TNSML NEWSLETTER: Week Two

by tennsports | 2 years ago | 0 Comments

Another week has passed in the TNSML, and we are in week 8. That means things are heating up, pretenders are dropping, and contenders are RISING.

DOLPHINS SLIDING

After a ferocious 5-0 start, the Dolphins have lost two straight to the Vikings and Steelers. The Dolphins' offense, which was once ranked top 15, has dropped to 21st in the league despite having one of the scariest offenses in the league with Tua, Waddle, and Hill. Is there concern in Miami?

"Not at all," Dolphins' team owner says. "We are fine. We faced two great opponents. We are set up to bounce back and learn from those losses." 

VIKINGS (quietly) BECOMING SCARY

Brandon is no stranger to success in the league. His most recent run has him atop his division and headed in the right direction. After a 1-2 start, with losses to the Eagles and Lions, the team has won three straight included a win over the once-undefeated Dolphins. 

It has been a run led by RB Dalvin Cook, who has been almost impossible to stop.

"It starts with Dalvin Cook," Brandon said, "Dude has been unstoppable the last few weeks. Once we get him going, it's easy to gain control of the game." 

Brandon also applauded his defense in this run as well. 

"Defense has done a great job forcing turnovers and letting the offense control the tempo. All of that was on full display when we took down a good Dolphins team."

SUB-STORY: Is Tua the guy? - The Dolphins and Vikings have agreed on a trade to send Kirk Cousins to Miami. With Miami's recent slide, one has to wonder if Miami is considering moving on from the Hawaiian QB. Miami has told multiple teams they plan to stick with Tua, but sometimes things change. 

STEELERS IN CONTROL OF THE AFC

The Steelers have been unbeatable. Their triumphant 7-0 start to the season has them currently atop the AFC and one of the remaining two undefeated teams left in the AFC. 

Steelers team owner, Tyler, credits his defense.

"Defense has done extremely well," he said. "We are just simplifying things on offense. I know my pass rush will get through. TJ, Heyward, and now superstar Highsmith have done amazing. I don't expect to win every game. I'm just working out the kinks and preparing for the playoffs."

SEAHAWKS LOOKING TO START A NEW DYNASTY

After losing Russell Wilson, team owner Brice Murphy has reconstructed his roster and accumulated a load of draft picks to do so. Brice has traded D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jamal Adams, and has reached out to Miami on possibly trading them MLB Jordyn Brooks for a couple draft picks, reportedly. 

Brice has accumulated eight firsts for the next two drafts and a handful of seconds, and he's not done yet.

"We've been very active in the trade market," Brice said, "We have made picks a top priority for the rebuild. We plan on making a huge splash this offseason with six firsts and 3 seconds."

Brice didn't waste this opportunity to warn his divisional rivals, however.

"All we can say is the NFC West better strap in and be prepared for a hell of a ride. The Seahawks are coming!" 

OTHER QUICK HITS

- Tony Pollard has made it HIS team since the Cowboys traded Zeke. Accumulating 500 scrimmage yards and five TDs. 

- Panthers acquire Justin Herbert from the Chargers in exchange for TE Mark Andrews, LE Trevon Walker, QB Desmond Ridder, a 2024 1st and a 2023 2nd.  Panthers also acquired Jonathan Taylor from the Colts in exchange for a host of players including Ikem Ekwonu and Kenneth Walker. 

- Saints sends a message to the Bucs, calling them "trash" and saying they will not be first in the NFC South for much longer. Also, Saints are considering benching Jameis Winston and making Taysom Hill the fulltime starter.