Week 2 NFL Overreactions
Week 2 of the NFL season wraps up tonight with two Monday Night Football matchups, the New Orleans Saints will look to start the season 2-0 against Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers. While the Browns head to Pittsburgh looking to go 2-0 for the first time since 1993 when Bill Belichick was their head coach. With most of the Week 2’s games complete it’s time to wildly overreact to the first two weeks of the season.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 11: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals is hit as he throws by Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
Baltimore Ravens (27) @ Cincinnati Bengals (24)
The defending AFC North champions Bengals were looking to avoid their second straight 0-2 start hosting Lamar Jackson and the new look Ravens offense. Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense were looking for any positives after being held to only 3 points last week by the Browns. Unfortunately for the Bengals their offense struggled out of the gate again failing to register a single first down in the first quarter. Burrow finished the game 27/41 for 222 yards but was limping off the field after another shoddy performance from his offensive line. It’s still a little too early to panic in Cincinnati but fans have to be getting nervous, they went into this season as Super Bowl hopefuls but an 0-2 start is an uphill climb even for a team with a good young QB and a talented roster.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 20: Head Coach Mike Vrabel of the Tennessee Titans on the sidelines during a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Nissan Stadium on August 20, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Buccaneers 13-3. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Chargers (24) @ Tennessee Titans (27) F/OT
Justin Herbert throws for 300+ yards and zero interceptions and the Chargers lose a close game, it’s groundhogs day in Los Angeles again. The Chargers are 0-2 for the first time since 2017 after two frustrating close losses to start the season. For a team with playoff aspirations this season an 0-2 hole in a tough AFC West led by the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs is a disaster start to the season. On the other hand Mike Vrabel and the Titans broke their 8 game losing streak going back to last November. Ryan Tannehill bounced back after an atrocious week 1 performance throwing for 246 yards and scoring a touchdown with his legs. 16 year NFL veteran and former Patriots Nick Folk hit the game winner in overtime after the Chargers won the toss and Herbert went 3 and out with 3 straight incompletions. The Titans aren’t going to blow many teams out but Vrabel has his defense playing well and if Tannehill can manage the game without turnovers they’ll be competitive in the AFC South.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 11: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at AT&T Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
New York Jets (10) @ Dallas Cowboys (30)
The Dallas Cowboys continue to look like a serious playoff contender led by Micah Parsons and their defense. While the Jets will have to seriously consider if Zach Wilson is really the guy they want to lead this team. The Jets defense is still one of the best in the league but 3 turnovers again from Wilson put them in an impossible spot. If the Jets don’t want to waste a season with this stellar defense they need to pursue a veteran QB that can at least manage the game and slow things down for the offense. The Cowboys will look to continue their dominant start to the season heading to 0-2 Arizona who is only competing for the number one pick in the upcoming draft this season.
Chicago Bears (17) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (27)
It might be time to hit the panic button in Chicago, this season was supposed to be one of hope and possible playoff aspirations but it’s starting to crash and burn before it’s even started. Fields seems to be moving in slow motion at times dropping back and going through his reads seemingly missing multiple open receivers throughout the game. Fields shows flashes of brilliance and is an top tier playmaker but still seems to be struggling with how his coaches are trying to keep him in the pocket and what looks defenses are giving him. On the other hand Baker Mayfield’s revenge tour carries on as he plays another week of turnover free football and Mike Evans might be rethinking his trade request after a 6 catch 171 yard day. The Bucs are one of the surprise teams in the league and have a real shot to compete in a weak NFC South.
Kansas City Chiefs (17) Jacksonville Jaguars (9)
One of the more disappointing games from a neutral standpoint this weekend was the Chiefs and Jaguars with both teams playing some pretty sloppy football. The Chiefs overcame some early turnovers and a struggling Jawaan Taylor performance early on to get their first win of the season. Mahomes wasn’t spectacular by any means but he did just enough to win with the return of Travis Kelce being a major help to the offense. Chris Jones was back for the Chiefs after his contract dispute was cleared up and his impact was immediately felt, he was dominate throughout the game wreaking havoc for Trevor Lawrence. The Jaguars massively disappointed in their home opener holding the Chiefs to 17 points should put you in position to win a game but it never felt like the Jaguars were close despite being down only once score. The Jaguars are still the best team in the AFC South but the Titans will look to keep the pressure on them as long as Tannehill can minimize his turnovers.
Miami Dolphins (24) @ New England Patriots (17)
The Miami Dolphins headed into Foxborough 1-0 after a tight win over the Chargers in week 1, the Patriots lost a tough game to the defending NFC champion Eagles and were looking to right the ship at home. However the Patriots continued to sputter on offense with untimely penalties and backwards plays stunting drives. The Patriots secondary impressed holding Tyreek Hill to only 40 receiving yards but he still managed to get in the endzone and Raheem Mostert ran all over the Patriots defense going for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns. Patriots fans will continue to be frustrated by their offenses lack of consistency. Mac Jones showed flashes in this one but again a bad interception and getting in a hole early were to much to overcome. The Patriots find themselves in a must win game next week against the Jets in a battle of the basement in the AFC East. While the Dolphins head home to host Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos in week 3 looking for a 3-0 start for the second year in a row under Mike McDaniel.
