NFL Week 1 always creates overcorrections, but Week 2 usually tells us what’s true and what’s not about most teams. The Kansas City Chiefs, who lost to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday to fall to 0-2, better not hope that’s the case.
Here are disappointing teams and players from Week 2 with a rating on our panic meter. (A “10” is hair-on-fire level of panic.)
Kansas City Chiefs
Panic meter rating: 5.5/10
The Chiefs simply aren’t good now. Through two games, Kansas City ranks 25th in the NFL in points per game (19), 28th in completion percentage (58.8 percent), 22nd in offensive success rate (42.9 percent) and last in defensive success rate (50 percent). Without WRs Rashee Rice (suspension) and Xavier Worthy (injured), this offense is a mess not even QB Patrick Mahomes can clean up.
Per Dan Treacy of The Sporting News, dating to 2020, 42 teams have started the year 0-2. Only five (11.9 percent) made the playoffs.
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy
Panic meter rating: 6/10
After a heroic fourth quarter in his NFL debut, a 27-24 win over the Chicago Bears, McCarthy came back to Earth in Week 2. The 22-year-old completed just 11 of his 21 pass attempts for 158 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions in a 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Through two weeks, McCarthy ranks last among qualified quarterbacks in EPA per play (-0.354) and 31st in success rate (41.7 percent). He gets a slight pass because he welcomed his first child on Thursday, but McCarthy must show improvement soon.
Jaguars Trevor Lawrence-Brian Thomas Jr. connection
Panic meter rating: 6.5/10
Lawrence and Thomas haven’t been in sync to start the season. Through two games for the 1-1 Jaguars, Thomas has reeled in only five of his 19 targets for 60 yards and no touchdowns. To make matters worse, the Pro Bowl wide receiver has two drops (per Pro Football Focus) and head-scratching plays on tape.
This content was brought to you by: Yardbarker: NFL
