After week two of the season, who would have thought that the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys would be the only undefeated teams in the NFC? I know I didn't. So far the season is off to an unpredictable start, so the end of the season promises to be very interesting. Whether it's because of free agency or a strong crop of draft choices in recent years, the NFL has seemed to find a new level of parity. The Saints ain't the "Ain'ts" anymore especially after their strong defensive line performance against the 49ers in Candlestick in week two. I would hate to be Steve Young Monday morning. A Barry Sanders less Detroit Lions lead the NFC Central under the leadership of Mr. Batch. The Tennessee Titans with their new look and great start are possibly a team to be reckoned with. Even the Bears are keeping things close and have potential to win a few games this year. Drew Bledsoe is pulling out games in the 4th quarter for the New England Patriots much like the famous field-general in Green Bay. The Brad Johnson led Washington Redskins proved they could put points on the board with 50 in week two. This might be the year for the Marino led Miami Dolphins (2-0), They look like they might have a running game this year and their defense seems to have improved a notch or too. What about those power houses from last year? The first two weeks have not been working in their favor. The New York Jets (0-2), which was my and many other people's picks for contenders in the AFC race, lose Vinnie Testeverde and look like a team that will be lucky to end up with a .500 season.
The reining Super Bowl champions Denver Broncos (0-2) are not the same team without Elway. Griese is showing promise but needs some time to fully mature. They are better served to keep Brister whining on the bench and to his role as a backup QB. Denver, if things keep going on this way, probably will not win their division and might be lucky to be a Wild Card team.
What about the famous "Dirty Birds" (0-2), the miracle boys from last season? Jamaal Anderson's new contract and his mouth have one thing in common both are huge. We did not see any arms flapping Monday night versus Dallas. A Chandler less Falcon team looked lost at best. They are in desperate need of on-the-field leadership. I do not think they will find it from former holdout and now banged up Jamaal. I know they are praying for the return of Chandler before they fall too much apart. Jacksonville Jacquars (2-0) walked all over the 49ers in game one, but met an improving Carolina Panthers in game two and barely came out with a victory. The Panthers are a few tweaks away from being a contender. Under Siefert's leadership, their season is far from over.
Green Bay fell to the artificial turf and "Pontiac" jinxes this last week. Favre needs to overcome his struggle off the field and regain his focus on his game. I have faith that his "3 time MVP" talents will show soon as they did in the last two minutes of the game in week one. Minnesota is coming off a lost at home to the Oakland Raiders. With both teams coming off a loss, this leaves us looking forward to the interstate battle between Packers and Vikings this week.