Pittsburgh and New Orleans triumph on Monday Night: and Mahomes renews

Pittsburgh and New Orleans celebrate the successes in the double Monday Night, Patrick Mahomes a sumptuous contract adjustment. These are the news of the second NFL day. The one that confirms San Francisco as the team to beat, gives fans a spectacular Hail Mary touchdown pass at the end of time and anoints the Rams’ receiver Puka Nacua.

TJ WATT RECORD STEELER

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They were facing two teams with excellent defenses and so-so attacks. The Steelers (1-1) beat the Browns (1-1) 26-22 thanks to a fumble returned to the end zone by TJ Watt in the final quarter. Pittsburgh’s super quarterback catcher sets the franchise record for sacks: 81.5, surpassing James Harrison, who had stopped at 80.5 in 117 games. JJ’s brother, former Houston and Arizona phenomenon, sets the record with 89 games played. Pitt thus beats its division rivals at home in the regular season for the 20th time in a row. The other news of the game is the serious injury to the left knee of Nick Chubb, the Browns’ running back, one of the best. The season is already over for him. And it gets complicated for Cleveland: DeShaun Watson seems like the last twilight of Cam Newton compared to the pre-suspension phenomenon…

THE PATIENCE OF THE SAINTS

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The Saints are not the electrifying team of the Brees era. Yet, solid in defense and in relying on runs, they start the season 2-0 for the first time in 2013. They beat the Carolina Panthers 20-13 (0-2) from whom one could expect more, up until now. The No. 1 pick of the latest draft, Bryce Young, the quarterback from Alabama University, also has a hell of a hard time making his home debut in Charlotte, after the hardships of his NFL debut. He who, in terms of size, is not a giant, has been compared to Drew Brees, the historic champion of the Saints, shows that he still has to grow a lot, and not in centimeters, against the Louisiana franchise, despite the blanket of Linus represented by the old Adam Thielen scoring his team’s only try. But the Saints ran for 134 yards, Tony Jones for 2 touchdowns. Enough and advance to win.

MAHOMES COLLECTS

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The quarterback of the reigning champions, from Kansas City, the 2022 MVP, restructures his contract with the Chiefs. He had signed a ten-year contract until 2031, now he makes the obligation until 2026 adequate to market prices. He enjoys the salary increase of over 210 million dollars guaranteed from 2023 to 2026, Kansas City locks him down in substance, not just in form, for 4 seasons. The 28-year-old is at the peak of his career and has only worn that shirt so far. Without being picky about the small market.

49ERS DICTATORSHIP

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San Francisco has had a title team for several years: it has played in the Conference final in 3 of the last 4 seasons, after all. But the last Super Bowl triumph dates back to 1995. This could be the good year. The consecutive victories in the regular season have become 12, Brock Purdy in his second year is gaining experience as an NFL quarterback to trigger phenomena such as Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle. The defense is tested and scary. It’s too early to talk about an unbeatable team, not to define the 49ers as the favourites, as of today.

NACUA WHO?

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Puka Nacua is already an iconic name, on a social media level. The 22-year-old Rams receiver is the latest invention of Coach McVay, the Los Angeles coach and offensive genius. Chosen in the fifth round of the 2023 draft by Brigham Young University, after 19 other higher-rated receivers than him, he has become the linchpin of the Californians’ attack. The 15 catches (for 147 yards) recorded against the 49ers defense are a record for a freshman. First rookie with at least 10 receptions and 100 yards in his first two NFL games. Matt Stafford will therefore be spoiled for choice when Kupp returns.

AVE MARIA

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Russell Wilson is on trial in Denver. The Broncos lost to Las Vegas and Washington. Wilson throws “drops” deep, but otherwise he seems like a faded copy of the champion he once was. But the pearl at the end of the game against the Commanders is worthy of applause. Down 27-35 at the last second he launches the “prayer” from his own 40 yards deep: two caroms in the melee on the 5 opponents extend the trajectory of the oval and Johnson thus receives it in the end zone. A spectacular game, but without a happy ending. Because Wilson then fails to convert the 2 points: defeat and abrupt return from fairy tale to reality: not even Coach Payton can resurrect him.