NFL Week Two Preview: Brady, Burrow, Trubisky

Week Two of the NFL brings a slew of games that immediately grab our attention, due to the questions that abound. Granted, the second week may not immediately garner attention. However, it’s the NFL, and you know that you will watch.

Can Tampa Rebound?

After the Saints’ defense frustrated and humiliated the Bucs, Tom Brady should enjoy a get=healthy game. While the Panthers feature a stout front four, the back seven remains a problem. Tahir Whitehead, from a linebacker spot, cannot cover a blade of grass. As a result, Howard and Gronkowski will roam free. Meanwhile, Tom Brady will pick Carolina apart. Last week, Carolina failed to tally a single sack or quarterback, despite thirty dropbacks. With a clean pocket, Brady should exceed three hundred yards. Buttressed by a varied yet presumably effective run game. People that actively cheer for Brady’s accelerated decline will be disappointed. Look at the Patriots wideouts last year and realize what miracles he wove.

Can Trubisky Do It Again?

In a word, no. Now, that’s not really a slight against the Bears’ quarterback. It’s more of a statement of his inconsistency. The Bears, as we all know, spent the second-overall pick on Trubisky. If we’re honest, it ranks as a baffling selection, considering Watson and Mahomes sat there for the taking. On the field, Trusbisky shows a developmental skillset to excel.

However, in year four, Trubisky should be further along in the process. Whether you blame Matt Nagy, the head coach or Ryan Pace, the GM depends on your interpretation. Enter Green Bay. In five career starts, Trubisky struggled to a 1-4 record. Additionally, every metric fails him. From the poor TD/INT ratio to the paltry 6.4 yards per attempt. Basically, 2020 is Mitchell Tribisky’s last chance in Chicago. While an eventual win versus the Packers would open eyes, a blowout loss further cements his fate. If he does fail, the voices will grow louder to send him packing, later in the season. Now, the Giants stand in the way of a 2-0 season. He needs to continue his Week One strong play.

Should We Watch Bengals/Browns?

Granted, most Thursday night games fail to capture any interest. How many Jaguars/Titans snorefests should one fan need to endure? Dressing up bland football with ColorRush jerseys does not hide the watery football that this day brings. On the other hand, something about tonight’s game seems rather intriguing. First, the quarterback matchup sends up a flare. On balance, Joe Burrow and Baker Mayfield should mirror each other. Both possess heaps of confidence that fills the room. Yet, Burrow is the anti-Mayfield for several reasons on and off the field.

Mayfield is the king of bold talk without a scintilla of evidence to prove otherwise. He criticized Hue Jackson for taking another job in the division after he was fired. Also, went back and forth with talking hairdo, Colin Cowherd. Next, the Browns surrounded him with excellent wideouts, competent tight ends, and a standout defense. Yet, after thirty starts, twelve wins, the Browns look listless with him as a quarterback. In contrast, Joe Burrow approaches the game with directed confidence. That is to say, he expects to succeed, but won’t throw a hissyfit, when he’s facing adversity. Plus, as wild as this sounds, Burrow gives the Bengals faithful actual hope. While the Browns employ the far superior roster, is that enough to win this game?

During a tumultuous year, the NFL will provide a brief respite from national uncertainty. With a full slate of games, fans will enjoy yet another fun week on the field.