Every year, I look at the 2-0 and 0-2 teams in the NFL season and wonder if this is just a lucky/bad start or if it is a harbinger of things to come. I mean, 2-0 teams have crashed and burned while 0-2 teams have made the playoffs. Which are legit ... which are flukes ... and which are on the fence? So, let's have a look, shall we?
2-0
PATRIOTS: Well, they've done nothing but blow out the Jets [their biggest threat in the AFC East] and the Chargers [one of the other AFC contenders] thus fulfilling everyone's belief that they will bowl over the conference and win a 4th title. Oh, and now they have a huge chip on their shoulder. LEGIT.
COLTS: Indy doesn't lose in September ... and they still haven't. Actually, they have been pretty impressive. They blew out the Saints and beat [while struggling] against the Titans. Did you expect anything else? LEGIT.
TEXANS: How about them Texans? Houston has looked really good coming out of the gate, blowing up the Chiefs and Panthers. The running game has been on point and Andre Johnson has been a freakin' stud. With the Jags and Titans struggling a bit ... the door is open for them to push for a playoff spot. LEGIT.
STEELERS: Pittsburgh has picked up where they left off in 2005 ... just with a new attittude. Big Ben has thrived in the revamped offense. They only thing is they beat the Browns and Bills, which isn't supposed to be tough. Let's see how this turns out. ON THE FENCE.
BRONCOS: This one is pretty tough. Denver needed a hurry up field goal to beat the Bills ... and an overtime field goal to beat the Raiders. That really doesn't look too good. Still, this is a team that can challenge for the AFC West and has already won two close games, showing poise. LEGIT.
COWBOYS: America's Team has had their offense on point thus far ... but the defense hasn't been as good as advertised. They let the Giants walk over them and the Dolphins, despite all their offensive woes, did nearly the same. Dallas must get that side of the ball together if they think this will be anything more than an NFC East race. ON THE FENCE.
REDSKINS: Washington's defense has been outstanding so far ... and the offense has been fairly effective. However, Miami and Philly have all sorts of issues and the Skins have a hellacious schedule coming up. FLUKE.
PACKERS: Green Bay, like Washington, has been beating up on teams with some issues. The Packers have done so with an emerging defense, a stable of no-name backs and Brett Favre's arm. Will this continue? Well, will find out in the next month when G-Bay takes on a tough section of schedule. ON THE FENCE.
LIONS: Beating Oakland and Minnesota doesn't get me too giddy. Let's see how they fare against the upcoming schedule before I jump on this bandwagon. FLUKE.
NINERS: Hmm, the Niners, Cowboys and Packers are all 2-0 [plus OJ is in legal trouble] so we must be back in 1994, eh? This Niners team is built on tough running and a very potent defense. They also have a pretty favorable schedule. LEGIT.
Charlotte Hornets [WFL]
Detroit Drive [Arena]
Chicago Fire [WFL]
Detroit Wheels [WFL]
Honolulu Hawaiians [WFL]
Memphis Grizzlies [WFL]
Philadelphia Bells [WFL]
Southern Califronia Sun [WFL]
Arizona Wranglers [USFL]
Baltimore Stars [USFL]
Portland Breakers [USFL]
Orlando Thunder [WLAF]
Birmingham Bolts [XFL]
Charlotte Rage [Arena]
Denver Dynamite [Arena]
Miami Hooters [Arena]
Memphis Pharoahs [Arena]
New England Steamrollers [Arena]
New Orleans Night [Arena]
Iowa Barnstormers [Arena]
Colorado Venom [NIFL]
Daytona Beach Thunder [WIFL]
Cincinnati Sizzle [NWFA]
Tuscon Inferno [WSFL]
Miami Sharks [Any Given Sunday]
