New Orleans: Surprising Starts of the NFL Season
Itโs been a wild ride in the NFL these past few weeks, and if you thought you knew what was going to happen, guess again! Teams like the Saints are turning heads in ways no one expected. Theyโre sitting atop the NFC South with a stunning +65 point differential, which is the best in the league. Who would have thought that Derek Carr, an aging running back, and a struggling offensive line could create such an offense?
What Changed in New Orleans?
Last season, watching the Saints’ offense felt like watching paint dryโthatโs how stagnant it was. But with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak on board, things are looking up. Unlike the previous conservative schemes that offered no easy plays, Kubiak is mixing things up. Heโs utilizing play-action and pre-snap motion, which keeps defenders guessing and allows the offense to exploit mismatches. The result? Carr has had just eight pressures in two weeks, dwarfing the numbers of most other QBs around the league.
Even more impressive is how Alvin Kamara is thriving. Heโs showing his worth week after week, slicing through defenses like a hot knife through butter. The Saints’ offensive line is holding up well, giving Kamara enough space to maneuver. With a crazy 50.7% usage rate in outside zone runs, the running game has become a significant threat, and defenses simply canโt pin down where the next attack will come from.
Panthers Switching Gears
Now, letโs shift gears to the Carolina Panthers. Many thought bringing in Dave Canales would solve the challenges faced by quarterback Bryce Young, but it hasnโt panned out as expected. With Young struggling and showing signs of regression, switching to Andy Dalton seems like a smart move. Dalton, with his years of experience, just might give the team the lift they need.
The offensive line is decent, allowing a seventh-lowest pressure rate through two weeks, and Dalton should be able to exploit that. Receivers like Diontae Johnson are already making life easier for whoeverโs under center. Johnsonโs quick route-running skills might just give Dalton the support he needs to keep moving chains and hitting targets effectively. Though Dalton may not be a long-term fix, he can still be valuable for those fantasy managers looking for a potential spark in their lineup.
Marvin Harrison Jr. Finding His Feet
Speaking of expectations, letโs talk about Marvin Harrison Jr.. The rookie faced some heavy criticism after his tough Week 1, but heโs out to prove the haters wrong. After showing versatility in his route-running and adapting to new schemes, itโs becoming clear he has what it takes. Although his in-game speed has been debated, itโs evident that if Kyler Murray and the coaching staff can continue tweaking the game plan, Harrison could emerge as a reliable target on any down.
The Struggles of Chicago
Over in Chicago, the hype train has come to a screeching halt. Despite plans to surround rookie quarterback Caleb Williams with talent, the results havenโt matched the expectations. The Bears invested in their offensive line and added key pieces like Keenan Allen, but Williams is yet to find the end zone. His performance has been lackluster, and the play-calling isnโt helping either.
The team ranks low in usage rates of crucial blocking schemes like play-action. Itโs time for Chicago to reevaluate its approach; otherwise, itโs just going to get messier. Luckily for Bears fans, the upcoming schedule looks like it could give Williams a chance to show what he can do. The key will be for the coaching staff to adapt and put him in the right situations where he can succeed.
Pittmanโs Predicament
Finally, letโs not forget about Michael Pittman Jr.. The young wide receiver has the potential, evidenced by his high target numbers. However, with a quarterback like Anthony Richardson learning the ropes, Pittmanโs skill set doesnโt quite mesh with Richardsonโs play style just yet. Although Pittmanโs been earning his targets, if he can find a way to connect better with Richardson, he could very well become a fantasy gem this season.
As we head into Week 3, itโs clear thereโs some serious talent across the league. Donโt be surprised if more surprises are waiting in the wings. Whether itโs big plays from established stars or rookies stepping up, thereโs always more to learn and get excited about in the NFL.
