Unfortunately, we have seen the end of week two of the NFL regular season. However, it was an incredible three days of football once again. From two overtime games to an incredible comeback, there was a lot to be excited about. Here are your NFL Week Two Takeaways.
Oh, and here are my takeaways from Week One just in case.
The Bengals Are In Deep Trouble
After a loss to the Cleveland Browns in the opening week, Cincinnati fell once again here in Week Two. This time, the Baltimore Ravens gave the punishment and escaped with a three-point win.
Both teams scored 14 points in the second half, but the Ravens outscoring the Bengals 7-0 in the first quarter made the difference. Even when the Bengals scored a touchdown on their last drive (Joe Burrow four-yard TD to Tee Higgins), Baltimore was able to run out the final 3:28 left in the fourth quarter.
More importantly, Joe Burrow re-aggravated the calf injury he suffered during training camp. As of right now, there is no status as to whether he will be able to play in Week Three against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night.
Cincinnati’s offense has already looked terrible through two weeks. Total yardages of 142 and 282 through two games is not what you expect from an offense that is loaded with weapons. Joe Mixon, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd: you expect to average 300 yards of offense a game, not in total through two games.
The odds of making the playoffs 0-2 are very slim. It makes you think: how important is it to be at least 1-1 or 2-0?
THE IMPORTANCE OF 2-0: Since the NFL expanded its postseason in 1990, opening 2-0 has given teams a significant advantage toward qualifying for the playoffs. In that span, 63.8% of teams that have started 2-0 have advanced to the postseason. In contrast, only 41.8% of teams that…
— Mike Jurecki (@mikejurecki) September 12, 2023
Without Joe Burrow, the Bengals are not going anywhere. Simple as that.
Drama In Overtime… TIMES TWO
Last season, the NFL saw three games go into overtime through the first two weeks. Well, we saw the same thing this year. After the Jets win over the Bills in week one, we saw two more games requiring the extra period to end it!
First, we had the Los Angeles Chargers and the Tennessee Titans go at it in the early NFL slate. Justin Herbert (27/41, 305 yards and two touchdowns) and Keenan Allen (8 catches, 111 yards, two touchdowns) were killing it against the Titans’ defense all game long. But, Tennessee wouldn’t go away quietly. Touchdown runs by Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry were pivotal, and a late touchdown pass by Tannehill to wideout Nick Westbrook-Ikhine gave them a 27-24 lead.
But, Herbert led his team down the field and allowed Cameron Dicker to kick a game-tying 33-yard field goal.
In the extra period, the Titans’ defense shut down the Chargers offense on their first possession. After a punt, Tannehill led an eight-play, 37-yard drive that set up a game-winning field goal by Nick Folk.
Don’t forget about the Seattle Seahawks, who also went to overtime versus the Detroit Lions. Down 21-17 entering the fourth quarter, Seattle managed to score 14 points thanks to two major plays. One was a Geno Smith touchdown pass to Tyler Lockett. The other was thanks to their defense.
PICK SIX#Seahawks CB Tre Brown spoils Jared Goff’s streak of passes without an interception ?
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) September 17, 2023
pic.twitter.com/XH0SygCcHm
It gave Seattle a 31-21 lead with barely eight minutes left in the quarter. However, Goff would lead a 75-yard touchdown drive that cut the deficit to three. After a Seattle punt, Detroit once again drove down the field to set up a game-tying field goal by Riley Patterson.
The Seahawks got the ball first in the extra period. They would not give Detroit a chance.
LOOK AT GENO. LOOK AT TYLER LOCKETT. SEAHAWKS WIN!!!! pic.twitter.com/luzNKVyoEi
— Sami ON Tap (@SamiOnTap) September 17, 2023
Giants Comeback From 20-0, Defeat Cardinals 31-28
You can find my full recap on the Giants vs. Cardinals game here. But, I won’t repeat myself. Here’s what you need to know.
- This is the New York Giants’ largest comeback since 1949 (21-point deficit against the Chicago Cardinals, win 41-38)
- New York had 89 total yards of offense in just the first half. They erupted for 350 in the second half.
- Arizona was held to eight points and 123 yards of offense in the second half.
- Daniel Jones threw for more than 250 yards, rushed for more than 50+, threw two passing touchdowns, and rushed for another. All while not committing a turnover. Why is it relevant?
- No other QB in NFL history has done all of that in the second half of a game.
- New York’s possessions in the second half: TD, TD, TD, TD, game-winning field goal. Almost flawless.
49ers and Rams Both Won On Sunday… But, They Faced Each Other?
Sounds stupid, right? Not exactly. The 49ers left Sofi Stadium with a 30-23 win on Sunday, improving to 2-0 on the year. Brock Purdy continues to be phenomenal, as he is now 7-0 as a starter in the regular season. Christian McCaffrey had his way against the Los Angeles defense, rushing for 116 yards and a touchdown.
He’s not the only one to have fun running the football. Deebo Samuel also rushed for a score, as too Brock Purdy.
For San Francisco, starting off 2-0 while playing both games on the road is a good sign as they head back to Levi’s Stadium for their home opener against the New York Giants. All three facets of the game are playing well, and there’s nothing to complain about if you’re a 49ers fan.
As for the Los Angeles Rams, they fell to 1-1. However, there were two major positives from the loss.
Look, I’m still not crazy high on Matthew Stafford. He threw two interceptions on Sunday and has not looked that great to start the year. Yes, he’s thrown for 300+ yards in these two games, but touchdowns need to come with those yards. All those yards don’t matter if you’re not putting up points.
With that said, he did connect with Kyren Williams for a score. Speaking of Williams, he is one of the positives I wanted to talk about.
Many thought Cam Akers would be the lead running back for this offense. Williams must’ve told the doubters to hold his beer, because he has taken that role away from him.
After rushing for 52 yards and two touchdowns in Week One, Williams made his presence felt once again. Not only did he rush for a touchdown against San Francisco, but he had that previously mentioned touchdown reception from Stafford.
In total, he finished with 102 total yards and two scores. The clear starting running back, indeed.
Also, how about Puka Nacua? Targeted 35 times in these first two weeks, the rookie has responded with 25 receptions for 266 yards. With Cooper Kupp out, many thought Van Jefferson would take over as the leading wideout for the Rams. Nacua ended those assumptions with his outstanding performance in Week One, and showed out against the 49ers on Sunday.
We’ll see if this production keeps up, especially when Kupp returns. But, what an outstanding two weeks for Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua for the Rams. Maybe there is such a thing as moral victories.
I’m Sorry, Which Teams Are 2-0 Again?
Alright, so you have your usual suspects.
- Dallas Cowboys
- Miami Dolphins
- Baltimore Ravens
- San Francisco 49ers
- Philadelphia Eagles
- New Orleans Saints
- Atlanta Falcons
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Washington Commanders
Wait a minute, the Falcons, Bucs, and Commanders are 2-0? HOW?
For starters, let’s start with Atlanta. Bijan Robinson has been phenomenal for the Falcons through the first two weeks of the season. He’s rushed for 180 yards and a touchdown through two weeks, while also leading the team in receptions (10). Oh, and add in a receiving touchdown too to the list.
Desmond Ridder has calmly steered the ship, throwing for 352 yards while completing 68% of his passes against the Panthers and Packers thus far. He is now 30-0 as a starter in collegiate and professional games at home (including 4-0 so far in the NFL).
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers just beat the Chicago Bears to improve to 2-0. So much for rebuilding. Baker Mayfield has been stellar, throwing for 490 yards and three touchdowns so far. Oh, and he has not thrown an interception yet. Rachaad White has contributed well as both a runner and a receiver, and Mike Evans has not missed a beat. Becoming Mayfield’s favorite target, he finished with six receptions and a touchdown for a second straight week. Also, he had 171 yards against Chicago’s defense, shredding them with ease.
Finally, you have the Washington Commanders. Who knew an owner’s change could make this much of a difference. An opening week win against the Arizona Cardinals was great. But, they were down 14-3 early after the first quarter on Sunday against the Denver Broncos.
Then, the comeback began. Washington outscored Denver 32-19 in the remaining three quarters to win 35-33. Sure, Russell Wilson threw a Hail Mary touchdown at the end of the fourth quarter. But, a failed two-point conversion solidified the win for the Commanders.
Sam Howell has been serviceable for Washington thus far, not making many mistakes as he’s leading this offense to wins (three touchdowns, one interception through two games). Brian Robinson Jr. rushed for two touchdowns against Denver, continuing to also be solid for the Commanders. Defensively, Montez Sweat already has three sacks through two games. That’s on pace for 19.5 sacks through 17 games!
Who knows how long these three surprise teams remain undefeated?
Other Takeaways
- Nick Chubb suffered a knee injury that will be ending his 2023 season. Will that decrease the Browns’ chances of making the playoffs?
- The Raiders really thought they could win with Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback?
- Vikings, Chargers are 0-2… That’s not good for their playoff chances.
- The Chiefs’ offense looked subpar against Jacksonville. Concerning, to say the least.
- Anthony Richardson is becoming a star for Indianapolis (exited with a concussion against Houston, but finished with two touchdowns in the win).
- Zach Wilson is screwing the New York Jets, again.
- Tua Tagovailoa is the best quarterback in the NFL… Through two weeks.
- The Eagles are 2-0, but Jalen Hurts’s start to the season is concerning.
Thank you for reading! Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter/X!
Featured Image: Adam Glanzman/Getty Images
