After record-setting scoring in Week 1, offenses came back down to Earth -- or was it defenses getting back on track? -- in Week 2. Inclement weather around the country certainly didn't help, and neither did a bunch of injuries across the league. The Bears' offense fell victim to both: Caleb Williams hurt his hamstring late in a downpour in Chicago, and the Vikings picked up an important early-season win, 9-3.
Yes, that's three points for the offense that scored 59 last week. Brian Flores, take a bow. They say Week 1 lies, but what about Week 2?
Over the past five seasons, 75% of the teams that start 2-0 make the playoffs, while only 16% of the teams that start 0-2 do. It's no guarantee, but we're learning a lot about these teams quickly. And there were few developments more impressive Sunday than the Saints going into Baltimore and upsetting the Ravens 24-17.
It's a win that's far bigger than just the tally in the win column, too. Let's get right into that -- and much more -- in our overreactions and reality checks. If you watched the Saints' first eight drives this season, you saw Tyler Shough at his very worst.
He had three turnovers, and the Saints trailed the Lions 21-0. If you have watched Shough since, it's impossible to be anything but extremely impressed. He nearly led the Saints to a stunning comeback -- they lost 31-30 -- in Week 1, and he was absolutely terrific in the Saints' Week 2 win Sunday: 27-for-34 passing for 252 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions, plus nine carries for 23 yards and the game-winning (and controversial) touchdown on a quarterback sneak.
Shough's 79.4% completion percentage was the second-best by any player against a Jesse Minter-coached defense. Not anything super special, but very solid. Rather, it's how Shough got those numbers that are a major indicator that he's legit.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
