What to Look for in Week 2

More Quarterback Hits

The NFL made illegal formation a “point of emphasis” this season. In week 1 there were 21 flags thrown for it, with 14 accepted – the most since 2006. There are endless ways to draw an Illegal Formation foul, but the league seems to be particularly targeting tackles and where they line up. For years, they have been getting away with lining up off the line of scrimmage, which gives them an advantage to get outside quicker against pass rushers.

With offensive tackles being forced to line up correctly, it gives edge rushers an advantage. In week 1, Steelers All-Pro outside linebacker TJ Watt lined up wider than usual, so much so that the announcers even noticed and mentioned it as he continuously beat Falcons OT Kaleb McGary and wrecked the game.

The sack rate was at 8% in week 1 as opposed to 6.6% for the last 10 years. This could be a direct result of the correct alignment of tackles, or shaking off the rust due to limited preseason and training camp reps. It will be interesting to see how those numbers look throughout the season and if there is an uptick in QBs getting roughed up by edge rushers, ultimately causing the league to ease up on flagging offensive tackles.

Los Angeles Chargers are Physical

FanDuel Sportsbook had the Chargers win total at 8.5 games before the season, basically stating that Jim Harbaughs team would be average in 2024. The Michigan National Champion was brought in to start a full rebuild of the team and transform them into winners.

The first and most important thing in rebuilding a team is changing the culture. For Harbaugh, that begins with toughness. From his days coaching the 49ers or more recently, the University of Michigan – there is no denying the physically imposing mentality that his teams and players carry. This was represented in just his first game as new Chargers Head Coach.

The Chargers are said to be short on talent, soft and downright unlucky. Harbaugh will contest that by stressing the fundamentals of teamwork and the game of football itself. Last week, they were seen playing physical with good leverage and running to the football on defense. Last week they imposed their will by sticking with the run game and wearing down the Raiders front. Los Angeles outscored Las Vegas 16-3 in the second half to start their season 1-0.

This should be an interesting team in 2024 and a lot of fun to watch. They won’t wow anyone with dynamic playmakers or flashy players, but they are going to beat some teams up. I’ll be interested to see what team’s records are the week after they play the Chargers, especially later in the season. That type of physicality and punishment they will be dishing out will be recognized throughout the league. Don’t be surprised to see this team bully their way into a Wildcard spot.

Michael Penix Chatter To Heat Up

In Week 2 Kirk Cousins and his Atlanta Falcons travel to Philadelphia to face the Eagles in primetime on Monday Night Football. Much has been said about Cousins’ primetime woes and you better believe the Philadelphia fans know about it.

Cousins carries a career 12-20 primetime record into MNF this week. In his highly anticipated debut in Atlanta, he threw for just 155 yards and 1 touchdown, along with 2 interceptions and was sacked twice in a loss to Pittsburgh. This started some questioning of his ability at 36 years old as well as his health coming off a torn Achilles.

With a primetime game on the horizon and a #8 overall pick QB Michael Penix breathing down his neck, Cousins will need a good showing to keep the naysayers quiet. With another primetime blunder, the media and Falcons fans could start calling for Penix to take over right away.  Many thought he was NFL ready and showcased the ability to start in his limited preseason play.

Kirk Cousins contract and NFL experience likely buys him the starting spot for the foreseeable future, but that won’t necessarily stop the chatter. Falcons fans have been without a franchise QB since Matt Ryan came apart and have been hungry for one ever since (luckily) missing out on Deshaun Watson. Look for the Penix discussion to come up if Cousins has another primetime stinker on Monday Night.