Real or not? We rated the sustainability of 32 NFL surprise trends and stats through Week 2
T.J. Watt is dominant again? The Packers can't run the ball? Drew Lock is fourth in QBR? Let's figure out which early stats and trends have staying power and which are a mirage.
The NFL is always full of surprises, and it's only natural that some trends and stats emerge in the early going that may or may not stick. As we hit the midpoint of Week 2, analysts are scrambling to separate the signal from the noise. For fans, it's essential to know which trends are worth getting excited about and which are likely to fade away.
Take T.J. Watt's dominant performance, for instance. If he's able to maintain his current level of production, it could have significant implications for the Steelers' defense and their chances of making a deep playoff run. On the other hand, the Packers' struggles to run the ball could be a major concern if they can't find a way to establish a consistent ground game. Meanwhile, Drew Lock's impressive QBR ranking has some people wondering if he's emerging as a top quarterback in the league.
As we head into Week 3, fans should keep a close eye on these trends and see if they continue to bear out. Will T.J. Watt keep dominating, or will teams adjust to shut him down? Can the Packers get their running game on track, or will they continue to be a pass-happy team? And how will Drew Lock fare against tougher competition? Stay tuned to see which trends prove to be sustainable and which fade away as the season progresses.
Originally reported by espn.com. TourNews adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.