Around the NFL (News & Awards): Week 2
After the New York Jets 20-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night in Indy, the NFL's second week is officially in the books.
There were a lot of big plays, surprises and storylines that transpired but here's what stood out to me:
TEAM of the WEEK: Denver Broncos
Despite an opening week victory at home against the Baltimore Ravens, most of the talk coming out of Colorado centered on the apparent and imminent demise of one Peyton Manning. Yes, the Broncos offense struggled to score and hardly mirrored the 2013 record-scoring juggernaut version of themselves, but learning a new playbook installed by O.C. Gary Kubiak (featuring a running attack designed to preserve Peyton's aging body & supplement his alleged skill decline) doesn't help Manning's cause either.
Kubiak and VP John Elway have essentially taken the keys out of the future Hall of Famers hands except when it matters most, as evidenced in last Thursday night's 31-24 victory at Arrowhead.
The Broncos mounted a furious comeback behind timely defensive plays and a vintage clutch performance from their 5-time MVP. The Pro Bowl QB hit wideout Emmanuel Sanders for the game-tying TD in the waning moments of the fourth quarter before the defense sealed the deal with a Jamal Charles fumble recovery for a touchdown.
His body language following the game suggested a renewed sense of joy for the game and confidence that there is yet a light at the end of this season's (or Kubiak) tunnel.
Remember last season when a blowout to the Chiefs on national television propelled Tom Brady and the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl? It's too early in the football calendar to see how this victory will play out, but certainly it will help catapult their season.
STORYLINES: Bad & Good Starts; Injuries to Key Players
-There are four playoff teams from the 2014 season that have started the season at 0-2 (Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, Indianapolis Colts & Baltimore Ravens) while a 10-win team (Philadelphia Eagles) from last year is also winless.
Since 1990, teams that begin the season 0-2 only make the playoffs 12% of the time (ESPN Stats & Info).
-The New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons are two teams that have surprised pundits across the board with their 2-0 records.
Since 1990, teams that begin the season 2-0 make the playoff an average of 63% of the time (ESPN Stats & Info).
-Tony Romo has joined the list of stars to be hit with the injury bug, joining his teammate Dez Bryant (foot) and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs (Achilles).
-The New England Patriots appear to be on a vindictive warpath against the NFL again that is eerily reminiscent of the '07 season. The difference in the seasons is motivation.
In 2007, "SpyGate" propelled them to the Super Bowl. This year's chip on the Patriots shoulders appears to be the "Deflate-Gate" scandal and feeling that the general consensus feels that New England has to cheat to win. I'm sure that's what they're telling themselves.
Player of the Week: JULIO JONES
Julio registered a career-high 13 catches for 135 yards and essentially the game winning catch in Sunday's victory over the NY Giants in New Jersey.
It's encouraging to see guys like Julio not only get their money but also turn up their gameplay and production as well.
He's long known for showing out in the big games like the Monday Night game against the Eagles (9 Receptions, 141 yards, 2 TDs) last week, but if he can continue to maintain that high octane pace in the games that our regionally televised, Falcons should be a threat this year and Julio can lay claim as the best Wide Receiver in the league.
Defensive Player of the Week: Darelle Revis
The only thing that the cornerback (that is widely considered the best in the biz) did was stymied Pro-Bowl QB Andrew Luck and the Colts offense for an interception and 2 Fumble Recoveries.
Revis Island takes on Chip Kelly and the Eagles next week.
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