SPECIAL COLLABORATION
A week over in the NFL and already several topics that hold our attention. Here are some thoughts after the first 16 games.
The Cowboys are in trouble
The injury to left tackle Tyron Smith was already hurting the team, now left guard Connor McGovern was also injured. This offensive line is no longer a shadow of what it was at its peak and we saw it on Sunday night. The departure of Amari Cooper for the Browns and the injury to Michael Gallup greatly affected the Cowboys’ offensive output. Now Dak Prescott will have to sit out for several weeks with a broken thumb. I don’t see how the team will recover from such a situation. It’s only the first week, but I’m afraid it’s already over for the Boys.
Aaron Rodgers goes s’ennuyer of Davante Adams
We can certainly point to the injuries on the Packers’ offensive line and the absence of receiver Allan Lazard for the anemic start of Aaron Rodgers’ attack. But the departure of Davante Adams will be the hardest blow for the offensive unit. Adams has been targeted 614 times over the past four years (153.5/year) for a total of 432 receptions (108/year); that’s a lot of production. At several points, the Packers’ attack was limited to the Rodgers/Adams duo. There are no players who can make up for the loss and chemistry with young players will be difficult for a quarterback who has often been impatient with unproductive receivers.
The Kings of the American West
The Kansas City Chiefs have won the American West Division title for the past six seasons. Despite everything, many were ready to crown the Chargers, the Raiders or even the Broncos with the arrival of several star players in these three formations. With the departure of Tyreek Hill, some wondered if the Chiefs offense would be as dynamic. We had a resounding start to the response Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Patrick Mahomes finished the game with 30 completions on 39 attempts for 360 yards and five touchdowns. Not to mention that the attack has accumulated 33 first games in 66 offensive games! Zero problem, zero! Before you think another team will win the section, let’s give due respect to the true kings of the American West.
AJ Brown will have fun with the Eagles
In the last NFL Draft, the Titans surprised many by trading star receiver AJ Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles. Immediately after the transaction, Brown signed a 4-year deal worth $100 million. In his new team, oriented since last year towards the ground attack, we wondered if he would be used at his fair value. If the first game of the season is any reliable indicator, the offense will be more balanced and Brown will have his share of the cake. He was targeted 13 times to eventually finish the game with 10 receptions for 155 yards. Not only did he produce, but he again demonstrated that he was one of the toughest receivers in the league, something that fits very well with his new formation. I think the Eagles hit a home run with this acquisition.
BONUS
I’m already looking forward to Thursday’s game between the Chargers and Chiefs, Mahomes v. Herbert!
Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett handled Monday night’s late game like an amateur.
For the Seahawks, Geno Smith may not be as bad as we had anticipated.
