JJ McCarthy was supposed to be the starter, but listen injuries happen. Now flash forward to the season and wow! Darnold looks great. I’m not sure if it’s necessarily him or maybe just the coach, but man it’s cool to watch. This team could end up finishing last in the division, but if so they will be the best fourth place team in the NFL.
The AFC North
Raise your hand if you had the Steelers undefeated in leading the division. Maybe you did, but how about the rest of the division being a combined 1-5? The division very well could have one team making the playoffs, which is crazy to think when I saw some media outlets saying there could be three before the season started. This week is massive for that division. Time will tell, but it could end up being one of the bigger surprises of the season.
