Hotter than a jalapeño wearing a sweater in a sauna.
The first week of football saw a lot of twists and turns, unexpected blowouts and unexpected squeakers. A bit of a letdown, in terms of overall offense, but no lack of drama. Let’s get started.
Five Snaps
Aaron Rodgers’ Jets career has begun (and possibly ended) in the only way it could have for Jets fans. Is the subheading wrong? Did I count one snap too many? Undoubtedly, it was pundits who have it wrong- 4 snaps from center, and then one more from the backfield: the Achilles snap heard ’round the world. Despite the OT win over the Bills, short of Tom Brady walking through that door, the Jets are done. RIP
Hilarious Boney
Not since Fred Merkel has a man’s hands betrayed him so badly as Kadarius Toney’s game-changing drops- one importantly landed into the hands of the Lions’ defense which in turn was run into the endzone, in a game where the Chiefs lose by one point. Even after that, a key drop with nearly 2min left in the game down that one point would have point the Chiefs in field goal range. What may be the biggest takeaway from that game is that the Chris Jones-less defense looked quite stout against a highly praised Lions offense, holding the offense to just 14 points, one drive included a fake punt conversion.
Burrow’s Blunder
As Kadarius Toney had proven Thursday night, turns out training camp and preseason reps do matter. Burrow had his worst outing of recent memory, posting a 14/31 for 82, 0/0 line. Are the Bengals in trouble? Is Burrow worth the money? does the offense have real questions? No. They’ll be fine, but I’ll add, that this hindsight QB would suggest featuring star RB Mixon more, when playing in a monsoon. Also DeShaun Watson, looks much better than we last saw him last season, and the offense looks quite functional.
They’re Real, and They’re Spectacular
The Calvin Ridley-Trevor Lawrence connection hype was indeed warranted, and they put it on display Sunday against the Colts. The other take from this game was the Colts might not be as bad as projected after all, and Anthony Richardson looks ahead of schedule. If Taylor comes back soon, they may be viable wildcard candidates.
Najee’s Knees
Najee Harris looked faster, and lighter and ready for a banner year- his O-line looks as bad as last year, however. Granted, the line will improve as the season goes along, and drawing the vaunted 49ers defense may not be a week-to-week measure of competency, but Pickett was constantly running for his life, and once again Harris had no room to run, but unless this play improves rapidly, they will rely once again on their defense to win games in an improved division and just gave up 30.
Mr. Some-limited
Russell WIlson looks competent! his pocket movement was much better from last year, and once again his WR room has been diminished by injury, but Wilson posted a 27/34 for 177 and 2-0 line, while not stellar vintage Wilson, he might get there this year. On the opposing team, Jimmy G out game managed Wilson into a one point victory, throwing for exactly 200 yards. Between the battle of B- QBS, they both won.
Jordan Love, for MVP?
Stop it. It’s the Bears. Yes, his best deep weapon Christian Watson missed the game and he still performed well. Aaron Jones can still run (pending pulling a hammy), and Justin Fields, still can’t pass.
Brady come back, any kind of fool could see
During halftime of the Eagles-Patriots game, they retired the jersey of the best QB to wear a jersey, and if Mr. Kraft could, he would have sent him in for the second half, where Mack Jones while didn’t look like he didn’t belong on the field like last year, he hardly looked liked the man he replaced. their defense will keep them in many games this year, and that will be the bright side as they finish sub-500 and look to replace the QB next spring.
Tua for MVP?
Yes! Tua, looked every bit his 28/45 466 3-1 line showed. Does he benefit from his All-Pro receivers? Sure, but that street runs both ways. and it came down to the wire, he performed. The stat you will hear nowhere else, is taking ZERO sacks. And if you think that isn’t a big deal, ask Justin Herbert.
#Neverforget
The pundits forgot that the superbowl winning QB and head coach still reside in LA, but they didn’t.
The pundits forgot that Baker Mayfield was good in Cleveland, but the Bucs didn’t.
The Cowboys were a top defense last year, apparently bookmakers (opened at -2.5) forgot, but they made sure Danny ‘Dimes’ didn’t.
That’s all I got for ya.
