Kroy Biermann Strips Eli Manning (WSBTV)
(ESPN Stats & Info) Since 1990, NFL teams that start 2-0 have a 63% chance of making the playoffs. Those that start 1-1 have a 41% chance. Those that start 0-2 have a 12% chance.
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan had 46 pass attempts on Sunday in the victory over the New York Giants. This was the 15th game in his career in which Ryan had at least 46 pass attempts, he was previously 3-11. It was also the most throws he’s made in a game without an interception since December of 2013 in an overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills.
Speaking of throwing attempts in week two, Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett had a career high in attempts in a loss to the Carolina Panthers. Mallett attempted 58 throws, completing 27 while throwing for one touchdown and one interception.
Matthew Stafford also went over the 50 mark, attempting 53 passes in a loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Stafford is now 0-9 in games he has thrown the ball 50 times, with a career high of 63 passing attempts in a loss to the Bears in 2011.
Tom Brady actually led the NFL this past week with 59 pass attempts in a win over the Buffalo Bills. 59 represents the second most amount of passing attempts that Brady has made during his career. Brady is now 10-6 when throwing the ball 50+ times in a game.
The ridiculous play of Falcons receiver Julio Jones: Julio’s two games this year gives him a combined 276 yards receiving. That is actually just his 3rd best back-to-back games during his career. In 2014 he posted 448 yards against Arizona and Green Bay. In 2013, Julio Jones had 297 yards receiving in back-to-back games against St. Louis and Miami.
Falcons Defensive Improvements: The Falcons were 32nd in defense last year in the NFL, and where 32nd in opponents 3rd down conversions. To date the Falcons are now 27th in total defense, but more importantly, 21st in third down conversions.
Time of possession: The Falcons biggest improvement has come from a fresher defense thus far. The Falcons were 24th in the NFL last season in time of possession, holding onto the ball for 29 minutes a game. This year they’re 6th with 33 minutes per game.
Know your opponent: Dallas is different than in recent years in that their defense has become a strength on the team. Dallas is currently 3rd overall in the NFL in total defense, and 8th in opponents third down conversion. They are currently first in the NFL in time of possession, holding the ball for nearly 39 minutes per game.
Last in the NFL in time of possession: the Philadelphia Eagles at 22 minutes per game. In their loss to Dallas, the Eagles held onto the ball for just 19 minutes and 30 seconds.
(ESPN Stats & Info) DeMarco Murray is the 1st defending rushing champ in NFL to have 11 or fewer rushing yards in the first two games since Doug Russell of the Cardinals in 1936.
(USA Today – For the Win) Since 1960, DeMarco Murray has the fewest yards after 20 carries than any NFL running back. Previous low was Broncos RB Montee Ball, who had 38 yards on 20 carries.
DeMarco Murray has 21 attempts for 11 yards on the season. Last year in Dallas, his first 21 attempts gained him 118 yards. It took him just two carries in Dallas in 2014 to gain more yards (13) than he currently has.
(Nola.com – Evan Woodbury) The New Orleans Saints have lost six straight games at the Super Dome. That is their longest losing streak in the building since 1980, when the team had a 10 game losing streak that actually started in the 1979 season.
Where the NFL is in 2015: Nine NFL running backs were given at least 20 carries thus far in week two. Cardinal Chris Johnson (20-72 yds), Packer James Starks (20-95 yds), Steeler Deangelo Williams (20-77 yds), Buccaneer Doug Martin (21-78 yds) and Jaguar TJ Yeldon (25-70 yds) were among those who did not reach the 100 yard barrier. The Bengals Giovani Bernard (20-123 yds) and Viking Adrian Peterson (29-134 yds) were the only two who went over 100 yards. Redskins running back Matt Jones ran for 123 yds on just 19 carries. Teams with 20 carry running backs went 8-1, as the league uses the run to close out games. Only a Chiefs meltdown kept the league will 20 carry backs from going 9-0.