Contenders, Pretenders, and the Panic Button

I don’t think anyone can say they’re extremely surprised to know that the Lions have given up 72 points in two games. But, if I told you before the season started that the Panthers would go 0-2 and allow opposing teams to score 66 points, you might’ve been a bit skeptical.

Well, they’re both true after week 2 of the regular season. And what an interesting two weeks it’s been. As always, there are a few 2-0 teams that have us scratching our heads as to how. Alternatively, some 0-2 teams should’ve gotten off to a better start.

The big question is, which of those 0-2 teams need to start worrying and which of the 2-0 teams are just pretenders?

Now, in the case of the Detroit Lions, I don’t think they’re specifically worried. Expectations going into 2009 were low. The Panthers, however, won their division last year and hoped to be Super Bowl bound in ’09. So let’s start there.

Carolina Panthers · 0-2 · 30 PF (points forced) · 66 PA (points allowed)

It’s time to hit the panic button. Right now, the Panthers are 0-2 with the Saints and Falcons ahead of them at 2-0. I’m sure the Saints offense will cool down at some point, leaving the Panthers room to catch up a bit. New Orleans’ doesn’t necessarily have the greatest defense. The Falcons, on the other hand, might not even turn back to say goodbye. Carolina needs to beat Dallas Monday night or their time is already running out.

New York Jets · 2-0 · 40 PF · 16 PA

Even though a lot of people are focusing on Mark Sanchez and the offense, it’s been the Jets defense that has gotten them off to a great start. The Jets, so far, have held opponents to 8 points per game and didn’t let the Patriots score a single touchdown. For rookies, Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan have been doing a great job. So far, Sanchez has thrown for two TDs and one interception. Rex Ryan had his rookie quarterback throw 31 times against the Texans in week one, but took the pressure off him versus the Patriots in week two, where Sanchez had 22 attempts. Just to give you a comparison, pass-happy head coach, Andy Reid, had Kevin Kolb throw the ball 51 times against the Saints. Even if they don’t win the division this year, expect the Jets to be contenders for a long time to come.

Tennessee Titans · 0-2 · 41 PF · 47 PA

Obviously, the Titans are considered the best 0-2 team right now. Last year they owned the best record in football, and this year they might miss the playoffs completely. I know, it’s only week 3, how can I talk about teams missing playoffs? It’s pretty simple, actually. The Colts are off to a 2-0 start. They haven’t finished worse than 12-4 since 2002. That means, most likely the Titans are only allowed to lose two more games the rest of the year if they want to take the division. They still have to face Indianapolis twice, along with the Jets, Patriots, Cardinals, and Chargers. This weekend’s game against the Jets is about as must-win as a week 3 game can be.

Denver Broncos · 2-0 · 39 PF · 13 PA

The Broncos are off to a better start than anyone probably could’ve imagined. Kyle Orton has thrown for over 500 yards, 2 TDs, and zero interceptions. They single-handedly took down the state of Ohio. In week 1, they won on a miracle play in the last 11 seconds of the game, and week 2 they embarrassed the Browns. Beating Cleveland isn’t really anything to brag about. Beating Cincinnati gives you a bit more reason, especially since they just beat the Packers. The Bengals are a legit team this year, now that Carson Palmer is back. But in all reality, the Broncos got lucky there. Right place, right time sort of thing. They go into Oakland on Sunday to try to make it 3-0. It’s a winnable game, but don’t be surprised if the Broncos finish around 8-8 this year. I’ll be very surprised if they keep up with teams like the Chargers (both times), Ravens, Giants, Colts, and Steelers. Yeah, they play all of those teams.

San Francisco 49ers · 2-0 · 43 PF · 26 PA

The 49ers are off to a 2-0 start not only in the NFL but, more importantly, in their division. The two wins against the Cardinals and Seahawks could be the difference between sitting at home watching the playoffs and making a run in the playoffs. Divisional wins are huge in the National Football League. If the 49ers beat the Rams both times, like they should, at worst they’ll be 4-2. That’s a solid divisional record, especially when the team who won the NFC West last year, at best, can finish 5-1 in the division. Their toughest opponents the rest of the season are the Colts, Falcons, Vikings, Packers and Titans (and the Cardinals again). Expect them to win a few of those games. I think, at worst, San Francisco finishes 9-7, with every ability to get to 10-6. Most likely, the only way they make the playoffs is by winning the division. That makes their week 14 rematch with the Cardinals a huge one.