Yes, I know it's only two games into the season, but the schedule ahead is looking less intimidating to me today than it did a month ago. I'm still a bit on the pessimistic side of the 8-8 record, but honestly, IF the team can continue to progress from the effort that they showed last Sunday, this schedule isn't looking too hard. Of course, the kicker is: were we actually better than the Saints last week or were the Saints actually worse than us.at Texans (0-2): I think we find out what team we have this weekend. Houston has problems offensively. Severe problems along the offensive line, a running game that has not been very good so far and a quarterback controversy. Defensively they are still a good team. The question is can our offense do enough to win the game or can the defense completely stonewall the Houston offense so even minimal points matter.Panthers (2-0): This is a home game and much like Houston, the Panthers defense has been very good so far this season. The Panthers offense has been getting by on their running game. We have to be balanced to win. But if we beat Houston, we'll have enough confidence to make this more of an even game than Carolina would have thought at the beginning of the season. Still the odds are that we lose this game, but it's no longer certain in my mind.Jaguars (1-1): A team much like us, we have them at home. A winnable game, but no gimme.at Redskins (1-1): At the beginning of the season, this was the one game I'd figure we'd win hands down. Redskins defense is better than expected and the offense if not turning over the ball has been decent. Another winnable game, but no longer a gimme.at Falcons (2-0): This is the only game/team I think is looking clearly better than us. If we win some of the earlier games, it will go a long way to give us some confidence in winning this one. Also Koetter KNOWS this team. Giants (0-2): Giants have blown two big 4th quarter leads. By the time they get to us, they could have righted the ship or they might be still stumbling to less than expected record. This is also not the automatic loss that I thought it would be.Cowboys (2-0): Romo could be out, Romo could be in. Dallas is a better team, but without Dez and Romo? Maybe not.at Eagles (0-2): Chip Kelly is looking for answers after this offense has been pretty offensive for two games. Again, he could have righted the ship by the time we face him, but I wonder if he didn't try too hard to play Madden 16 and ended up with a confused team.at Colts (0-2): Another surprised 0-2 team looking for answers. Falcons (2-0): See above. Saints (0-2): The Saints IMO, were better than what they showed last Sunday, but if Brees is really starting his decline, this might be the year WE sweep them.at Rams (1-1): The Rams are still looking like the team I thought they'd be at the start of the season. At St. Louis, this is still looking mostly like a loss.Bears (0-2): Cutler injured and ineffective. Their defense has given up 79 points. This is not looking like that hard of a game - at the moment.at Panthers (2-0): See above. Carolina is always going to be tough because of their defense. Cam always makes their offense dangerous because of his mobility.Some are going to say that I bought the kool-aid after Sunday's win and that's partially true, but I didn't really think the Titan's game was a good reflection of our team. No, what really caused this post was that all the teams on this list, especially teams we thought would be really good are somewhat struggling as well.I still don't have a handle on what this team really is, but I do know, that like 2010 when that 'youngry' team got some confidence, bounces and games can go your way. I really think Sunday's game is a bit of a measuring stick for this team as Houston really doesn't seem much, if any, better than us. Good teams beat unhealthy teams. Our team appears healthier.Win Sunday and maybe this team grabs enough confidence to make a run.As always, JMO.
