What a difference five days makes: Up until about 3 pm last Sunday, there was great hope in New England. The Patriots were 1-0, coming from a huge upset win in Cincinnati, and were ahead in the fourth quarter against Seattle. The Seahawks managed to tie the game in regulation and prevail in OT. But even after that game, people started to believe that the Patriots should play tough and competitive games. By the end of the first quarter, it was evident that the Pats were overmatched. It’s going to be a long season in Foxboro.
Premature admiration: Before Thursday Night’s primetime game, Patriots owner Robert Kraft was interviewed and ebullient in his praise of first-year HC Jerod Mayo. When asked about Mayo’s style compared to former HC Bill Belichick, he relished his choice of Mayo, saying he had been looking at Mayo as Belichick’s replacement for five seasons. It begs the question, if Kraft was thinking of a succession plan as far back as five years ago, why he chose to keep Belichick over Brady? He was wrong then, and although it remains to be seen if he’s wrong now, the early returns are in, and it doesn’t look good for Belichick’s replacement.
Three strikes and you’re out: In Thursday’s game, Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled the ball. Although he had two amazing games to begin the year, he did cough the ball up in each game. Thursday made it three games in a row. If this were still Belichick’s regime, he’d be walking around with a football for the 10 days until their next game against San Fransisco. Even with his gaudy numbers leading up to Thursday, he only had six carries for 23 YDs. They do have Antonio Gibson ready if needed.
Guess who’s back, back again: Don’t look now, but Jets QB Aaron Rodgers is back. Instead of Beetlejuice three times, someone must have yelled Aaron Rodgers three times…The fans at the game on Thursday were chanting his name far more than that. He looked like vintage Rodgers. He was 28-35 and had 281 YDs, with two TDs. It’s a bit of a stretch, but at the moment, Rodgers is the fifth shortest odds on the board to win the MVP at +1600. Rodgers has always relished his quest for MVPs more than a Superbowl. He’s on a good team who should make the playoffs. Being in New York will put an even bigger spotlight on Rodgers. At 16/1, it’s not a terrible bet.
The battle of the unbeaten: Of the nine 2-0 teams, four are facing off against each other in two games. The Texans are going to Minnesota to face off against the Vikings, and the Chargers are playing in Pittsburgh against the Steelers. WR Justin Jefferson left last week’s game but was a full go at practice on Friday and should be ready for the game. I still like the Texans to leave Minnesota 3-0. The other 2-0 matchup is the most improbable. Three weeks ago, nobody would have predicted the Chargers, especially not the Steelers, being 2-0 this week. Justin Herbert is questionable to start due to a high ankle strain. With the Chargers’ new-found running game, Herbert is as vital, but without him, going to Pittsburgh and leaving with a win is doubtful. The Steelers are proving to have an early top-10 defense and should slow down the Chargers’ ground game. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but look for the Steelers to be 3-0 after this week’s games.