A Western shootout in West New York. Windy cities pillaged in crunch time. Indiana Jones and the Lost Arm. With Week 2 within spitting distance, I want to take a lightning-quick break to reflect on what Week 1 of professional football has revealed.
Endangered Species
The Dolphins’ migration from bottom-feeders to top predators was a great story. However, they’ve run out of ocean to swim in. Tua still struggles with turnovers and arm strength, and the roster is too depleted to compete. I believe this is a bottom-five team — and I’d expect Tyreek back in Kansas City by the end of October
Pack Watch
Cooper. Gary. Van Ness. Williams. Am I forgetting someone on this defense? The Packers are legit. Both trenches are strong, there’s a veteran QB-coach duo at the helm, and it’s hard to imagine a scenario where they’re not at least a two-seed come January.
Saddle Up, AFC South
If you’ve read my division predictions, you know where this is headed: the Colts’ performance didn’t surprise me. Their offensive line was the highest graded in all of football (per PFF). What did surprise me was the execution by Daniel Jones. He read the field confidently and delivered passes on tightropes that the Grayson family would fall off of. I’m excited to see if he can stay on track.
All Hat, All Cattle
The Cowboys looked better than the national media gave them credit for. Dak was back in MVP runner-up form, the offensive line held firm, coverage was sticky, and they generated the second-highest pressure rate in the league. Saquon averaged just two yards per carry with Kenny Clark on the field — a testament to how solid this run defense is (who predicted such a good DT combo? Couldn’t have been me). I don’t think this is a Super Bowl team, but they will be a good football team.
Arrow to the Heart
As I’ve said on this platform before: the Chiefs are in retooling mode. I think it’ll be a year or two before they return to the powerhouse from 2019–2023. There are no weapons. Mahomes is running for his life. And J Herbo played Operation with Kansas City’s defense. Don’t get it twisted, they’re still contenders. But Goliath has taken a few stones to the head now.
Championship Sampler?
My guess is that Sunday night’s Shakespearean bout was a preview of what’s to come in January. Both teams still need early-season calibration: The King won’t fumble again. Baltimore won’t give up 41. Buffalo won’t need three quarters to preheat. I don’t see another AFC team currently on the same tier as either of these two.
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