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Teams across the NFL have begun their long journey with the same goal: leave New Orleans victorious in February. To win the Lombardi trophy is the pinnacle of the great game of football and the first two weeks of a long season can have many impacts on the end goal but conclusions should not be drawn immediately. The chances of a team who falls to 0-2, reaching the playoffs is small, just 11% over the last 9 years. However, three teams have fallen to 0-2 and found their way to the stage at the finish of the season. The 1993 Cowboys, 2001 Patriots, and the 2007 Giants each accomplished this feat. It is not impossible but without elite quarterback play from Troy Aikman, Tom Brady, and Eli Manning the teams would not have done so. It is essential to make observations of teams but not draw conclusions early.

The two-time defending Kansas City Chiefs have found their way to a hot start behind Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes has thrown two touchdown passes of over 20 air yards already in the first two games the same that he did in the 2022 and 2023 seasons combined. Mahomes from 2018 to 2021 threw 44 of these early on in his career, falling back to earth with the loss of deep threat Tyreek Hill. This did not halt back-to-back Super Bowl wins but is of note. Thus far, we have seen a return to form for the three-time champion. The Chiefs wins have not come without controversy, however. The officiating surrounding the team has been a talking point for years as referees appear to call Kansas City games differently than the rest of the league. Nonetheless, the team has produced on their own as well. The most notable story line for them is the loss of running back Isaiah Pacheco, who fractured his fibula in the narrow win over the Bengals. Pacheco will miss roughly 6-8 weeks and Kareem Hunt has chosen to reunite with the Chiefs as a replacement. Mahomes will lead the team into Atlanta this Sunday to take on the Falcons.

Rookie quarterbacks in the league have made headlines early as well but not in a positive manner. Three rookies have started the season for their teams including Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Bo Nix. None of the young players have thrown a touchdown pass yet. Daniels and Nix have rushed for 2 and 1 touchdowns respectively. Williams has not found his way to the endzone yet. Williams and Daniels however have led their teams to a 1-1 start with Nix trailing them at 0-2. Each have shown their own potential, but growing pains are extremely evident. Williams threw for just 93 yards in his debut win and hung back to watch his defense score to seal the game. He was then sacked 7 times on Sunday night against the Houston Texans and could not pull together a drive to win the game. Daniels has shown a valuable trait in taking care of the football, at least through the air. He has not thrown an interception yet through two games despite having his own struggles. Daniels has fumbled twice, fortunately not losing one. Nix has struggled to energize his offense. The Broncos are at bottom of the league in rushing all around, allowed pressure rate, and wide receiver separation. While Denver has not collectively given Nix much to work with on offense, the defense has given them opportunities to win. Nix must find a way to spark the little talent he has in weapons and hope the line can help him moving forward. Across the board a rookie quarterback class that many, including myself, speculated would be one of the best all-around has struggled early on. The sad but entertaining question is who will be the first to throw a TD pass?

In the NFC, two incredibly interesting story lines to watch came from teams who faced off in week two. The Dallas Cowboys hosted the New Orleans Saints in Arlington and the game got out of hand for the home crowd quickly. The Saints finished off America’s alleged team 44-19 behind Alvin Kamara’s 4 touchdowns. New Orleans was not expected to be much of a contender entering the season, but their offense wants to have a say in things. Derek Carr, following a disastrous 2023 campaign, produced for his team, scoring twice. On the other side, the Dallas Cowboys made their quarterback the highest paid player in league history. Dak Prescott responded to his record $231 million guaranteed by having a rare bad home game. Prescott threw two interceptions and could not keep up with the Saints’ offense. Both teams have unique stories to continue to keep an eye on as the season progresses.

Aside from the Saints, two other NFC south teams should be watched closely, yet again for two different reasons. The Buccaneers and Panthers are both starting former number 1 overall picks at quarterback, or at least, they were. Baker Mayfield has found himself a home in Tampa and proven to them that he is a worthy successor of Tom Brady. Mayfield was paid generously by the team this offseason following a playoff win over the Eagles. They fell in the divisional round to Detroit and got revenge in week 2. Mayfield and the Buccaneers will return home to host Bo Nix and the struggling Broncos where they likely will find more success and could move to 3-0. As for fellow Heisman winner and first overall pick, Bryce Young, he has found himself benched. Just two games into his second season, Young was benched following an abysmal performance against the Chargers. He completed only 55% of his passes so far with 3 interceptions and no touchdowns. Carolina will look to veteran Andy Dalton to salvage anything left for what could be another difficult year in Charlotte. Baker Mayfield can commiserate with Young as he too struggled during his time in Carolina and was even left to be a scout team defensive end at one point. Mayfield offered his support in a recent interview offering that Young stay confident and be patient.

The last significant headline to be noted in the first two weeks is a difficult situation with Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa suffered another concussion in a loss to the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night. This also marked the third time he fell unconscious and suffered involuntary movements in his arms and hands. Media members as well as former coaches and players have called on him to retire from the sport in support of his health. Tagovailoa has reportedly met with neurologists and has since been placed on the injured reserve. This will provide him time to recover and evaluate his future. It is disheartening to see a talented player lose the ability to play the game, but health must be put first.

While these are just a few significant headlines from the start of the season, expect to see specific and in depth articles covering more unique situations as the weeks progress.