The Philadelphia Eagles have turned the ball over nine times in their first two games. But the only number they care about is that 2-0 record.
Philadelphia is only the fifth team in the last 50 years to start 2-0 despite having at least four turnovers in each of its first two games.
And the Eagles weren’t the only team to find a way to win despite being careless with the ball.
The Cardinals, Rams and Giants all lost the turnover battle but won their games Sunday.
Arizona had two fumbles, but its defense only allowed one touchdown against the high-powered New England offense in the day’s biggest upset.
St. Louis had three turnovers, including a critical fumble by Daryl Richardson as the Rams held a three-point lead late in the fourth quarter against the Redskins. It opened the door for Robert Griffin III, but the Redskins made their own mistakes on their final drive, and the Rams prevailed after Billy Cundiff missed a 62-yard field goal.
The Giants overcame three first-half interceptions by Eli Manning, one of which was returned for a touchdown by Tampa Bay’s Eric Wright.
Those four turnover-prone teams won by an average of 3.25 points, but they found a way to victory.
Can these teams continue to turn the ball over and win?
It’s not likely.
Of the top eight teams in turnover margin in 2011, seven made the postseason.
For one week, teams were able to overcome giving the ball away. But don’t expect winning despite turnovers to become a trend.
– Jeffrey Tomik
