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Summer Sessions Ep.130: At Home Tom Brady is Buddy Ass (FREE EPISODE)
Summer Sessions Ep.130: At Home Tom Brady is Buddy Ass (FREE EPISODE)

(THIS WEEKS EPISODE IS FREE FOR THIS WEEK ONLY) We've officially hit 130 episodes of Summer Sessions & it's a full house as Damien returns to join Scott, Pavy, Merk & Mariano as the guys discuss the Jordan Poole/Draymond Green fight, updates in the Ime Udoka situation, Tom Brady loving the game too much & much much more. Subscribe to The Barber's Chair Network Patreon to listen to Summer Sessions every week.

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Entertainment, Culture, NBA, NFLScott LewisHip Hop, Comedy, NFL, NBAComment
Random Acts of Podcast Ep.430: The Squirt Off (Audio & Video)
Random Acts of Podcast Ep.430: The Squirt Off (Audio & Video)

On this weeks episode RAOP we chop it up the lackluster year in music, the Annual Squirt Off, Jimmy G having God as his agent, GTA 6 hackers running up a bag, old sneaker campout stories and more. Also Amp finally reads the "Shoulder Clap" story on air. Also we answer voicemails and questions from the listeners. Remember to send in your listener questions, #TheyNeedTheirAssBeat or #RealNiggaOfTheWeek submissions, email us at MAIL@RAOPodcast.com or call 424-260-RAOP to leave a voicemail.

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Entertainment, Culture, NFLScott LewisComedy, NFL, Hip HopComment
The Curious Case of The Black Quarterback
The Curious Case of The Black Quarterback

A new quarterback is drafted by a charter franchise of the National Football League. He’s the newest hope in town and fans are hopeful that, finally, the luck of their hometown team is about to change. A year later, as the young quarterback goes through the ups and downs of adjusting to the professional level of play, fans are filled with angst. Some are ready to move on from the young QB and look towards the next draft. Others are urging patience as the young QB grows from these experiences, while some are ignoring the struggles with a certainty that he will be “just fine”. Does any of this ring a bell? It should because it’s been the fans of most NFL franchises over the last three decades. Fans have clamored for the new year’s upcoming draft with the hope that a new quarterback will turn the franchise around. It worked for several franchises: notably the Patriots and Packers (the Pats who drafted Tom Brady and started a dynasty, while the packers moved on from Brett Favre and continued success with Aaron Rodgers).

In this instance, however, these are Chicago Bears fans. A franchise that is not used to exceptional QB play and who do not have a recent history of outstanding players at the quarterback position. So, where are Bears fans now? They find themselves in familiar territory as they wait in anxiety for the young quarterback they selected in the draft to blossom into a star. They’ve grown tired of hoping that their team catches up with the rest of the league and have found themselves at a crossroad: Do they move on from the young QB or do they hold out hope? They’re afraid of failing and for good reason; every (recent) QB they have drafted has been a letdown. Talking about QBs directly with Bears fans is the beginning of a depressing conversation. So we’ll try something different. Let’s play a game: Quarterback 1 has started in twelve NFL games, has thrown 196 completions to 330 attempts. He’s thrown for 2193 passing yards, with an even 7 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He’s also rushed for 248 rushing yards and ran for 2 touchdowns. Quarterback 2 has also started in twelve NFL games, has thrown for 2061 passing yards on 174 completions to 298 attempts. He’s thrown for 9 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. While also rushing for 468 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Both quarterbacks are facing the question of what they can do in the NFL while also adjusting to the prospect of a new head coach and a new offensive scheme. QB1 has the hopefulness of fans and despite average stats, very few (of the vocal fans) are calling for him to be replaced, even if they aren’t quite sure what to make of him yet. His team has only won 5 games since he’s been drafted but without enough talent around him, it’s hard to judge him just yet, so the fans still have hope in him. QB2, however, is facing calls to be replaced. Since he has been drafted the team has only won 7 games, yet his stats are comparable to the first QB mentioned. He’s thrown the ball less times than the first QB but has more touchdowns (more INTs as well) and has put up yards in both rushing and passing that are similar to the first QB. So, why are there calls for QB2 to be replaced? If you haven’t guessed by now, QB1 mentioned is Mitchell Trubisky during his first season (totaling 12 starts) and QB2 is Justin Fields and his first season and first two games of his second season (totaling 12 starts). Both QBs came into their second year with new coaches and new offenses. Both QBs have achieved similar stats and have been a part of a similar number of wins. So, again, why are there calls for QB2 to be replaced? Before jumping the gun, there are some legitimate reasons for the calls. Some fans are simply afraid of having another young QB fail to live up to their expectations. They’ve lived in the shadow of an anachronistic offense and meandering quarterback for most of their adult lives as fans. They’re afraid that this cycle of player angst will never end. That’s a rational fear to have and you won’t hear a rebuttal from me. So what else is left? I’ll tell you the answer: privilege.

Before you click away in anger, continue reading. This isn’t a history or ethics lesson on white privilege in everyday society. This is simply a lesson in pro sports privilege. Particularly, white QB vs black QB privilege. In a league that is made up of a majority of people of color (71%) the quarterback position has been dominated by white men. White men at QB are the standard. Those who succeed at the position are noted for their “pocket presence” and ability to “move the ball down field. Their athleticism is not the prime point of focus, it’s their mental and arm strength. Its become such a norm that you expect teams to draft a young white quarterback while black athletes are expected to play a skill position to utilize their talent. Black quarterbacks who are athletic are referred to as “dual-threat” or “mobile” while their counterparts who can be very mobile themselves are not. White QBs are lifted up for their ability to “diagnose” a situation while black QBs are praised for their speed but criticized for failing to “read the field” properly (sometimes warranted, often unwarranted). Justin Fields, unfortunately, has found himself in this same position. His athleticism is unquestioned, people know that he can move outside the pocket, but every other aspect of his game is questioned. The former Ohio State Buckeye, who placed 7th in Heisman voting with notable wins over powerhouse Clemson, was even questioned about his work ethic and love for the game. Despite this, his own former Head Coach at Ohio State, Ryan Day, stated that Justin Fields work ethic was “off the charts”[1]. So, how did we get to this position? Its racism that fuels unconscious biases. Do not be mistaken, these biases don’t stop at white people solely, for these same biases can be found in people of color. Unfortunately, these biases prevent people from taking in the entirety of a young players career. It makes them so certain of the potential and talent of young black QBs while abandoning this same certainty for their white counterparts. This reality will probably always be prevalent in the football zeitgeist. We must, however, do our parts in shedding these biases and allowing young players like Justin Fields, to prove themselves on the field and field alone. If it works out? Great. If it does not? Then you move on but not before each player is given their fair due. Justin Fields is only 12 games in, not even a full season, so sit back and let his game speak for itself.


[1] Phil Harrison, Ryan Day responds to criticism of Justin Fields' work ethic, https://buckeyeswire.usatoday.com/2021/04/02/ryan-day-responds-to-criticism-of-justin-fields-work-ethic/

NFL, Football, ArticlesJoseph LewisJustin Fields, NFL, footballComment
With Jalen Hurts' MVP performance, the Eagles solidified themselves as an NFC favorite
With Jalen Hurts' MVP performance, the Eagles solidified themselves as an NFC favorite

The question mark for the Philadelphia Eagles coming into this season was whether or not Jalen Hurts could rise to the level of play needed to vault the Eagles into NFC contention.

After Monday night’s breakout performance, he may have answered it and then some.

Hurts gained 390 of Philly’s 486 total yards on offense and three touchdowns, two coming on the ground, in the Eagles’ 24-7 win over the Minnesota Vikings.

“I think, for us, we came out and played very efficient,” Hurts said postgame . “Last week I talked about the inconsistencies and the urgency. The communication and the operation. That starts with me. We operated at a high level early on in the game.”

Hurts came out of the gates hot, hitting WR A.J. Brown and TE Dallas Goedert for multiple gains of 15+ yards before ending the drive with his first touchdown run. Then, Hurts hit Quez Watkins uncovered in blown coverage on a 53-yard deep bomb that sealed this game before the Vikings could put points on the board.

Hurts saved his brilliance for his second rushing touchdown. A designed run-pass option, Hurts drew in the Minnesota linebackers, pulled the ball back from RB Miles Sanders, and followed Goedert into the endzone on a 26-yard scamper to put this game away.

“He did a really good job,” Brown said”. "How he commanded the offense, it just shows the type of leader he is… he had everything under control.”

It’s the most ‘in control’ Jalen Hurts has been in his NFL career. Oft-criticized for his accuracy, Hurts’ improvement in that area was evident on three passes in particular, two of which did not count.

The first two are to Goedert. One was a beautiful throw by Hurts into triple coverage, but placed only were Goedert could come down with it.

He did not, negating some impressive precision by Hurts.

The second set up an Eagles field goal to end the first half. With the ball just past midfield, Hurts stood in the pocket, took a shot from Vikings LB Za’Darius Smith, and found Goedert for 28 yards to put K Jake Elliott in position for a 38-yard field goal.

The third was called back by a penalty, but may be his best throw of the night, as described by ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky.

Of course, Hurts was hard on himself after the game. As the Eagles failed to score in the second half, and a Kenneth Gainwell tipped ball turned into Philly’s lone turnover on the night, Hurts took accountability for his team’s play to end the game.

“We have a standard for ourselves and it only rises. A hell of a game tonight, but there’s a hell of a lot to learn from as a football team.”

As for that earlier question mark? Eagles HC Nick Sirianni believes Hurts delivered the answer well before Monday night.

"He's put in so much work. Of course, it has, it's slowing down," Sirianni said. "But it should, right, at this point. He is further into his process, and we're talking about getting better every day and he lives that. He's one of our of captains, one of our leaders, and he lives the theory of getting better every day. That's why you're seeing major improvements, it's because of the type of person and the type of player he is."

The Eagles defense also stepped up on Monday Night. A week after letting Detroit climb their way back with garbage time points, Philly clamped down on a Minnesota offense that was feeling the buzz of a dominant win over Green Bay.

Fresh off a 186-yard performance, Vikings WR Justin Jefferson was held in check by Eagles CB Darius Slay, who picked off Minnesota QB Kirk Cousins twice.

“Big Play Slay” reminded everyone he is still one of the best corners in the league, even if he doesn’t get the same recognition as his peers.

"You know how it always goes -- the older you get, the more they think you're falling off,” Slay said. “But I ain't one of them guys. I'm still at an elite level. I deserve a lot of respect in this league."

Philly’s defense bucked their usual conservative style of play, keeping Cousins under constant pressure. Cousins was especially in hell on the last drive of the game, when Defensive Coordinator Jonathan Gannon sent 5, 6, even 7-man blitzes at the Vikings.

Monday night was perfect if you’re an Eagles fan. Your defense tortured Minnesota all night, the Linc was absolutely rocking, and most importantly, your QB had his coming-out party on primetime television.

If everything coalesces for the Eagles this season, we could be staring at another special season in Philadelphia.

NFL, FootballPierce RobersonJalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles, Eagles, Fly Eagles Fly, Darius Slay, Jonathan Gannon, Nick Sirianni, Miles Sanders, A.J. Brown, Devonta Smith, Minnesota Vikings, Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson, Kevin O'ConnellComment
NFL Post-Week 1 Power Rankings: Bills, Chiefs dominant; Cowboys tumbling
NFL Post-Week 1 Power Rankings: Bills, Chiefs dominant; Cowboys tumbling

Thank God the NFL is back.

You know that feeling when your life isn’t whole unless you’re spending an entire day wasting away on your couch with a six-pack and a bucket of spicy Popeyes chicken? That’s the feeling I get on Sundays. It is the purest feeling in the world.

The next 17 Sundays, and the following month-and-a-half after that, are the greatest of times. Of course, when the Bears lose (pathetically most days) they are the worst of times, but somebody’s team is in the L column this week. Not mine though. Y’all be easy.

(Times listed are for Sunday unless specified)

CREAM OF THE CROP

1) Buffalo Bills (1-0)
Week 1: W at LA Rams 31-10
This Week: vs. Titans (MNF 7:15 ET | ESPN)

The entire city of Buffalo invaded ring night in Inglewood and tore through the defending champs. Josh Allen played like an MVP favorite, Von Miller terrorized his former team and his front seven followed his lead. Ball security needs to improve after a turnover-filled opening night, but the Bills look every bit like the paper champions they were crowned over the summer.

2) Kansas City Chiefs (1-0)
Week 1: W at Cardinals 44-21
This Week: vs. LA Chargers (TNF 8:15 ET | Amazon Prime)

Patrick Mahomes’ ‘Fuck You’ tour began in Arizona, hitting nine different receivers for 360 yards and five touchdowns. KC welcomes the rival Chargers to Arrowhead for the first Thursday Night game on Amazon Prime. Make sure your streaming device is able to catch up with the amount of speed we’re gonna see this Thursday.

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0)
Week 1: W at Cowboys 19-3
This Week: at Saints (1:00 PM | FOX)

Blah Blah Tom Brady. Blah Blah 45. Blah Blah Gisele.

We can focus on the GOAT doing what he always does to the Cowboys, OR we can talk about this defense! Todd Bowles impressively shut down a depleted Cowboys offense, putting the clamps on Dallas after a field goal on the opening drive. How about 86 total yards from Julio Jones too? He’s not dead yet, as his lone year in Tennessee had it out to believe.

4) Los Angeles Rams (0-1)
Week 1: L vs. Bills 31-10
This Week: vs. Falcons (4:05 ET | FOX)

The champs got rocked in the mouth on ring night by a team they hope to see again in February. You can excuse them for this one loss on an emotion-filled night. Jalen Ramsey must be better in coverage. Matthew Stafford must do a better job protecting the football. He also has to develop a rapport with his newly-paid WR Allen Robinson, who himself can’t afford to go missing like he did last year in Chicago.

Not much I would change about Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald, though. They’ll be fine.

NEXT IN LINE

5) Los Angeles Chargers (1-0)
Week 1: W vs. Raiders 24-19
This Week: at Chiefs (TNF 8:15 ET | Amazon Prime)

Justin Herbert is becoming more brilliant by the minute. Khalil Mack was a force in his first game as a Charger, with three of LA’s six sacks. The Chargers have a chance to grab two early wins in this AFC West Gauntlet. It’d be nice to have Keenan Allen and new CB J.C. Jackson available; they missed Sunday’s game.

6) Cincinnati Bengals (0-1)
Week 1: L vs. Steelers 23-20
This Week: at Cowboys (4:25 ET | CBS)

The Bengals had chance after chance to beat Pittsburgh on Sunday, only to lose at the end of overtime. Joe Burrow won’t have too many five-turnover games, and at some point the team has to find a long snapper. The offensive line is still bad though, allowing seven sacks Sunday. They won’t have an easier job with Micah Parsons and the Cowboys Sunday.

7) Green Bay Packers (0-1)
Week 1: L at Vikings 23-7
This Week: vs. Bears (SNF 8:20 ET | NBC)

Another team I’m going to excuse for getting schmacked on Sunday. For the second year in a row, the Packers got destroyed on the road on week one while not being able to score 10 points. Last season ended in the NFC’s No. 1 seed and a second-straight MVP for Aaron Rodgers. Davante Adams isn’t here anymore though, and Green Bay looks as mortal as they’ve ever been with Chicago rolling into Lambeau Sunday night. We’ll find out just how different these Packers are from last year’s bunch.

8) Baltimore Ravens (1-0)
Week 1: W at NY Jets 24-9
This Week: vs. Dolphins (1:00 PM ET | CBS)

Defense looked very solid as it contained Joe Flacco and the Jets. Health is important for Baltimore’s success this season. No Ronnie Stanley, J.K. Dobbins or Gus Edwards really stunted the Ravens’ run game - their bread and butter. Still, Baltimore has Super Bowl potential if it all comes together.

9) Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)
Week 1: W at Detroit 38-35
This Week: vs. Vikings (MNF 8:30 ET | ABC)

Jalen Hurts temporarily shut down any talk Sunday, as the Eagles offense exploded for 455 yards. A.J. Brown set a team record for receiving yards in his debut (155), and Miles Sanders found the endzone for the first time since 2020. Jonathan Gannon’s defense, however, was gnashed by Deandre Swift. Philly got a lot of Super Bowl hype in the preseason. The defense can’t lax like it did Sunday if it expects to meet those lofty expectations.

PLAYOFF CONTENDERS

10) Minnesota Vikings (1-0)
Week 1: W vs. Packers 23-7
This Week: at Eagles (MNF 8:30 ET | ABC)

Holy. Shit. Justin Jefferson may end the season as the best wide receiver in the game. He and Kirk Cousins connected on nine passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns against Green Bay. New HC Kevin O’Connell may have unlocked something with this offense. Monday night’s massive matchup in Philly is as must-watch as it gets with these two explosive offenses on display.

11) New Orleans Saints (1-0)
Week 1: W at Falcons 27-26
This Week: vs. Buccaneers (1:00 ET | FOX)

Jameis Winston put the Saints on his back, hitting returning WR Michael Thomas for two touchdowns and setting up kicker Wil Lutz for the game-winner in Atlanta. Was the slow start alarming? Maybe. They’ll need to play all four quarters against the GOAT and Tampa Bay.

12) Miami Dolphins (1-0)
Week 1: W vs. Patriots 20-7
This Week: at Ravens (1:00 PM | CBS)

Not bad for a debut. Tua Tagovailoa and his new WR Tyreek Hill linked eight times for 94 yards. Second-year WR Jaylen Waddle also found the endzone. HC Mike McDaniel’s first game in Miami was a success, and it’s lovely to get your first dub over Bill Belichick. Next up: John Harbaugh and a tough Ravens defense.

13) San Francisco 49ers (0-1)
Week 1: L at Bears 19-10
This Week: vs. Seahawks (4:05 ET | FOX)

Trey Lance was inconsistent and the Niners were way too undisciplined Sunday, blurring the lines between ‘Did the Bears win this game?’ and ‘Did the 49ers lose it?’

Answer: Both

I wouldn’t worry too much, though. San Francisco looked like the NFC-runner ups they were with Jimmy G under center last year. We’ll wait and see what happens when the 1-0 Seahawks come to Santa Clara.

ON THE BUBBLE

14) Las Vegas Raiders (0-1)
Week 1: L at LA Chargers 24-19
This Week: vs. Cardinals (4:25 ET | CBS)

Well, Davante Adams was nice.

His Raiders debut ended with 10 catches for 141 yards and a touchdown. However, a brutal game from Derek Carr stopped any chance of a Raiders win in Inglewood. The offensive line allowed six sacks (three from Khalil Mack). Give them time to settle in, but it wasn’t a good start to Josh McDaniels’ Raiders tenure.

15) Indianapolis Colts (0-0-1)
Week 1: Tie at Texans 20-20
This Week: at Jaguars (1:00 ET | CBS)

Congratulations, Indy! For the first time in forever, you didn’t lose on opening week!

Sure, a tie is like kissing your sister. But you’re in the AFC South! Emphasis on SOUTH. Embrace not being a loser out of the gates for once in a change!

The Colts finally woke up from their sleepy 20-3 start and will themselves back into the game, but not enough to win. Matt Ryan looked more in rhythm as the game progressed, and the club gained a league-high 517 yards on offense. Silver linings, right?

16) Denver Broncos (0-1)
Week 1: L at Seahawks 17-16
This Week: vs. Texans (4:25 ET| CBS)

My partner (still feels weird to say that) saw the real me for the first time this weekend. It was our first NFL football week together as a couple, and she saw a side of me that she had never seen before…

The side that can be so utterly dumbfounded that he cannot function.

That’s how I felt watching Nathaniel Hackett’s clock management in the final minute of Monday night’s loss at Seattle. I don’t need to belabor what everyone else has said in the aftermath of that game. It’s fucking indefensible.

The Broncos must be more disciplined, on the field AND on the sidelines. Russ can’t save everyone. Ask Pete Carroll.

17) Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)
Week 1: W at Bengals 23-20
This Week: vs. Patriots (1:00 ET | CBS)

Pittsburgh were gifted a road win over the Bengals, but at a cost. T.J. Watt will miss significant time, and RB Najee Harris is banged up, although he says he will play against New England this week. How long will they stick with Mitchell Trubisky at QB? Beats me, but 267 yards of offense won’t cut it in Pittsburgh. It damn sure didn’t in Chicago.

THEY’RE ALRIGHT BUT THEY’RE NOT REAL

18) Arizona Cardinals (0-1)
Week 1: L vs Chiefs 44-21
This Week: at Raiders (4:25 ET | CBS)

Throw out the gameplan for Sunday’s game. Burn it underneath the desert sun, actually. The defense got shredded by Kansas City, and Arizona’s offense looked lost at times. With Deandre Hopkins suspended for a good chunk of the season, Kliff Kingsbury needs to stabilize this crew if he wants to keep his job.

19) Cleveland Browns (1-0)
Week 1: W at Panthers 26-24
This Week: vs. NY Jets (1:00 ET | CBS)

The Browns were conservative as hell in their narrow win over Baker and Carolina. They have to be until Deshaun Watson is allowed back in the building. It’s good to have Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt as your running backs, then (187 combined rushing yards). Rookie kicker Cade York notched Cleveland their first opening day victory since 2004! Fuck, the Browns are a symbol of futility in America.

20) Tennessee Titans (0-1)
Week 1: L vs. Giants 21-20
This Week: at Bills (MNF 7:15 ET | ESPN)

Bad news is you lost to the Giants on a two-point conversion. Worst news is Harold Landry is likely done for the season with a torn ACL.

The good news is the AFC South is terrible. The Titans have to hope that Ryan Tannehill develops a rapport with somebody (anybody) on his receiving corps, and Derrick Henry’s decline doesn’t start now. Buffalo will be on fire this Monday night. Will Tennessee be able to weather the storm of Bills Mafia and avoid an 0-2 start?

21) New England Patriots (0-1)
Week 1: L at Dolphins 20-7
This Week: at Steelers (1:00 ET | CBS)

Why is Matt Patricia calling the offense?

Why? There must be someone with a pulse that can do a better job here.

The offense looked horrible without Josh McDaniels, gaining only 271 total yards. On top of that, QB Mac Jones may have suffered a back injury. New England had a nice season in 2021, but this may be the year where everything comes crashing down.

22) Dallas Cowboys (0-1)
Week 1: L vs. Buccaneers 19-3
This Week: vs. LA Chargers (4:25 ET | CBS)

It’s DEFCON 5 at Jerry World.

Dak Prescott may be out anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks (depending on who makes the decision). The offensive line is so beat up, they’re about to trot out 40-year-old Jason Peters against Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa and the LA Chargers. This season may be wasted for Dallas before they ever had a shot at competing, and that’s the worst news Mike McCarthy could hear.

23) Washington Commanders (1-0)
Week 1: W vs. Jaguars 28-22
This Week: at Lions (1:00 ET | FOX)

Carson Wentz is still Carson Wentz, with two late interceptions that almost crippled the Commanders. But rookie Jahan Dotson emerged with two touchdowns, including the game winner. Antonio Gibson totaled 130 yards against the Jags run defense. The defense is still Washington’s achilles heel though, as Chase Young works to get back on the field.

LOOKING UP

24) Chicago Bears (1-0)
Week 1: W vs. 49ers 19-10
This Week: at Packers (SNF 8:20 ET | NBC)

Matt Eberflus’ second-half adjustments were the difference in his head coaching debut against the 49ers. Still, the Bears looked lifeless on offense for most of the ballgame. Justin Fields needs to look at the tape and know when to throw the football. Luke Getsy needs to scheme plays to utilize his talents more. Still, there were some things to like about the offensive improvement of this team.

Defensively, the Bears look re-energized. Sunday proves a tall task with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in primetime, but these Bears don’t look afraid of Green Bay anymore.

25) New York Giants (1-0)
Week 1: W at Titans 21-20
This Week: vs. Panthers (1:00 ET | FOX)

Brian Daboll stunned the Titans on a 2-point conversion to win his debut in New York. The biggest takeaway: Saquon Barkley is back. 194 total yards from Saquon in a dominant performance Sunday. The Giants picked up a big morale win heading into a very winnable game against Carolina. If any team could challenge the Eagles for the division title, it may very well be the Giants.

26) Detroit Lions (0-1)
Week 1: L vs. Eagles 38-35
This Week: vs. Commanders (1:00 ET | FOX)

Detroit put up nice garbage time stats to make their loss to Philly look close. But kudos to Deandre Swift for a strong game on the ground (144 rushing yards, 9.6 yards per carry). Detroit’s defense is piss poor, but their offense (455 yards total) is going to be able to hang with some teams this season.

27) Seattle Seahawks (1-0)
Week 1: W vs. Broncos 17-16
This Week: at 49ers (4:05 ET | FOX)

Geno Smith had his redemption game Monday night, throwing for 195 yards and two touchdowns. If he can manage a game as efficiently as he did against Denver, Seattle’s offense will be better than advertised. Still, the Broncos fumbled this game away (literally), and better teams won’t trip over themselves against the Seahawks.

NO CHANCE IN HELL

28) Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)
Week 1: L at Commanders 28-22
This Week: vs. Colts (1:00 ET | CBS)

It’s a very low bar to be better than Urban Meyer’s Jags, but Doug Pedersen will make it work. Trevor Lawrence can’t throw back-breaking interceptions like he did Sunday in Washington. No. 1 pick Travon Walker looked really good in his debut.

29. Carolina Panthers (0-1)
Week 1: L vs. Browns 26-24
This Week: at NY Giants (1:00 ET | FOX)

A lot of people were high on Carolina coming into the season.

Did Week 1 kill those hopes yet?

Baker almost efforted a comeback to mask a putrid open for the Panthers. The defense couldn’t stop the Browns from marching down the field. If Christian McCaffrey was healthy, we didn’t see him enough (14 touches). Carolina is a complete mystery, but with more stench than sweetness.

30. Houston Texans (0-0-1)
Week 1: Tie vs. Colts 20-20
This Week: at Denver (4:25 ET | CBS)

Lovie Smith’s boys looked great… until they didn’t. But at least they didn’t lose! Now the Texans share a tie for first place in the division after one week. Hooray! Davis Mills could only muster 12 yards of offense in the fourth while their defense blew their early lead. Boo!

31. Atlanta Falcons (0-1)
Week 1: L vs. Saints 27-26
This Week: at LA Rams (4:05 ET | FOX)

Marcus Mariota looked great, Cordarrelle Patterson looked like his 2021-self, and the Falcons defense held New Orleans in check… until they let a 26-10 lead collapse in the second half. Two key fumbles by Mariota gave the Saints a chance, and the Falcons are in the doldrums of the NFC rather than riding high after a Week 1 win. Them’s the breaks.

32. New York Jets (0-1)
Week 1: L vs. Ravens 24-9
This Week: at Browns (1:00 ET | CBS)

The Jets are 22-60 since the start of the 2017 season. Zach Wilson won’t be back until (at least) Week 4. Same Ol’ Sorry Ass Jets. At least there will be Postseason baseball in Queens and the Bronx!

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NFL, FootballPierce RobersonNFL, football, Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes, Power Rankings, Buffalo Bills, Josh Allen, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tom Brady, Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Matthew Stafford, Aaron Donald, Philadelphia Eagles, Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson, Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers, Cincinnati Bengals, Joe Burrow, Minnesota Vikings, Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson, New Orleans Saints, Jameis Winston, Miami Dolphins, Tyreek Hill, Tua Tagovailoa, Indianapolis Colts, Matt Ryan, Pittsburgh Steelers, Mitchell Trubisky, San Francisco 49ers, Trey Lance, Jimmy Garoppolo, Las Vegas Raiders, Davante Adams, Khalil Mack, Denver Broncos, Russell Wilson, Arizona Cardinals, Kyler Murray, Deandre Hopkins, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Ryan Tannehill, Bill Belichick, Deshaun Watson, New England Patriots, Mac Jones, Micah Parsons, Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliot, Dallas Cowboyd, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders, Carson Wentz, Chicago Bears, Justin Fields, New York Giants, Saquon Barkley, Seattle Seahawks, Geno Smith, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence, Doug Pedersen, Houston Texans, Lovie Smith, Joe Flacco, New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, Marcus MariotaComment