5 Things We Learned in NFL Week 2
Only two weeks into the season teams are still forming their identities; establishing a baseline for fans, general managers, and bettors to assess. Somewhere between great performances and absolute duds lies a middle ground we as bettors seek to exploit.
5 things we learned from NFL Week 2:
1. Sam Bradford is a good fit for Minnesota. The former top pick has endured a much-traveled career from St. Louis to Philadelphia to Minnesota but showed promise in his Vikings debut. The chemistry with Stefon Diggs was evident from the start. And even without Adrian Peterson, the Vikings are very relevant in the NFC with a healthy Bradford opposite a stingy defense.
2. There isn't a head coach less self aware than Rex Ryan. Buffalo scores 31 points in their loss to the Jets and it's offensive coordinator Greg Roman given his walking papers. The Bills defense is a dumpster fire through 18 games of the Ryan era. But when your brother calls the shots as the newly minted defensive coordinator, it's hard to point fingers at flesh and blood.
3. Oakland is a mess defensively...and they might not figure it out. There was so much talk all offseason about the Raiders becoming the "it" team in 2016. Through two weeks, despite a 1-1 record, they look anything but the part of a viable contender. We aren't fans of the coaching staff and currently there are Big XII defenses providing more resistance than the Silver and Black's stop unit thus far.
4. It's not time to panic about the Packers offense...yet. Aaron Rodgers and his receivers spent very little game time together during the preseason building chemistry and it's shown through two road games. Over the last six quarters this high-powered Pack offense has mustered just 20 points. Thanks to a unique scheduling quirk, the team won't leave Lambeau until October 30 creating plenty of time for them to hold serve at home while finding their offensive swagger.
5. New England isn't about the players; it's about the culture and system. Jimmy G looked outstanding against the Dolphins before injuring his throwing shoulder before the half. Through nearly six quarters the Patriots offense hadn't missed a beat without future hall of famer Tom Brady despite a notable absence in Rob Gronkowski. Ole Bill will again be tested this Thursday when rookie QB Jacoby Brisset, the pride of NC State, makes his NFL debut. The Pats are obviously better with Brady but suggesting the franchise's demise without him appears naïve.