Alright, time to double check my takes on the NFL and see just how right or wrong they are. Honestly, I thought we’d get more clarity after the Week 2 games. Instead it looks like half the league is a toss up. We may not know yet who’s going to be good or bad, but keeping these receipts is how we keep things real around here.
My weekly picks were 9-6, and I picked the Eagles to edge out the Falcons tonight. That puts me at 19-12 so far for the season. Not great, but still more right than wrong!
Now let’s get into it:
Miss
Indianapolis Colts. I watched their Week 1 game against Houston at least three times. I was super impressed with how well Richardson was able to get the ball downfield. This week, those passes got intercepted. We have to remember, he still hasn’t started many games and there is going to be a few growing pains. Indy is good, but they will be inconsistent all year.
Hit
I said the New York Jets would win, but it was going to be a tough go. That’s exactly what happened. There were moments in the second half where it felt like the Jets offense wasn’t going to make the plays to win it. But worse, their defense allowed Will Levis and the Titans hang around. The Jets are 1-1, but nothing is coming easy to them.
Miss
Derek Carr. I’m calling this a miss because of how impressive he’s been these first two weeks. BUT, and that’s a very big but, I don’t think this is sustainable. He’s been in the league long enough that everyone knows his game. He hasn’t faced much pressure in these two weeks. His numbers are amazing, but the regression is coming.
Hit
Sam Darnold. I said from the beginning of the season that I loved the fit between Darnold and the Vikings’ offense. Not only did he lead his team to a big win over the 49ers, but he was the one making plays. Deep throws, throws over the middle, leading the offense – Darnold looked the part of a starting quarterback. This could be a very dangerous Vikings team.
Miss
Jacksonville and Trevor Lawrence. I’ve been down on the Jaguars a bit this year, but I was sure this game against Cleveland was going to help them right the ship. There is something wrong with this offense, the explosive plays aren’t coming and I’m starting to think it might just be Trevor Lawrence that’s the problem.
Hit
The West Coast teams going East narrative. There were four games in the early window and predicted they would go 3-1 and . . . . they went 3-1.
Miss
The Rams. Ouch that was a painful loss to Arizona. Injuries were a big factor, but not the only factor. For the second straight week, the Rams defense could not stop the power run. Now they are giving up big chunks through the air. If Cooper Kupp is out for any length of time while Puka is on IR, this team will continue to struggle.
Hit and Miss
I’m combining this one because it came from the same game. I said Baker Mayfield was playing at a top level after Week 1 and he proved it again this week against a much tougher opponent. That opponent was Detroit who I praised for being able to find a way to win. If they want to get to the Super Bowl this year, they have to find a way to drive the field when the games on the line. It can’t be a sometimes thing, it has to be an all the time thing. Props to Baker and the Bucs though. 2-0 and looking like a complete team.
Hit
Jayden Daniels. I’ve been saying it for a while now, he needs to develop his passing game from the pocket. He’s not going to hold up running the ball all the time. There were a couple of times during that game where he got up gingerly or looked like he might have tweaked something. If he can’t learn to protect himself out there, he’s not going to survive the full season.
Miss
Can anyone figure out Dallas?
It might be a Miss but I’m counting it as a Hit
I picked the Ravens. But come on, this is about fandom, GO RAIDERS!!!