• The Ravens and Bengals are surprisingly winless: Both dropped video games to the Chiefs, however in addition they fell at dwelling to the Raiders and Patriots, respectively.
• The Giants have a Daniel Jones drawback: The crew’s offensive line is definitely defending him significantly better — rating sixth in pass-blocking grade — to not point out that each Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson have flashed.
• Unlock your edge with a PFF+ subscription: Get full entry to all our in-season fantasy instruments, together with weekly rankings, WR/CB matchup charts, weekly projections, the Start-Sit Optimizer and extra. Sign up now!
Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes
Sometimes, two video games into an NFL season is a reflective pattern dimension. Other occasions, it’s a blip on the radar in a protracted season.
Nine groups confront that very fork within the street, having dropped their first two matchups of 2024. The information isn’t promising: In the previous 4 years, simply two of 32 groups (6.25%) to begin 0-2 have made the playoffs.
With the assistance of some PFF analytics, let’s siphon by means of which of the winless groups may buck the pattern — and that are in actual peril.
Cincinnati Bengals: Low
Somehow, that is acquainted territory for Zac Taylor and the Bengals. Cincinnati has began 0-2 in every of the previous three years, overcoming the preliminary hurdle to succeed in the playoffs in 2022 and nonetheless ending 9-8 final season.
Cincinnati’s receiving corps, seen as a significant plus going into this season, hasn’t carried out near expectations. Part of that may be a nagging hamstring damage for Tee Higgins, nevertheless it’s additionally on Ja’Marr Chase. In yards per route run, the star ranks thirty first out of 45 receivers with 10 or extra targets this 12 months. Altogether, the Bengals place 28th in PFF receiving grade.
On the flip aspect, the crew’s protection has been sound up to now, slotting in at ninth in total crew protection grade (72.2). Strong play from linebacker Logan Wilson (87.4 total grade), cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (83.5) and edge defender Trey Hendrickson (12 pressures) has buoyed Lou Anarumo’s unit, which held its personal towards the Chiefs in Week 2.
With three of the subsequent 4 video games coming towards the Commanders, Panthers and Giants, Joe Burrow and the Bengals ought to be simply high-quality — notably if Higgins returns to motion and Chase returns to kind.
Baltimore Ravens: Moderate
The Ravens falling to Kansas City within the NFL opener wasn’t a shocker. Sunday’s dwelling loss to the Raiders, although, most definitely qualifies.
As lengthy as Baltimore has Lamar Jackson for many, if not all, of the season, higher outcomes ought to comply with. But the Ravens additionally want Jackson to play like his normally dominant, multi-faceted self. The reigning MVP ranks 13th in total PFF grade (70.7) and 16th in passing grade (67.7) by means of two video games, each of that are far cries from his 2023 marks.
There’s additionally been a steeper studying curve than anticipated for Zach Orr’s new protection, which nonetheless boasts great expertise in any respect three ranges. The Ravens have been notably liable in protection, giving up explosive performs (15 or extra yards) on 17.7% of snaps (31st) and rating 26th in crew protection grade.
In some methods, Baltimore indicated some progress within the shock Week 2 defeat. After surrendering a staggering 14 pressures towards Kansas City, the Ravens’ offensive line allowed solely 5 towards Maxx Crosby and the Raiders. That’s a optimistic improvement for an offensive line ushering in three new starters.
John Harbaugh’s bunch faces a large check in Dallas in Week 3, one which very nicely may decide the result of Baltimore’s 2024 marketing campaign. If the crew’s offensive line can stand tall, Jackson and the Ravens may be capable of proper the ship towards a protection that was gashed in Week 2.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Between average and common
The Jaguars haven’t misplaced both of their video games — towards formidable opponents — by greater than 5 factors, however in addition they haven’t appeared notably refined up to now. Jacksonville ranks 26th in PFF total grade and has a number of professional issues to repair (excluding Trevor Lawrence).
A serious headache is the offensive line, which sits 25th in PFF pass-blocking grade and 29th in run-blocking grade. Lawrence has been pressured on 38.7% of his dropbacks and is averaging solely 2.37 seconds earlier than he offers with a defender in his face. In specific, second-year sort out Anton Harrison has regressed, already permitting seven pressures.
Defensively, Jacksonville has not been in a position to wrap up nicely in any respect, with the crew’s 16% missed sort out fee tying for twenty-fourth. Ryan Nielsen’s contingent has been ineffective in a number of different classes, together with run protection (22nd in crew grade) and protection (twenty second).
The Jaguars face a do-or-die matchup on Monday Night Football towards the Bills, and so they don’t have many layups on the horizon past Week 3. There’s nonetheless room for optimism, given Lawrence, first-rounder Brian Thomas Jr. and a revamped protection, however the clock is ticking to right errors — a lot of which have appeared inexplicable underneath head coach Doug Pederson.
Indianapolis Colts: Above common
Much like their division rival, the Colts have misplaced solely shut affairs in 2024. The main caveat, although, is that one got here towards a crew down its beginning quarterback, in a recreation that in all probability ought to’ve been received.
Indianapolis’ whole operation revolves round second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson, whose inexperience has manifested by means of two video games. The former No. 4 total decide has assuredly supplied highlights however hasn’t honed his craft but. Richardson ranks 23rd in PFF total and passing grades, and his 5 turnover-worthy throws are tied for the second most amongst signal-callers.
The Colts’ protection, rating 24th in crew grade, hasn’t indicated a lot progress, both. Gus Bradley’s run-defense unit has been victimized by opposing offensive coordinators, with Indianapolis enjoying essentially the most snaps towards the run whereas concurrently allowing essentially the most speeding yards within the league (494). On prime of the prevailing struggles, dropping inside defender DeForest Buckner for 4 weeks and cornerback JuJu Brents for the season received’t assist.
If Richardson’s up-and-down play continues all through his first actual 12 months of beginning within the NFL, it will likely be tough to suppose that Shane Steichen’s play-calling can dig the Colts out from this early gap.
Tennessee Titans: Above common
Tennessee represents one other crew with a pair of one-score losses to high quality opponents. However, there’s much more malfunctioning occurring underneath the hood.
The dialog has to start with quarterback Will Levis, whose begin to his second 12 months has been nothing wanting nightmarish (and with no scarcity of meme potential, both). Among quarterbacks with 20-plus dropbacks, Levis ranks 29th in PFF total grade (46.9) and thirty first in passing grade (42.1), producing big-time throws on solely 3.1% of makes an attempt.
The safety round Levis additionally hasn’t been stellar. Tennessee locations 26th in crew pass-blocking grade, and sort out Nicholas Petit-Frere leads all gamers in pressures allowed (11). Three different titans (J.C. Latham, Peter Skoronski and Dillon Radunz) have given up six or extra pressures of their very own.
Tennessee’s protection has struggled in run protection, with a 39.8 crew grade (31st), and protection additionally hasn’t been a robust swimsuit (twentieth in crew grade). Getting dwelling with strain has been one other problem, with the Titans accruing solely 19 pressures — the third fewest within the NFL.
Dennard Wilson’s protection ought to develop, particularly given some strong early showings from newcomers Ernest Jones and Chidobe Awuzie. At the tip of the day, although, most success will boil right down to Levis’ play, and the longer-form outcomes aren’t particularly encouraging.
Denver Broncos: High
After an 8-9 report in Sean Payton’s first season, there was a little bit of optimism that an upward trajectory would ensue for the Broncos in 2024. Not solely has that not occurred within the early going, however there appears to be little room for promise.
Following a robust preseason, rookie quarterback Bo Nix has left tons to be desired in his first two NFL video games. Nix ranks 37th in PFF total and passing grades, committing 4 turnover-worthy performs relative to just one big-time throw. The most alarming side of Nix’s recreation is his lack of accuracy down the sphere: He has accomplished simply 5 of twenty-two throws (22.7%) past 9 yards.
To be honest, Nix hasn’t obtained a lot assist. Denver ranks 29th in crew receiving grade, thirty first in speeding grade and 22nd in pass-blocking grade.
Vance Joseph’s protection has been equally victimized, sitting 29th in total grade. Even with Patrick Surtain II, protection has been a problem, with solely P.J. Locke slotting in with a protection mark above 70.0.
Given Nix’s early woes and the Broncos’ diminishing defensive expertise, it seems that 2024 might be one other developmental 12 months for Payton out West.
Los Angeles Rams: High
It’s secure to say the Rams’ quest for consecutive playoff berths couldn’t have began a lot worse.
Even with Matthew Stafford and Kyren Williams, Los Angeles’ offense is in shambles due to accidents. The receiving corps will doubtless be with out each Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua till midseason, with each doubtlessly headed for injured reserve. That leaves Colby Parkinson, Williams, Tutu Atwell and Demarcus Robinson as main pass-catchers for Stafford, with none exceeding a 69.9 PFF receiving grade.
Likewise, the offensive line is in disarray following a glut of accidents, together with to Steve Avila and Jonah Jackson. Without most of its beginning bunch, Los Angeles’ offensive line has been arguably the worst within the league, allowing a 42.4% strain fee (29th) and 6 sacks (tied for third worst) by means of two video games.
Sean McVay’s protection can be not wanting promising. The unit was vaporized by Kyler Murray and the Cardinals in Week 2 after being shocked by the Lions in Week 1. Altogether, the Rams’ protection ranks final in yards per play allowed (6.8) and anticipated factors allowed per play.
The 2022 Rams largely collapsed on account of accidents, notably to Stafford. If he and Williams can keep wholesome, there’s a slight silver lining for McVay, however an eerily comparable feeling is palpable in 2024. It’s exhausting to count on higher outcomes given the astounding lack of expertise this early.
New York Giants: Extremely excessive
Daniel Jones and Brian Daboll entered 2024 understanding it was a make-or-break season, and the harm may already be irreparable.
Despite enjoying higher in Week 2, Jones has nonetheless been a below-average quarterback, rating twentieth in PFF passing grade (minimal of 20 dropbacks) with just one big-time throw throughout 70 makes an attempt. The most damning half is that the Giants’ offensive line is definitely defending him significantly better — rating sixth in pass-blocking grade — to not point out that each Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson have flashed.
New York’s protection has been higher than the offense, however nonetheless not as stingy as anticipated. Only three gamers (Dexter Lawrence, Micah McFadden and Dru Phillips) have PFF total grades above 71.0, as Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux have but to search out their footing on the sting.
Shane Bowen’s protection may fare higher because the season progresses, particularly anticipating extra from its three-tiered expertise. But it’s exhausting to fathom that Big Blue’s offense will enhance a lot from its rating of 26th in anticipated factors allowed per play. With nothing however formidable matchups upcoming, issues may get ugly quick — doubtlessly resulting in Jones’ benching.
Carolina Panthers: Is this factor nonetheless on?
Somehow, 0-2 doesn’t do the Panthers justice.
Carolina has been outscored 73-13 in two video games and is the worst crew in PFF total grade (47.7) by 2.5 factors. Neither the crew’s offense nor protection ranks higher than 31st in grade.
Widespread hopes had been to see progress from the Panthers’ offense underneath Dave Canales, however there have hardly been any saving graces. Despite including Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette, plus signing Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, quarterback Bryce Young by some means regressed from a dismal rookie 12 months. After ending with the worst PFF passing grade within the NFL (by virtually 10 factors) by means of Week 2, Young had the plug pulled in favor of 36-year-old Andy Dalton, whose ceiling is extraordinarily restricted.
Somehow, Carolina’s protection has been almost as dangerous. After the lack of stud defensive lineman Derrick Brown, hardly any star energy stays. The Panthers are 27th in anticipated factors allowed play and 31st in scoring drive share allowed (60.9%), with no defender grading above a 66.7 mark.
It can be straightforward to chalk up these first two weeks to rising pains underneath Canales, however these metrics converse to one thing way more profound (and horrifying). Unless Dalton can energize this passing assault — or a revitalized Young can come into play later within the 12 months — there’s a robust risk that the Panthers will end with two or fewer wins for the second straight 12 months and are again within the draft’s driver’s seat.