The New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, and New York Giants are all at 0-2 as of Sunday, alongside the surprising Kansas City Chiefs—a situation they haven’t faced since 2014 when Patrick Mahomes was a backup at Texas Tech. These are unusual times for a franchise boasting three Lombardi Trophies in five Super Bowl appearances during Mahomes’ tenure.
This week’s “Pick Six” column addresses the significant concerns surrounding Kansas City right now, presenting a variety of topics:
- Sky falling in Kansas City
- Juiced football revolution?
- New lows for new Bears
- Perilous time for Dolphins
- 49ers surely kicking themselves
- Two-minute drill: Lions relief
1. Kansas City’s Troubling Start
While history shows that many 0-2 teams miss the playoffs, it’s crucial to recognize that Kansas City isn’t in peak form. Their situation could be worse; for example, the Bengals have lost quarterback Joe Burrow due to a serious injury, jeopardizing their season. Unlike Cincinnati, the Chiefs are only beginning their journey this year.
This season, the Chiefs have dropped two one-score games, a stark contrast to their past success where they won 17 in a row. Current circumstances reveal a more scrambling Mahomes, who is rushing significantly more than in previous seasons. Despite his efforts, especially in closer gameplay, it has not translated into wins.
The Chiefs previously struggled after a Super Bowl loss, starting the following season at 1-1, but recovered to finish 12-5. With Buffalo positioned to seize the top seed with an easier schedule, Kansas City’s chances may hinge on their ability to regroup.
2. The Impact of Juiced Footballs
Fans weren’t surprised when Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey successfully kicked a 64-yard field goal against the Giants. Notably, teams have successfully completed five field goals over 55 yards in the first two weeks of this season, a remarkable trend highlighting the effectiveness of kickers.
Changes in football handling regulations have allowed teams to practice with their kicking balls, leading to a surge in long-range accuracy. As a result, teams have altered their strategies, now having to defend against kicks from further back than before.
3. Struggles of the Chicago Bears
The Bears have had an uncharacteristically poor defensive start under coach Ben Johnson, allowing a record number of points and suffering defeats in consecutive games. Current issues have largely overshadowed quarterback Caleb Williams, who despite efficiency, finds himself part of a broader team decline.
Johnson’s choice to remove Williams early in a blowout demonstrates trying to protect his starter’s confidence, revealing the challenges Chicago faces this season. Their performance raises concerns about the direction the coaching staff is heading.
4. Miami Dolphins in Jeopardy
The Dolphins are currently reeling with a 0-2 record and are heading into a challenging matchup against the undefeated Buffalo Bills. Coach Mike McDaniel’s standing appears tenuous, given the team’s disappointing cash-over-cap spending versus on-field performance. After two heartbreaking losses, McDaniel must find ways to regain momentum to secure his position.
5. San Francisco 49ers’ Regrets
The 49ers narrowly defeated the Saints, bolstered by backup quarterback Mac Jones’s performance. However, their earlier decision to draft kicker Jake Moody in the third round is now seen as questionable, particularly with other promising offensive linemen still performing well on other teams.
6. Two-Minute Drill: Lions’ Success
The Lions secured an important win against the Bears after a rough first game against the Packers, showcasing significant improvement on both offense and defense. Their ability to accumulate yards and points was key, revealing a strong performance under pressure and potentially alleviating early-season worries.
In conclusion, as the season unfolds, each team’s performance will provide insights into their capabilities and challenges, setting the tone for the remainder of the year.
