Thursday is MVP! While Week 2 reshuffled a lot of cards, there are two that kept their foot very far from the brake. First of all, the idea of seeing Derek Carr MVP is gaining weight. Yes, because he hasn't had to ask his punter to come on the field once this season, probably having the best start to a season of his career. This is also the case for a Baker Mayfield like a fish in water armed with Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Among the rare stars to assume his rank, Josh Allen completes the podium in front of an unleashed Alvin Kamara. Fred Warner, ultra dominant at the start of this season completes the top 5.
Star of the week: Derek Carr (QB), Saints
Derek Carr is already establishing himself as a serious contender for the MVP award this season. While many NFL offenses are struggling to get off the ground, the Saints are shining thanks to their quarterback's ability to perfectly utilize the weapons at his disposal. With two big wins, including a thunderous 47-point debut against the Panthers, Carr has led his team with rare efficiency. By scoring on the first 15 possessions of the season, he is establishing himself as one of the most efficient players in the league.
Although he has thrown for “only” 443 yards in two games, Carr makes up for it with perfect command of the game and an ability to score when needed. This historic start to the season is reminiscent of the great moments of 2009, the year the Saints won their only Super Bowl. Does Derek Carr have to be the MVP? In any case, he seems well on his way to rewriting history and getting involved in the fight.
Revelation of the week: Kyler Murray (QB), Cardinals
Kyler Murray reminds everyone why he was the first pick in the 2019 draft and proves at the start of the season that he is more than ever at the top of his game. In the Cardinals' impressive 41-10 victory over the Rams, he put in a high-level performance with 266 passing yards, three touchdowns and 59 rushing yards. In full possession of his means, Murray demonstrates his ability to make the right decisions. He is now well supported by a solid offensive line and a coach, Jonathan Gannon, who fully trusts him.
Around him, the offense is also gaining momentum, notably with rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., author of two touchdowns and 130 receiving yards. The defense, long a weak point of the team, was able to put pressure with five sacks on Matthew Stafford, also a sign of a rise in power of the collective. Even if some adjustments remain to be made, we feel that the connection between Murray and Harrison can go even further. But Murray and the Cardinals are showing encouraging signs after difficult seasons.
Disappointment of the week: Joe Mixon (RB), Texans
Facing a tenacious Bears defense, Joe Mixon was highly anticipated after a successful first week with the Texans. Unfortunately for the former Bengals runner, nothing went as planned. Initially disappointing for two-thirds of the game, he broke his teeth on a very sharp running defense. With 25 small yards on 9 carries, he never found the solution so much so that his team's offensive scheme turned to other weapons.
And if that wasn't enough, Mixon had a Bears player fall on his ankle and force him to leave his teammates early. While that doesn't seem to jeopardize his chances of being there in Week 3, everything went wrong last Sunday for the Texans' new starting running back.
The ranking
1- Derek Carr (+1) Quarterback – New Orleans Saints (2-0)
2 games – 443 yards at 76.9% completion – 5 touchdowns, 1 interception, 142.4 rating
2- Baker Mayfield (-1) Quarterback – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)
2 games – 474 yards at 73.5% completion – 5 touchdowns, 1 interception, 129.1 rating
3- Josh Allen (+3) Quarterback – Buffalo Bills (2-0)
2 games – 371 yards at 73.8% completion – 3 touchdowns, 124.2 rating
4- Alvin Kamara (+2) Running Back – New Orleans Saints (2-0)
2 games – 198 yards at 5.7 yards per carry, 4 touchdowns – 7 receptions, 92 yards, 1 touchdown
5- Fred Warner (+1) Linebacker – San Francisco 49ers (1-1)
2 games – 16 tackles, 1 sack, 3 forced fumbles, 1 interception, 2 passes defended
