Bengals can still reach the playoffs despite 0-2 start

Two weeks of data, two weeks of evidence.

Last week, I wrote in this room about rookie quarterbacks needing more time, and that continues to be the case. I also raised concerns about Antonio Pierce and the Las Vegas Raiders, which were allayed by a thrilling comeback against the Baltimore Ravens.

In this week's Sixpack, we delve into what's going on with the Cincinnati Bengals, whether Bryce Young has a future in the NFL, the injury problems of the San Francisco 49ers, and much more.

Let us delve into this.

patience: The Bengals and their playoff chances

Historically, teams that start 0-2 have an 11.5% chance of making the playoffs, but that hasn't bothered the Bengals in the past, who put themselves in that position in 2022 and still reached the AFC championship game.

Although its prospects for a top seed have diminished significantly, Cincinnati should be encouraged by its performance in Kansas City. The Bengals should also be pleased with their upcoming schedule, which includes games against the Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants over the next four weeks.

With receiver Tee Higgins close to returning from his hamstring injury, a solid performance in Week 2, and easier going forward, Cincinnati will likely have momentum.

panic: Everything about the defense of the Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia's defense was a disaster down the stretch last season and proved to be the main reason the Eagles slipped from 10–1 to 11–6 and were eliminated in the wild-card season. Unfortunately for Philly fans, nothing has changed.

After allowing 414 yards and 29 points to the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, the unit collapsed again on Monday night, surrendering a lead to Kirk Cousins ​​and the Atlanta Falcons late in the game on a six-play, 70-yard drive that lasted just 65 seconds despite Atlanta running out of timeouts.

Overall, Philadelphia allows 6.9 yards per game league-wide, while tying for 27th with the Panthers with 7.2 net yards allowed per pass attempt. Next are the New Orleans Saints, who average 45.5 points per game.

patience: Travis Kelce's lack of productivity

Through the first two weeks of the season, Kelce has four catches for 39 yards. In his entire career, his worst two-game performance was Weeks 5 and 7 in 2014 (Week 6 was a bye), when he managed just 48 yards against the 49ers and Los Angeles Chargers.

Despite being 34 years old, Kelce is still moving well. On Sunday, he had a 41-yard catch-and-run canceled for a holding penalty. If that had stayed that way, Kelce would be at 80 yards and on his way to 680. A huge drop from his normal numbers, but also nothing to worry about.

If this continues in the next few weeks, we will review the situation again.

panic: Bryce Young's career prospects

Young has played in 18 NFL games and has had more head coaches (three) than wins (two). Now the third of those coaches, Dave Canales, is benching Young after he's had a terrible start to 2024 that includes zero touchdowns and three interceptions.

The decision means Young’s career is already at a crossroads. Carolina has a good chance of being the most dysfunctional team in the league, led by an impatient owner, David Tepper. The best thing might be a fresh start somewhere else, but Young has been so bad that it's hard to imagine anyone giving up more than a late-round draft pick.

When he looks at his numbers, is in last place among the starting quarterbacks in EPA/game at -0.514, completion percentage above expected (-11.0), and success rate (29.2%) after two weeks. Last season, he ranked 31st, 24th, and 31st in those respective categories among quarterbacks with at least 300 games played.

Given the circumstances in Charlotte, there is a world where we have already seen the majority of Young's NFL action.

patience: The 49ers' injury concerns at the start of the season

San Francisco suffered a surprise loss at Minnesota on Sunday and then learned that receiver Deebo Samuel will be out for several weeks with a calf injury.

With Samuel unable to play and Christian McCaffrey, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year, already on the injured list due to Achilles tendonitis, the Niners are suddenly limited on offense.

Still, it remains one of the best teams in the league with plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. The offense still features tight end George Kittle and receiver Brandon Aiyuk, while the defense, led by linebacker Fred Warner, features All-Pros at every level.

It's never ideal when injuries pile up, but assuming McCaffrey and Samuel are back and healthy in the relatively near future, the 49ers will get through it.

panic: The Chicago Bears' inability to block in front of Caleb Williams

The Bears competed fiercely at guard and center all summer, and the only winners seemed to be their opponents. Williams was under constant pressure, and he recorded a league-high nine sacks in two games.

When we look at the numbers, we see that Chicago's offensive line allowed the seventh-worst pressure rate, with Williams being pressured on 27.2% of dropbacks. All of this led to Williams making the NFL's highest number of bad throws with 17. according to Pro Football ReferenceHe also dropped five passes, the most in the NFL.

If the Bears want to have a good season with Williams and continue to develop him, the offensive line must improve its play.