The National Football League is fully underway for 2021 and it is time to discuss all major topics that have become a storyline this season. The most noticeable difference from last year has been the electric stadium atmosphere’s with fans being back. With home crowds being a thing in 2021, the league has such a more even playing field. Let’s take a dive into a few major items to discuss as we approach week three of the NFL.
The Undefeated
The Bucs, 49ers, Broncos, Raiders, Panthers, Rams, and Cardinals all have yet to be beaten this year. Obviously, a few of these teams were expected to start hot but the Panthers, Broncos, and Raiders have been the best stories of this season so far and it all starts with their signal callers.
Derek Carr has been highly criticized throughout his career but he has also constantly produced great offensive numbers. Do not forget the Raiders had a bottom five defense last season and things seems to have changed on that side of the ball which makes managing the game that much easier for Carr.
Bridgewater is doing just enough to win games by not turning the ball over. Tim Patrick has had a breakout season so far at the receiver position and the Denver defense remains a top 10 unit in the league. The AFC West just might be the best division in the AFC. The NFC West has no doubt being the most difficult division in the NFC with three of the four teams being 2-0. (Rams, Cardinals, 49ers)
Then, there is Sam Darnold. The man who was labeled a complete bust shows second chances are well deserved. Now that he is in Carolina he is showing why he was once a top draft pick in the NFL. As the Panthers are now 3-0 they have a lot of optimism under second year Head Coach Matt Rhule.
The Buccaneers and Rams face off this weekend. Offering a guarantee for one less undefeated team after three weeks of the 2021 season is in the history books. Regardless of one of these teams being 2-1 after this weekend they will still both be contenders in the NFC positioned to play January football.
The MVP Race
Tom Brady is obviously a leader with his nine Touchdowns to start the season and a 2-0 start. A win over the Rams in week three would definitely put him as the clear cut leader. Kyler Murray has been absolutely terrific leading the charge for his playoff hopeful Arizona Cardinals.
The most unexpected player making a case for the MVP in 2021 is Derek Carr. Carr has willed his team to two straight victories over the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. Going into Pittsburgh is a matchup most teams don’t have success with but nothing has seemed to stop the Las Vegas Raiders yet this season. Carr currently leads the NFL in pass yards. He fully utilizes his weapons of Henry Ruggs and Darren Waller to make every game difficult for opposing defenses. The future only knows if this Las Vegas train can keep rolling.
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-Fred O’Brien (@FOBSportsNFL)
