Who knew that actually surrounding a young quarterback with talent
and a scheme that fits his strengths could help Darnold shed the
stench of New York? Darnold easily had his best game as a pro last
week in the dismantling of New Orleans, putting up only his third
career 300-yard game. He takes what the defense is giving him and
outlets to McCaffrey have helped him complete over 68% of his passes
so far. The Texans have played much better than I ever imagined,
but will be starting a rookie QB who isn’t ready, and this
should give Darnold and Carolina plenty of scoring chances as they
try to move to 3-0.
Raise your hand if you are shocked that Atlanta is so dreadful on
defense? They are the most generous defense to opposing fantasy
quarterbacks, yielding a league-high 8 touchdown passes without
a single interception. Their incredibly mediocre pass rush should
give Jones plenty of opportunities to make plays down field, as
the squeaky wheels named Golladay and Toney need to be oiled. If
Jones and the G-men can’t feast at home this week, heads will
roll.
Much like the start of 2020, Russ is again in the kitchen cooking
to the tune of nearly 600 yards passing and 6 touchdowns over the
season’s first two weeks. Sprinkle in the fact that Minnesota
is giving up a completion percentage to opposing quarterbacks that
would make Robinhood proud (77.8%) and you have a recipe for Seattle
success. The Seahawks again have a dismal defense, so look for Wilson
to throw early and often.
Say what you will, but Heinicke has now put a few good games on
tape since that near stunning upset of the Bucs in last season’s
playoff game. He played well after coming in during Week 1 for an
injured Fitzpatrick, and carved up a good Giants secondary last
week, but I think there will be a serious reckoning in Buffalo.
The Bills decimated Miami last week, and knocked Big Ben around
in Week 1. Washington would be wise to play a down and dirty game
by plodding on the ground and keeping the Buffalo offense off the
field. I think Heinicke tries a bit too hard and turns the ball
over a few times.
“Crab Legs” as we call him in my circle of friends certainly
looked like a flailing crustacean last week against the Panthers.
Playing loose with the ball again, and without a reliable receiving
threat, this is going to be a long week in Foxboro. Look for Belichick
to do everything in his power to corral Kamara and force Winston
to win the game. New Orleans wants to play small ball, but they
have miscast parts in some important positions.
Easy now, this is not me being ageist! Being 44 myself, I only have
the utmost envy and respect for a fellow Wolverine, but I urge you
to temper expectations this week against a fierce Rams defense.
LA made the going real rough in Week 11 of last season, holding
Brady to a 216-2-2 line and forcing a season-low 54.2% completion
percentage. The scourge of Brady’s career has always been
pressure up the middle, and aggressive man coverage to eliminate
the quick hitting throws, all things the Rams do very well.
