One of the great things about the NFL, is the parity throughout the years. It is most definitely a cyclical league, with every team having success, unlike some other professional leagues where there is an inherent advantage for the super rich, and big market teams.
In the NFL, it is about as even as you can get, and it shows on the field.
We had a couple of crazy finishes, and unexpected outcomes in Week 2 of the 2012 NFL Season, highlighted by a shocker in New England, and a surprise in North Carolina.
The Arizona Cardinals went on the road and knocked off the mighty Patriots 20-18 to move to 2-0 on the season, while New England falls to 1-1. The Patriots were one of the biggest favorites going into the week on betting lines, with New England having been expected to roll.
But Kevin Kolb played well, and the Cardinals defense stepped up and prevented Brady from making hardly any big plays during the afternoon. And as a result, Arizona no doubt feels like they stole one coming back home.
A few hundred miles south, a clash in the NFC between division rivals was taking place. The Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints squared off, each looking to avoid an 0-2 start. The Saint had already been surprised by Robert Griffin III and the Washington Redskins in Week 1. It wasn’t going to happen again right?
Wrong.
Cam Newton rebounded from a disappointing opener to lead the Panthers to a huge win at home over the Saints. And just like that, New Orleans falls to 0-2 on the season. Could it be that the distractions from the offseason has been too much to overcome for right now?
It just may be the case.
The losses by New Endlang and New Orleans were certainly surprising, but at least for the Saints, that can take solace in the fact that there is a long way to go in the season. But history has shown it to be very difficult. Since 1973, only 22 teams have started 0-2 on the season, and then gone on to make the postseason.
It just shows how getting off to a positive start is so important. On the other side of the ball for Carolina, this could very well be the biggest victory of their season.
I wonder what Week 3 of the NFL Season has in store for us?