Tuesday Takeaways: NFL Week 2 Reactions

We have made it through the first two weeks of the NFL season! Let me know any overreactions, hot takes, disagreements, or thoughts you have so far regarding the early season!

1. Are the Saints legit?!

Everyone tossed New Orleans' dominance in week 1 to the Panthers being dreadful, but dominating the Cowboys in Arlington really opened the eyes of the league. Klint Kubiak looks like a genius play caller. The Saints have scored points on every single drive that Derek Carr has led the offense onto the field. Rashid Shaheed is going to be a big play in this offense as he leads the league in yards per target. Alvin Kamara is doing what he does and Derek Carr is playing with a swagger we have not seen him ever play with (see his Michael Jackson celebration). I am still hesitant to announce that the Saints have arrived, but if they put on a comparable performance next week versus Philadelphia, I think it will be time to put the Saints amongst the NFC contenders comfortably.

2. I want Trevor Lawrence to show me something.

We are in year four of Trevor Lawrence's career and it feels like we are all still waiting for him to elevate his play to live up to the hype he had as a prospect. Before Caleb Williams, Lawrence was touted as probably the best QB prospect since Andrew Luck. While he has definitely not been bad, I'm not sure he has met those expectations. He still shows glimpses of that elite talent each week. He has great arm strength, throws with great anticipation often, and is one of the most underrated QB scramblers in the league. Despite those good things, dating back to last year he is currently on a 7 game losing streak throwing for 1,652 yards, 10 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, and only completing 59.97% of his passes. You would want more from someone as highly touted as Lawrence, and I am ready for him to take that next step.

3. I very much enjoy watching Will Anderson Jr. and Aidan Hutchinson get after the QB.

With the retirement of Aaron Donald, I do not think there is a consensus best pass rusher in the league. TJ Watt and Chris Jones have always been in the conversation, as well as Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons. However, Aidan Hutchinson might just be the best of the bunch. Following a prolific first two seasons, he looks like he has hit another gear. A 4.5 sack performance in week 2! He is wreaking havoc on offensive tackles and quarterbacks and plays with a nastiness that you love to see out of edge rushers.

     While Will Anderson probably is not quite on the level of the other players mentioned in this blurb, the reigning DROY is picking up right where he left off. He has such a quick burst and combines that with a blend of power that pops out on the screen. The pairing of him with Danielle Hunter is very elite and should provide the Texans with defensive firepower throughout the season.

4. The Bears IOL may be the worst position group in the league.

Caleb Williams has definitely had some typical rookie struggles, but his OLine has not even given him a chance. According to Next Gen Stats Williams was pressured 36 times on 48 drop backs. No QB will be successful with that much pressure, let alone a rookie. I am by no means an expert when it comes to offensive line film, but watching the interior of the Bears was brutal. They got no push in the run game either and seemingly let the Texans do whatever they pleased.

5. Impressed by many non-rookie QBs.

    Through the first two weeks there have been 5 rookies that have stood to me. Malik Nabers, Jayden Daniels, Marvin Harrison Jr, Jared Verse and Quinyon Mitchell. 

    Nabers has looked so explosive through two weeks. He is fourth in the league in yards, fourth out of WRs in YAC, and second in the NFL in targets. Daniel Jones has truly embraced the 'Screw it Malik is down there somewhere' mindset and it is fun to watch. 

    While he hasn't done anything extremely spectacular, I think Jayden Daniels has given Commander fans a lot to be excited about. He has minimized "rookie moments" for the most part, might already be the best running QB in the league, and led his team on a game winning drive.

    Marvin Harrison Jr shut up all critics, following up his week 1 stinker with an absolutely dominant game against the Rams. He reminded everyone that he was the highest touted WR prospect in a decade for a reason.

    Jared Verse was my favorite edge prospect in this years draft class and so far I think he has looked very solid. He recorded a sack in week 1 and forced a fumble in week 2. He has provided some good pressure and looks more comfortable in other defensive aspects than I thought he might. ESPN projects him to accumulate 8.5 sacks for the season and if he hits those marks I think DROY is in the cards for him.

    I have also been very impressed by the Philadelphia Eagles first round CB Quinyon Mitchell. It feels like he finds himself in the middle of plays regularly. He has shown to be a capable cover guy and I have been extremely impressed with his ball skills. He has been beaten a couple times over two weeks, but that is to be expected from a rookie defensive back. I firmly think Mitchell will develop into a top 10 corner over the next few years.