Week 2 Quick Hits

Week 2 is complete and with many interesting stories developing across the NFL.  It is of course quite early in the season, but trends have already developed.  The caveat to this is of course injuries as some teams have already been affected and others will come up over the coming weeks to change the destiny of a few teams. So, here are Week 2's quick hits:

• The NFC West has some very impressive defensive units.  The 49ers were already a known quantity following last season and Week 1 against the Packers.  They are relentless in attacking opposing offenses and have established themselves as the best D-corp in the NFL.  What is surprising are the defensive groups in Seattle and Arizona.  The NIners and Cardinals have kept opposing teams under 20 points and are 2-0 to start the season.  Seattle lost a defensive battle with the Cards 20-16 before handling the Cowboys at home, 27-7.  These teams play with intense physicality that has beaten four elite offenses already (Packers, Patriots, Lions, Cowboys).  This is not the NFC West of a few years ago. No team will look forward to playing any of these teams, and division games should be amazing battles to watch.
• Who is the best team in the AFC?  Houston is 2-0, but started with Miami and Jacksonville.  The Texans have handled those teams with ease, but next week they travel to Denver which should give more insight into how good they really are.  New England lost their home opener to the aforementioned Arizona Cardinals.  The Pats offense is strong, but clearly there are some flaws on that team and they are also facing injuries.  Baltimore looked great last week, but lost a nail biter to the Eagles this week.  Pittsburgh bounced back with a crushing of the Jets who looked great in Week 1 but have now taken a step back.  The Broncos have a strong developing offense and impressive defense, but turnovers burned them badly in Atlanta. The AFC is wide open early which can only mean one thing; the AFC will be exciting through the entire season.  I do still like New England, Houston and Baltimore to battle for home-field in the playoffs.
• Can a coach win MVP?  When Peyton Manning, missed all of last season, many asked if he could be MVP as the Colts turned into the worst team in the league with his absence.  The New Orleans Saints will not be the worst team in the NFL this season because they still have Drew Brees, but the absence of head coach Sean Payton has clearly had an affect on that team.  With an 0-2 start, the Saints find themselves climbing a steep hill already.  The Saints have a brutal schedule the rest of the way with games against the NFC East, extra games at Green Bay and home against San Diego, and of course NFC South divisional games with teams that have shown they are prepared to take the next step.  With no leadership from one of the best head coaches in the game, time will tell if the Saints can right the ship before they are staring 5-11 in the face.  It would be a huge turn around for what has been an excellent franchise the last five years, but once again shows the importance of great coaching and the ability to adjust game plans on the fly.  Sean Payton for MVP!
• It does not happen often that a QB throws for over 500 yards or even 400 yards. Eli Manning went for 510 yards on 31/51 passing and three TD's (we will ignore the three INT's).  It was nothing short of impressive regardless of what people say about the Buccaneers defense.  Great players find way to redeem themselves after tough starts. Eli continually proves he is an elite QB and deserves to be discussed in that way.
• What do you make of Cleveland, Miami, Seattle, Indianapolis, and Washington?  These would be the teams with rookie starting QB's.  Everyone is 1-1 except for the Browns (0-2) who have played two tight games. The easy choice for top performing QB is RG3, but don't forget Russel Wilson out in Seattle.  He is similarly athletic and every bit as accurate.  The Seahawks have an impressive defense that makes them the best all around team of the group.  Miami and Indy will continue to be a work in progress.  Reggie Bush will help the Dolphins stay in games and Andrew Luck's maturation will be quick, but neither team is anything to be reckoned with this season.  The Browns should feel better after Weeden remembered how to play football and Trent Richardson found his stride as well.  Their issue comes in their schedule that does not relent all season.  Seattle and Washington should be the best teams from this group, but I give the edge to Seattle as the Skins are now facing serious defensive injuries that will hurt them right away.

The weekly stories developed by the NFL are never ending.  It is a lot fun finding different angles to take on teams and players.  It will be interesting to revisit these quick hits in a few weeks as so much changes in a heartbeat in the NFL.  Week 3 starts Thursday in Carolina as the Giants make a visit to Cam Newton's house.  Other big games include Philadelphia at Arizona, New England at Baltimore, Houston at Denver, and Green Bay at Seattle.  Check out all the picks later this week.

NYG -1 at Carolina