Top Five Games of Week 2
Broncos vs. Chiefs
Right about now the demise narrative of Peyton Manning is in full effect. We've loved him for years but now that arm of his is getting weaker and those ducks that he's throwing don't look as good.
Is Manning the worst quarterback in the league? No. Is Manning the worst quarterback in the division? No. Is Manning even the worst quarterback on his team? No. He's still good enough to help the team win. He just can't be the reason that they win anymore. The general manager of the team, John Elway alluded to as much to the media before the year started.
"Late in my career, that was my best friend, the running game. And I think that running game will be Peyton's best friend, also," Elway said. "It's obviously going to be a little bit of an adjustment, but you got two smart, bright offensive football minds that are competitive and want to win. There was never, ever a thought in my mind that this wasn't going to work."
Elway knows that Manning needs to adjust. If the offensive line can improve (4 sacks on Sunday) then the defense (3rd in running yards allowed in 2014) and running game (121.3 YPG over the last six games in 2014) have enough to keep the team afloat for the rest of the year.
Also, Alex Smith hasn't completed a touchdown pass to a wide receiver since December 8th, 2013. That's 20 straight games, if you needed help. 20! Do you know that in those 21 months since? LeBron came back to Cleveland, Jay Leno, David Letterman and Jon Stewart left late nights and George Clooney got married. All of those things have happened since the last time a WR caught a TD. We need this to keep going. I don't think I'm asking for much.
Baltimore vs. Oakland
This one is more locally inspired but it's still something to watch for comedy purposes. The Ravens looked terrible last week, but the Broncos defense can do that to people. It's the grease fire in Oakland that's intriguing.
In the second quarter of last week's game Derek Carr left the game with an injury. The team was down 10-0, but there was still hope. Carr didn't return and instead Matt McGloin took over. From there chaos ensued.
The team then gave up 23 straight points before losing 33-13. McGloin averaged only 6.17 yards per completion when he came in and never had a pass longer than 14 yards as he threw an interception and a lost a fumble.
The good news is that Carr is expected to be back… so at least there's that.
Cowboys vs. Eagles
Poor Tony Romo. No matter what he does he can't get right. He has amazing luck last week and wins a game he has no purpose winning. A 2x Super Bowl quarterback brain farts and Romo leads a game-winning drive. His reward is losing his All Pro Wide Receiver for at least six weeks. Remember that daunting offense last year with Romo, Murray and Bryant? Romo is the only one left. The next best receiver on the team is Terrence Williams who has less receptions and touchdowns in his career than De Bryant had last year. Good luck Romo.
At least the coach he's going against isn't thought of as a know it all, dictator coach who doesn't like the black players on the team…
Packers vs. Seahawks
I call this is Kam Chancellor game. No, Chancellor won't play in this game (he's still holding out) but this is the game that helps or kills his chances of getting his money. Last week Chancellor's replacement had a very public mistake as he fell down on the play that tied the game and sent it into overtime. That game Chancellor a little bit of leverage.
If something like that happens again maybe the Seahawks come down off their stance and give him his money. If the Seahawks win by 45 then maybe Chancellor gives up and returns to practice.
If the Seahawks' drama doesn't entertain you I give you Aaron Rodgers. Aaron Rodgers did the move you do when you break up with your girlfriend but don't want to be single. What do you do? You get back with an ex, just because you're lonely.
Jordy Nelson went down in the preseason with an ACL tear. To counterbalance the sadness he claimed his old flame James Jones (teammate from 2007-2013) and threw 2 TD's to him in week one. Problem solved, at least for the time being.
Patriots vs. Bills
Bill Simmons, the former ESPN employee, once coined the phrase "The Tyson Zone." Basically, the Tyson Zone is when something happens, and no matter how insane the premise is, you believe it. Back in the day if Mike Tyson was alleged to have stolen a grizzly bear after knocking it out with his bare hands you'd believe it. No story was too insane to believe.
Fast forward to this version of the 2015 Patriots and the same applies. No cheating accusation is too crazy to believe. If I were to tell you that the Patriots were accused of hypnotizing the opposing quarterbacks and head coaches before games you'd believe it, right? It's insane but you'd shrug and say, "Sure, I can see it."
At least Patriot fans are reasonable when it comes to anything Patriot related.
That alone makes every Patriots game a must watch. Maybe they win but odds are there will be a cheating accusation. Mix in the opposing coach, Rex Ryan already taking shots at the Patriots and this game has to be the most entertaining game of the week.