Through just 2 weeks of the NFL season we already have pure chaos. The Bengals? 0-2. Same with the Ravens. Bryce Young? Benched. Here, though, we will be looking at the 5 biggest takeaways after each team's first 2 games.
1) Benching bryce young was the right decision
Don't get me wrong, I believe this will take a major toll on Young's confidence, however, I do believe that he needs just a little break. Furthermore, it will certainly help the Panthers organization to compare Young's early season play next to that of Andy Dalton's to see whether it is the player or the team as a whole. I'm not completely out on Young yet, as he has been thrown into possibly the worst offense in the NFL, and the tape doesn't lie, he excelled in college. Maybe, just maybe, assuming he returns as the starter later in the season, Young will return to college form after being newly energized from his first benching.
2) the Saints are for real
After their week 1 domination of the Panthers, people mainly dismissed it as a fluke game agains a terrible defense, but to put 44 points against one of the best defenses in the NFL, just a week after scoring 47 a week ago? All eyes will surely be on their matchup against the Eagles in week 3. Not only has Alvin Kamara shown he has plenty of gas left in the tank, and Rashid Shaheed established himself as one of the better number 2 receivers in the league, but Derek Carr might just be the MVP favorite, allbeit 2 weeks in. If the Saints can keep this up, they could find themselves as dark horse contenders.
3) The patriots have gotten what they needed from jacoby brissett
This is not to say that Brissett has played badly, he's actually done exactly what they've needed him to do. By keeping it close 2 weeks in a row, and actually stealing one of those games from the Bengals, Brissett has proved that starting Maye won't give his development any sort of a hit. Of course, though, the Patriots coaches know significantly more than I do, having watched him practice all summer, so it is entirely likely they continue to roll with Brissett (which could actually help their immediate success). They seem to have something going right now, as Hunter Henry had 8 (!) catches for 109 (!!) yards, the best production we've seen out of a TE in this young season, so Maye starting could mess up the rhythm, even if it does help in the long haul.
4) Justin fields should remain the starter, for now...
Justin Fields and Russell Wilson carried a QB competition all the way into the preseason, one Where Wilson led the entire time and was named the starter, although Fields did make it closer than expected. However, an untimely injury for Wilson forced Fields into action 2 weeks in a row, and Pittsburgh is now 2-0 in the early lead in the AFC North. Most fans side with Fields retaining the position, although both wins can certainly be credited more to the defense. In my opinion, you have to stick with the player giving you wins, doing just what the coaching staff needs. Until Justin Fields makes a major mistake, Russell Wilson might just be stuck holding a clipboard and I would firmly agree with Mike Tomlin and co's. decision to do so.
5) The afc south is all but predecided
After 2 weeks, the Texans are the only team in the AFC South with a win, and they have 2 of them. The stats aren't the only important things, though, the Jaguars have looked just like their old selves, that of course is referring to the team that lost to the Titans in week 18 last year to miss out on a playoff spot. Speaking of, this year's Will Levis led Titans have struggled mightily after leading early in their first two games, and Will Levis has looked worse this year than at any point in his rookie campaign. As for the Colts, Anthony Richardson has been solid, while inconsistent, but there is nothing to write home about anywhere else on the team. If this keeps up, the Houston Texans should have a runaway victory for their second straight division title.
Eli Knight
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