Two weeks of the 2023 NFL season are over, and greater than 1 / 4 of the league stays unbeaten. That’s proper: Nine other groups input Week 3 with a 2-0 document. But simply as one of the most NFL’s winless golf equipment seem extra competent than others, it is honest to marvel which of the remainder “perfect” contenders is in all probability to maintain luck within the win column.
Knowing complete nicely that issues may just exchange in an issue of some other week or two, this is how we might rank the 2-0 groups in accordance to the “legitimacy” in their spotless document within the standings:
Sam Howell has proven a lot of combat beneath heart, and he is now 3-0 as a starter in Washington. But their two wins have required some unsightly scratching and clawing with the Cardinals and Broncos, two of the least-regarded groups to open 2023. This group has the makings of a scrappy spoiler, however their mettle will in point of fact be examined in upcoming video games with the Bills and Eagles.
It’s been thus far, so just right for Arthur Smith’s run-heavy script, which helped Atlanta cruise previous the Panthers after which typhoon again towards the Packers. Desmond Ridder’s grit was once in particular obvious in Week 2’s disillusioned of Green Bay. Like the Commanders, we simply want a larger pattern dimension to absolutely purchase in, and upcoming video games (at Lions, vs. Jaguars) will have to lend a hand divulge the reality.
This is what occurs while you set the bar extraordinarily low. With Baker Mayfield changing the retired Tom Brady, the Buccaneers have been tabbed a possible laughingstock. Instead, Todd Bowles’ protection has returned to shape, clamping down on each the Vikings and Bears, whilst Mayfield has managed the ball whilst feeding a motivated Mike Evans. At the very least, they’re Grade-A feisty.
Derek Carr’s Big Easy debut has now not been very beautiful, however Dennis Allen’s protection has been so rapid and bodily it hasn’t in point of fact mattered. And odds are, as the yr is going, Carr will most effective get extra relaxed, particularly as guns like Alvin Kamara go back to the fold. This may nonetheless be a wild-card group at best possible, but when the “D” is in point of fact this just right, they will be a difficult out all yr.
The early returns on Todd Monken’s offensive machine are promising, with Lamar Jackson staying affected person in the back of a sturdier entrance in a key win over the rival Bengals. Roquan Smith, Geno Stone and their protection stay opportunistic. The lingering questions, as in line with standard, most commonly have to do with well being. Odell Beckham Jr. is now banged up, and they’re already down different starters.
4. Eagles
The Super Bowl same old has lessened the shine on their document, as they have had to fend off comeback makes an attempt from each the Patriots and Vikings. Star quarterback Jalen Hurts has been in particular mercurial — slightly jarring after his ultra-smooth 2022. And but, the run sport exploded to lifestyles in Week 2, the line of defense stays a power, and they have were given the passing-game ability.
Tua Tagovailoa has finished the entirety thus far to prove his early 2022 leaps have been no fluke, airing it out very easily in back-to-back wins towards the Chargers and Patriots. Coach Mike McDaniel simply in point of fact is aware of how to make the most of the velocity at his disposal, and if Vic Fangio’s protection assists in keeping making strides as it did towards New England, you might be speaking a few well-rounded name contender.
Speaking of well-rounded name contenders, there may be most likely no better-balanced group than in San Francisco. The Rams introduced a scare in Week 2, but if the entirety is clicking, the 49ers are not missing the rest: Brock Purdy stays dependable beneath heart, Christian McCaffrey stays in height multipurpose shape and the protection has made performs when it issues maximum.
America’s Team = Dream Team? OK, now not so rapid, however believe that Dallas has outscored combatants 70-10 via two weeks with out in point of fact wanting its Dak Prescott-led offense to explode. Prescott, through the way in which, did lots towards the Jets’ elite “D” in Week 2, all whilst Micah Parsons and the Cowboys protection stole the display once more. The top class playmakers they have got are simple.