Of the 2-0 teams in the NFL, six didn’t make the playoffs last season. Isn’t parity great?
The Bears, Bucs, Dolphins and Chiefs combined to go 21-43 last year, but each team has won their first two games this season. So what’s changed?
Chicago Bears
An 0-4 preseason in which the Bears scored 11.5 points a game had people questioning Chicago’s offensive scheme under new coordinator Mike Martz. Well, Jay Cutler has thrown for 649 yards and five touchdowns in wins over Detroit and Dallas.
Key to keep winning » Cutler’s ability to take care of the football — he has one interception this season after throwing a league-high 26 last year.
Tampa Bay Bucs
It doesn’t hurt that the Bucs opened the season against the Browns and Panthers. Josh Freeman and rookie Mike Williams have connected on a touchdown in each of the first two games.
Key to keep winning » It all comes down to the maturation of Freeman and Williams and a young defense that allowed 25 points a game last season.
Miami Dolphins
Adding a dynamic receiver like Brandon Marshall to the rushing attack of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams makes the Dolphins more of a duel threat on offense. But it’s been the defense that’s led Miami to a 2-0 start — holding its first two opponents to 10 points each.
Key to keep winning » Miami has to control the clock and force turnovers — they intercepted Brett Favre three times on Sunday.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have become a fun team to watch with the speed of Jamaal Charles in the backfield and Dexter McCluster and Javier Arenas returning kicks.
Key to keep winning » The Chiefs have spent a top-five pick on Glen Dorsey, Tyson Jackson and Eric Berry the last three years. Their young defenders must live up to those high expectations.
