By: Steven Hawkins
The NFL is back and with two weeks already in the history
books there is a lot to discuss. It is a glorious time for fans simply because
things never go according to plan. The New England Patriots lost their first
home opener in Tom Brady's career on Sunday with a 20-18 defeat at the hands of
the Arizona Cardinals (who have surprised many by starting the season 2-0). The
New Orleans Saints have struggled out of the gate (or should I say out of the
Bounty Gate) and have lost their first two games. Since 2006 only five teams,
or 14%, have started 0-2 and made the playoffs. The Green Bay Packers have
already lost as many games in 2012 as they did in 2011 (one) while reining MVP
Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense can't seem to find their stride. The
Philadelphia Eagles have bucked all conventional wisdom and have turned the
ball over nine times in two games and have managed to win both.
However the seemingly biggest topic of debate and discussion
among fans and experts alike is the San Francisco 49'ers and their claim to the
title of “the best team in the NFL”. Many seem willing to crown the 49'ers
Super Bowl Champions already and with good reason. The 9'ers look to be the NFL's
most complete team. They have returned all 11 starters on defense and look as
fierce and as dominant as last season. Alex Smith continues to improve as a
quarterback and is resurrecting a career that was once left for bust after he
was the 1st overall selection in the 2005 draft. Last season many considered
Smith a "game-manager"; essentially a quarterback incapable of
leading his team to victory, instead he minimizes mistakes and allows the
defense to hold down the opposition. Through two games this season Smith
appears to have a greater grasp of the offense and the 49'ers are averaging
five points more a game than they did a season ago. Is Smith still a game
manager?
What's more impressive about the 49'ers start is perhaps who
they've beaten and how they've done it. The first victory was a convincing
30-22 defeat of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. In week two the 49'ers
handled another NFC North team, the Detroit Lions, 27-19 at home on Sunday
Night. Both of those teams made the playoffs in 2011.
The 49'ers made the NFC Championship game last season before
losing to the eventual Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. Many believe a
return to that game looks like a certainty … at least entering Week 3. Therein
lies the beauty of football nothing is certain and no one can predict the
future.
