NFL Mailbag: Rookies, Injuries, Fines, and Winless Playoff Teams
This week we discussed rookie quarterbacks and running back injuries. Also, which winless team could make the playoffs and the Seahawks punishment for offseason violations. Welcome to our weekly NFL mailbag.
Some started from the beginning, others have been awarded opportunity via injury. Which rookie quarterback will be the most productive in Week [Three]? –Blake B. (Plano, TX)
Three, possibly four rookie quarterbacks will start games during Week Three of the NFL season. The Browns, Cowboys, Eagles, and Patriots all could start rookies with Cody Kessler of the Browns and Jacoby Brissett for New England getting the first starts of their careers.
Both Dak Prescott and Carson Wentz for Dallas and Philadelphia respectively have been impressive during the first two weeks of the season. For the upcoming week, matchups will play a role in which young quarterback will be the most productive.
While no one should doubt a Bill Belichick gameplan at this point, Brissett getting his first start on a short week against a good defense doesn’t bode well. Kessler faces another good defense and the Browns lack a strong supporting cast to mask poor quarterback play. Wentz has been impressive thus far but the Steelers pose a different challenge. Expect Prescott to be the most productive against the Bears, at home, in front of a national TV audience.
Which 0-2 team can make the playoffs? -Jennifer C. (Downers Grove, IL)
Initial thoughts … None. Only the Bears, Saints, and Washington are winless in the NFC and none seem likely to make the playoffs. In the AFC, Indianapolis has the best chance. Miami and Buffalo are in a tough division, Cleveland is Cleveland, and the Jaguars while improved are still a year or two away.
Seven running backs were injured during Week [Two] games and did not return. Which of the bunch will be the most missed by his team next week? -Justin G. (Hyattsville, MD)
Wow, last week really took a toll on running backs and it is likely that none of the injured return to action in Week Three. Fortunately, teams have transitioned into understanding the importance of multiple running backs and no team should really falter without their number one option. That said, it’s obviously hard to replace a talent like Adrian Peterson. While the Vikings looked competitive even after his absence, it’s likely Minnesota misses their number one option the most.
AROUND COVER32
Power Rankings: Patriots on top going into Week 3
Highlights Watch the top plays from Sunday’s games
NFL: Week 2 winners and losers
Fantasy Football: DFS picks for Week 2
In your opinion, did the punishment fit the crime in Seattle? -Dennis N. (Portland, OR)
Seattle was fined $400,000 and will lose both their fifth-round pick and a week of OTAs next season for violating contact rules during the offseason. Head coach Pete Carroll was also fined $200,000 individually.
The Seahawks faced penalties in 2012 and 2014 for a violation of similar rules. Due to these previous penalties, increased repercussions were levied on Monday. Following multiple infractions the penalty probably does fit the crime, but issued in the interest of player safety falls short of recent occurrences.
Overall, Seattle was fined $600,000 along with the forfeited practices and loss of a draft pick for practicing too hard. Just last week, two Broncos were fined $42,540 for illegal hits, or 7% of the fine the Seahawks were imposed. The NFL preaches player safety, but their actions warrant a different justification of the rules.
The post NFL Mailbag: Rookies, Injuries, Fines, and Winless Playoff Teams appeared first on Cover32.
