NFL Week 2: 5 biggest takeaways
4. AFC wild card race is going to be nuts
It’s early to be talking about the playoffs, but sometimes you can see something coming a mile away. In the AFC, it’s obvious that the Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans all have obvious strengths and weaknesses. It’s tough to see any of those four teams winning their divisions, but it’s also easy to see them winning 9-10 games.
Look for one of those teams to snag a wild card berth and be a very tough out, while the other wild card belongs to the Oakland Raiders or Kansas City Chiefs.
3. Cowboys aren’t built to win without dominant rushing attack
The Dallas Cowboys are a good team with some major strengths, but winning when Ezekiel Elliott isn’t dominant is not among them. Elliott was completely shut down by the Denver Broncos in a humiliating 42-17 defeat on Sunday, with Elliott gaining eight yards on nine carries. With Elliott held in check, Dallas was punchless, while only getting 228 passing yards from Dak Prescott on 50 attempts.
If Prescott can’t do better than that, and if the defense continues to resemble Swiss cheese, the Cowboys need to hope that Elliott both plays 16 games and is effective each weekend. Otherwise, lights out.
2. The Panthers are in serious trouble
It’s an odd thing to say about a 2-0 team, but the Carolina Panthers have some serious concerns. Cam Newton has been battered and average throughout two games, including a six-sack episode on Sunday in Carolina’s 9-3 win over the Buffalo Bills. Newton briefly had to leave the game for evaluation, while tight end Greg Olsen was lost with a broken foot for an indefinite period.
The defense has only given up six points (granted, against the San Francisco 49ers and Bills), but the offense has significant issues. If that isn’t fixed, the Panthers are going to struggle in the NFC South.
1. Blake Bortles won’t allow the Jaguars to be a contender
The Jacksonville Jaguars gave everybody false hope last week, beating up on the Houston Texans with a. 29-7 win. This week, Jacksonville came crashing back to earth with a 37-16 loss to the Tennessee Titans at home. While the defense is solid and the running game is in good hands with Leonard Fournette, Blake Bortles will never allow this team to succeed. Bortles threw two interceptions and was generally awful in the defeat, leaving the Jaguars stranded on an island of mediocrity.
The shame of it is Jacksonville plays in a horrid division that can be won with nine victories. However, with Bortles, that’s nothing but a pipe dream.
