Editors Note:- Throughout the season we’ll be asking Toilets to Titles team members to answer us a few questions.
Today we have Coach Schepps, Social Media Extraordinaire Steven Spaccarotelli, and Mike Jernigan to answer some questions on after two weeks.
Out of all the teams which one has shown you something over the first two weeks of the season that you think is repeatable?
Schepps – This may sound like me speaking with my heart and not my head but I truly believe this Dallas defense has turned the corner. They are forcing turnovers at a regular rate and are playing fast and aggressive. I believe they will continue having Trevon Diggs shadow their opponents number 1 wide receiver and they will continue to use Micah Parsons where he will best help the team.
Spaccs – Carolina offense. Sam Darnold comes into the best cast of support he’s seen in his career. Wide Receivers, Christian McCaffrey, better offensive line. Darnold is at his best 20 yards and in and able to push the ball down field when called to do so and that fits what Matt Rhule does. The defense was a sleeper of mine coming into the season. They have invested and hit on draft for their defense. You could call a couple of guys the anchors but Jeremy Chinn is a HUGE piece of that defense and he’s in his 2nd season.
Jernigan – Arizona has surprised me so far. They are top 5 in the NFL in points/game, yards/game, points/play, yards/play, and TDs/game. Kyler Murray has the skills and athleticism to have an MVP type season. He is clicking with all his Wide Receivers right now and that core with DeAndre Hopkins, Christian Kirk, and rookie Rondale Moore (all over 100 yards already on the season), are a problem for defenses to handle. The defense is also playing great right now and if they can play as a top 10 unit throughout the season, this team will make some noise in the playoffs.
What player has impressed you the most after two weeks?
Schepps – It’s gotta be Cooper Kupp. When Matthew Stafford was traded to Los Angeles, I knew it was going to result in a major production increase for the Rams receivers but I never thought it would have an impact like this. Through 2 games, Cooper Kupp has 16 receptions for 271 yards and 3 TDs. Kupp and Stafford are on the same page and it does not look like they’ll be slowing down anytime soon.
Spaccs – Derek Carr. Carr hasn’t been the most sought after Quarterback over the years. He has bought into Jon Gruden and Gruden has bought into him. Gruden has convinced him that he is his guy and to tune out the noise from the outside. Carr has a decent cast around him including one of the best Tight Ends in the game. I think what he has done between last season and the first 2 weeks will continue. He plays within the game and the system which has allowed them to win some big games. Not saying he’s a top guy but he’s clearly leading that team and he’s been impressive lately considering what his career has been.
Jernigan – Player that has impressed me the most so far is Tyler Lockett. He has always been a receiving threat in Seattle, but he has made huge plays and put up big numbers in both games so far. He is averaging 23 yards/reception so far and is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. (3 TDs on the season on 12 receptions, 1 TD for every 4 catches).
Is there any player you’re will to say you hit or missed on at this early point of the season?
Schepps – I wouldn’t say that this is a miss but I would say I’m a little disappointed in how Antonio Gibson has looked this season. I was expecting explosive plays on the ground and chunk plays through the air. When I’ve watched him the first two weeks, I have seen a good back but not an elite one. I also see him being replaced on passing downs which is a little alarming.
Spaccs – Brandon Aiyuk is a guy I’m still high on even though he’s been disappointing the first 2 weeks. He played very well as a rookie and I don’t believe that will just go away. Don’t give up yet. He’s been working through a hamstring strain and he just needs to be able to get in repetitions as Head Coach Shanahan has said meaning he needs to be healthy to get back to that point. We saw this with Deebo Samuel last year too. I’m not concerned with Aiyuk at this point. Darnold was a guy that I was high on and able to draft later given the situation, weapons, and system that he was in. It was just a matter if he could put the past behind him. So far he has and has performed.
Jernigan – I’m willing to admit that missed on Mac Jones in my pre draft process. In the tape I watched on him, I was convinced that he was too stiff and just didn’t have the natural ability to be a good NFL Quarterback. Through two games, he has looked like a stud. I expect him to have some rookie, bonehead mistake type games but even when he does, he’s earned my trust that he has the skills to be the long term answer for the Patriots.
