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Around the NFL: Seven observations through three weeks

We are nearly a quarter of the way through the NFL season. With 14 weeks left, anything can happen. Here’s a look at what I’ve seen so far around the league.

  1. The Bears are – and aren’t – what we thought they were

Before the season, the Bears promised a lights-out defense complimented by an innovative and modern offensive scheme. So far, Bears fans have only seen the lights-out defense. The offense has looked mediocre, at best. Quarterback Mitch Trubisky is not living up to expectations, as he’s looked out of sync and inaccurate. Head coach Matt Nagy’s play calling has not helped the offense out either, failing to cater to Trubisky and the offense’s strengths. The Bears better hope their elite defense can carry them while the offense continues to try and find their footing.

  1. The Packers are back

As a Bears fan, this is painful to say. This is the best defense they have had since their last Super Bowl win in 2010. Their defense allows less than 12 points per game. This greatly helps out quarterback Aaron Rodgers as he works out the kinks in head coach Matt LaFleur’s offense. Expect defensive coordinator Mike Pettine to be a head coach again soon.

  1. The Colts are not seeing a drop-off with Jacoby Brissett

When quarterback Andrew Luck shockingly announced his retirement, there was speculation the Colts would tank for Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert. However, quarterback Jacoby Brissett has been just fine. He finished Sunday’s game completing 28 of his 37 passes for 310 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions after completing his first 16 passes. If Brissett continues to play well, the Colts will roll through the AFC South.

  1. Don’t let the Cowboys’ start fool you

Cowboys’ offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is emphasizing play action passing with intricate receiver motions and position tweaks. Quarterback Dak Prescott is thriving off of it, ranking second in touchdown passes and passer rating on the season. However, consider the opposing defenses Dallas has gone up against are ranked 31st, 28th and 32nd respectively. Week five against the Packers will be a big test to show if the Cowboys are for real or a fluke.

  1. Cam Newton is on the decline

Watching Newton throw has become painful to watch. You can tell that he is only using his arm without his shoulders when throwing, which results in inaccurate throws downfield. It is looking like the hits that Newton has taken are beginning to catch up to him. It could be the end of an era in Charlotte.

  1. Give Denver’s defense some time

Vic Fangio came to Denver after overseeing a historically good Bears defense last season. So far, the Bears have 11 sacks and six takeaways while the Broncos have zero in both categories. Much of it is due to the talent gap between Denver and Chicago’s defenses. If Fangio is given time, Denver’s defense could prosper.

  1. The Dolphins are bad

That’s it. The Dolphins are in uncharted waters when it comes to bad teams. The Fins have lost their first three games by a respective 49, 43 and 25 points. Even worse, their negative 117-point differential is the third worst through three games in NFL history and the worst since the 1970 merger. They would make the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2008 Detroit Lions and 2017 Cleveland Browns look like playoff teams. 0-16 is inevitable. If the Dolphins can hit big on at least a quarter of their 12 draft picks in 2020 and nine the year after, there could be some hope. But not this year.

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