2008 Vikings are a role model for 0-2 start There were eight teams that started 0-2 heading into the Monday night game between the Colts and Dolphins. Last year, 11 teams started 0-2, but three of them -- the Dolphins, Chargers and Vikings -- ended up making the playoffs. Since 1990, when the NFL playoffs were expanded to 12 teams, 160 teams had started 0-2 through last season. Of those, only 13.8 percent (22) made the playoffs. Only 10 of those won their division. Just two seasons ago, the Giants started 0-2 on their way to beating the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Yes, the same Patriots that went 16-0.
Three biggest surprises so far 1. The Jets being 2-0. Rookie head coach Rex Ryan has done everything right so far. He gave rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez a starring role in the offense rather than hide him in a conservative attack. He stood up to Bill Belichick and then delivered a potential signature victory over the Patriots. And his defense is the first since 2006 to not allow a rushing or passing touchdown through two games.
2. New England is one boneheaded decision by Leodis McKelvin from being 0-2 in Tom Brady's return. If McKelvin, the Bills' kickoff returner, takes a knee in the end zone on that kickoff in Week 1, the Patriots are probably 0-2 instead of 1-1 heading into Sunday's home game against Atlanta.
3. The Titans being 0-2. The magic that carried Kerry Collins through the 2008 regular season is long gone, for now at least. Of the eight teams that were 0-2 before the Monday night game, Tennessee is the best bet to make the playoffs. But they had better turn it around soon because they have a road game against the Jets on Sunday.
Brees is at it again A year ago, he threatened Dan Marino's record for passing yards in a season. Now, Saints quarterback Drew Brees is making people research touchdown passes in a season. With three more in Sunday's victory over the Eagles, Brees has nine for the season. That ties him with former St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (1965) for the most through the first two games of a season.
MARK CRAIG
