1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tom Brady gets better as he ages because his 40s have been incredible. At 44 years old, he’s simply mastered his position. He’s scanning the field better than ever, the ball has zip on it when it leaves his hands and his pocket presence is stronger than its ever been. In two weeks, he’s thrown nine total touchdown passes. He’s off to a faster start this year than he was in 2007 when he won his first league MVP. This Tampa offense is loaded as I said the other day. This is the start of two big games on the road for the Bucs. They’re in Los Angeles today to face the Rams in what could be a preview of things to come in January. Next week, a familiar face returns to where it all started in Massachusetts.
2. Los Angeles Rams: They were battled tested last weekend in Indianapolis. The offense sputtered in stretches, there was a massive special teams blunder that nearly changed the game and they gave up the lead even. This offense now with Matthew Stafford is more potent than it’s ever been because he’s a more accurate passer than Jared Goff ever was. I’m enjoying this chemistry with Stafford and Cooper Kupp. I said on Friday that I haven’t seen Matt in sync with a wideout since his days with Calvin Johnson. Cooper has been tearing defensive backfields up. Today, the Rams will welcome the defending Super Bowl champions to town.
3. San Francisco 49ers: What a difference being healthy makes. They didn’t need much from their offense last week in South Philadelphia because the defense did more than enough to win that football game. They don’t need Jimmy Garoppolo to take games over with his arm. Just manage things and most importantly, don’t lose the football game. Control is key. I still feel he will be traded some time during the year and Trey Lance will be the starting quarterback this season. Watch this happen.
4. Arizona Cardinals: They somewhat came back to reality after week one. After the defense they played in week one, they looked terrible against the Minnesota Vikings in week two. The offense bailed them out in several ways. I’m liking what I’m seeing from Kyler Murray. He’s making all his reads, he’s taking care of the ball, but the biggest thing I’ve taken away from him so far is how engaged he is now on the sidelines. There was a time last year when I called him out for pouting and showing disinterest at times on the sidelines last season. They’re 2-0.
5. Las Vegas Raiders: What they experienced in their first two games is tough. A physical opponent in Baltimore comes to town for a Monday night game and you escape that. On a short week, you fly across the country and punch the Pittsburgh Steelers in the mouth. Derek Carr has been playing out of his mind so far and I’ve said for years this offense will go as far as he takes them. They have been one of the surprise teams early on in the NFL. The offense is spreading the ball around and the defense is improved. I need to see more if the defense can keep this up.
