Week 2 of the NFL season started on Thursday night time with a Buffalo Payments blowout win over the Miami Dolphins. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa left the sport within the third quarter with a concussion.
On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tamed the Detroit Lions, and the New Orleans Saints’ offense proved to be an excessive amount of for the Dallas Cowboys. Packers quarterback Malik Willis helped lead Inexperienced Bay to its first win of the season, whereas the Lamar Jackson-led Baltimore Ravens fell to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Our NFL Nation reporters are reacting to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every sport and detailing all the things else you must know for each group. Let’s get to it.
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Raiders
So THIS is what the offense is meant to seem like? After an anemic six-plus quarters of soccer — the Raiders had solely 48 yards of offense at halftime in Baltimore — quarterback Gardner Minshew, large receiver Davante Adams & Co. got here to life. Trailing by 10 factors with 12 minutes to play, Las Vegas grew to become a juggernaut as Adams completed with 9 catches, 110 receiving yards and a landing. The offense’s awakening gave the protection a breather and complementary soccer that led to the win.
Largest gap within the sport plan: The Raiders forgot to pack their working sport on offense. Or did you miss Las Vegas dashing for 4 yards within the first half? Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy authored the NFL’s top-ranked dashing assault in 2022 for the Bears and was No. 2 final season. What offers?
Compensate for NFL Week 1
• Takeaways, questions from each sport• Barnwell: 13 large surprises (ESPN+)• Solak’s Week 1 roundup (ESPN+)• Graziano judges overreactions (ESPN+)
• Full Week 1 scoreboard » | Extra »
Most shocking efficiency: Defensive finish Maxx Crosby. When he wasn’t in Ravens QB Lamar Jackson’s face — he sacked the elusive QB twice — the talkative Raiders edge rusher was in Jackson’s ear. And for good purpose. After Jackson ran for 122 yards and 7 first downs throughout the Ravens’ season-opening loss at Kansas Metropolis, Crosby helped restrict Jackson to only 20 yards on the bottom. — Paul Gutierrez
Subsequent sport: vs. Panthers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Ravens
Can the Ravens rebound from an 0-2 begin? That is primarily uncharted territory for the Ravens. The one time Baltimore has began 0-2 in coach John Harbaugh’s earlier 16 seasons was in 2015, when the group completed with its worst file below him (5-11). After failing to carry a 10-point lead in opposition to the Raiders with 12 minutes remaining Sunday, Baltimore has dug itself in a gap. The Ravens’ subsequent three video games are in opposition to two defending division champions — at Dallas and residential in opposition to Buffalo — and at Cincinnati. QB Lamar Jackson has work to do to get Baltimore again on observe as one of many prime Tremendous Bowl contenders.
Describe the sport in two phrases: One other collapse. This marks the Ravens’ fourth loss after main by double digits within the fourth quarter since 2022. This ties the Bears for probably the most within the NFL in that span, in response to ESPN Analysis. The Ravens can solely blame themselves for that fourth-quarter collapse. A false begin by working again Derrick Henry on the Ravens’ model of the “tush push” stopped Baltimore from changing a third-and-1. A go interference penalty by cornerback Brandon Stephens arrange the Raiders’ game-tying landing.
Eye-popping superior stat: Justin Tucker, probably the most correct kicker in NFL historical past, is having bother with longer kicks. Tucker, 34, missed large left from 56 yards, which makes him 1-for-7 from 50 yards over the previous two seasons. He had been top-of-the-line from distance. In his first 11 seasons, Tucker’s 57 subject objectives from 50 yards or longer ranked second over that span. — Jamison Hensley
Subsequent sport: at Cowboys (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Browns
Is that this nearer to what the Browns’ new offense desires to be? The Browns’ offense wasn’t good by any means, but it surely put forth a a lot better effort than its Week 1 no-show. Cleveland ran the ball nicely and incessantly introduced in further linemen to get the bottom sport going. Penalties continued to be a problem, however the Browns bought cleaner play from quarterback Deshaun Watson, who did not flip the ball over and rushed for a landing within the first quarter.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Undisciplined soccer. After the Browns had been flagged for 11 accepted penalties in Week 1, they dedicated 13 penalties that had been accepted Sunday. They had been particularly undisciplined late, with three infractions negating a possible game-sealing landing drive and giving the ball again to the Jaguars.
Early prediction for subsequent week: The Browns’ offense will escape in opposition to the Giants. The unit wasn’t nice in opposition to Jacksonville however confirmed indicators of life within the first half. The Browns might lastly get one or each of their prime tackles again subsequent week in Hakeem Adeniji and Germain Ifedi, which might assist jump-start the unit. — Daniel Oyefusi
Subsequent sport: vs. Giants (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Jaguars
Can the Jaguars salvage September? After an 0-2 begin, they nonetheless have highway video games at Buffalo subsequent Monday night time and Houston the next week. There was just one group make the playoffs after an 0-4 begin: The 1992 San Diego Chargers. This group has to beat some main points, beginning with an offense that was lacking for practically three quarters in opposition to the Browns. Proprietor Shad Khan had stated earlier than the season that the time to win was now, and lacking the playoffs places the potential for adjustments on the desk.
Largest gap within the sport plan: Dropping tight finish Evan Engram in pregame warmups to a hamstring damage compelled the Jaguars to regulate their sport plan lower than two hours earlier than kickoff. Second-year participant Brenton Unusual bought extra work however Engram is a significant a part of the offense, particularly when the Jaguars wish to execute brief, fast throws to primarily operate as a part of the run sport or decelerate the go rush. There is not one other tight finish on the roster that may do what Engram does, although Unusual did step up within the intermediate go sport with three receptions for 65 yards.
Early prediction for subsequent week: Rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. will turn out to be an even bigger a part of the offense. He delivered an enormous play for the second week in a row — catching a 66-yard go on a publish sample to set the Jaguars up contained in the 10-yard line for his or her solely landing. He had solely 4 targets final week and three this week, however he is averaging 22.6 yards on his 5 catches.. — Mike DiRocco
Subsequent sport: at Payments (Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Browns convert on 4th down behind Jerome Ford’s 36-yard rush
Jerome Ford bursts down the sideline for a 36-yard run to maintain the drive alive for the Browns in opposition to the Jaguars.
Commanders
Did Washington uncover its run sport? Quarterback Jayden Daniels wants extra assist and the run sport offered it Sunday. Operating again Brian Robinson Jr. had the 2 longest runs of his profession (32 and 40 yards) en path to 133 yards. His energy inside made an enormous distinction and Austin Ekeler’s contributions within the go sport fueled the offense. Ekeler caught three passes for 47 yards and ran eight instances for 38 extra. Washington wants to seek out its id and lacks firepower within the go sport, but when the run sport produces they’ll at the least management the sport and restrict the protection’s time on the sector.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Ugly win. Nevertheless it certain beats a reasonably loss for a bunch that is attempting to rebuild the franchise. Daniels was sacked 5 instances however led a game-winning drive — due to a 34-yard go and 14-yard run — that was capped by Austin Seibert’s seventh subject aim.
Largest gap within the sport plan: Washington’s protection plan vs. Nabers. Washington used backup Mike Davis in opposition to the Giants rookie for the primary half and it didn’t go nicely as Nabers caught 5 passes for 73 yards. Washington stored taking part in man in opposition to Nabers in key spots, and he’d beat them on crossers. — John Keim
Subsequent sport: at Bengals (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Giants
Is that this lastly a step in the appropriate course for QB Daniel Jones? It is onerous to inform. Why? Jones at all times appears to play nicely in opposition to Washington. He threw a pair of landing passes Sunday and now has 12 TD tosses and three interceptions in opposition to the Commanders in his profession. However Jones performed nicely on this matchup, making good performs even late within the fourth quarter. It needed to be good for his confidence. That is enormous contemplating it was a priority coming into Week 2.
Largest gap within the sport plan: The Giants did not have a kicker. Sure, that actually occurred. They could not even attempt to kick a subject aim to take the lead with simply over two minutes remaining as a result of Graham Gano pulled his hamstring chasing down the opening kickoff. Downside was that the Giants knew Gano was already harm coming into Sunday (they added him to the damage report Saturday with a groin downside) and did not depart themselves with a contingency.
Most shocking efficiency: Broad receiver Malik Nabers. It is not that shocking that the No. 6 draft decide is taking part in nicely, however what’s shocking is his 18 targets — probably the most for a rookie since Rams’ Puka Nacua’s 20 in Week 2 final season. Nabers wasn’t simply a part of the sport plan, he was the sport plan for the Giants. He completed with 10 catches for 127 yards and his first profession landing. Solely downside is that his fourth-down drop with simply over two minutes remaining deep in Washington territory was expensive.– Jordan Raanan
Subsequent sport: at Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Seahawks
Is QB Geno Smith one of many NFL’s most clutch quarterbacks? Smith routinely got here by way of in crunch time final season, throwing a single-season file seven go-ahead landing passes within the fourth quarter or extra time. He did it once more Sunday, main field-goal drives to tie the sport late in regulation and win it in OT. Smith completed 33 of 44 for 327 yards, a landing go and no turnovers regardless of 5 drops and subsequent to no assist from his run sport, which produced 46 yards.
Early prediction for subsequent week: The Seahawks will put on out the Jugs machines over the subsequent few days in preparation to face the Dolphins. They’d 5 drops in opposition to New England — two apiece by DK Metcalf and Noah Fant plus one other by Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Fant’s second drop got here simply exterior the crimson zone on their second-to-last drive of regulation.
Most shocking efficiency: Broad receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He appeared poised for a breakout all offseason, and this was a matchup that appeared to swimsuit him. However who noticed this large of a day coming? Smith-Njigba’s 12 catches for 117 yards on 16 targets had been all profession highs, simply topping his earlier bests (seven catches, 11 targets, 63 yards). — Brady Henderson
Subsequent sport: vs. Dolphins (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Patriots
Do the Patriots have a susceptible go protection? The Patriots’ protection was spectacular in Week 1 in opposition to the Bengals however sprung some leaks as QB Geno Smith completed 33-of-44 for 312 yards and one landing. Some credit score ought to go to the Seahawks and their glorious WR corps, but it surely wasn’t with out self-inflicted wounds, too. The one TD gave the impression to be a communication breakdown involving cornerback Christian Gonzalez and security Kyle Dugger. There have been additionally defensive go interference penalties on CBs Marco Wilson and Jonathan Jones that led to a landing and the game-winning subject aim in OT. They’re going to have little time to get better with a Thursday night time sport in opposition to Aaron Rodgers and the Jets.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Additional time heartbreaker. The Patriots performed true to their id in working for 185 yards, and acquired the opening kickoff of extra time to present themselves an opportunity to win the sport. Ultimately, their lack of explosiveness within the passing sport and inconsistent go protection was the distinction.
Largest gap within the sport plan: Manufacturing from WRs in passing sport. Outdoors of rookie Ja’Lynn Polk’s 5-yard landing catch, a 7-yard Polk catch late within the fourth quarter and a 7-yard catch by Ok.J. Osborn in extra time, the Patriots did not have a receiver register one other catch. That is seemingly a results of the Patriots working extra two-TE packages — and TE Hunter Henry had an enormous day. — Mike Reiss
Subsequent sport: at Jets (Thursday , 8:15 p.m. ET)
Seahawks win on subject aim in extra time
Jason Myers completes 31-yard subject aim to solidify the Seahawks win over the Patriots in extra time.
Jets
Can QB Aaron Rodgers proceed to bail out the Jets? Rodgers hit some clutch passes within the fourth quarter to avoid wasting the Jets from a crushing loss and an 0-2 begin, going 5-for-5 on a 74-yard drive for the game-winning landing. Regardless of pedestrian numbers — 18 of 30 for 176 yards — Rodgers delivered when it mattered most and did not flip the ball over, the explanation why they traded for him final yr. He brings the form of successful mentality they’ve lacked for … nicely, a long time. However it will likely be tough to take care of except the offense achieves extra total consistency.
Largest gap within the sport plan: Broad receiver Garrett Wilson was focused solely six instances and had 4 receptions. Rodgers stated he needed to get Wilson extra touches than final week (six), however they went within the flawed course. He was coated lots by cornerback La’Jarius Sneed, which was an element, however there have been methods (see: pre-snap movement) to create favorable matchups. Fact be informed, Rodgers struggled to get the ball to each large receiver. The passing assault was dink-and-dunk to the max. Rodgers needed to depend on his working backs, Breece Corridor and Braelon Allen, each of whom caught touchdowns.
Most shocking efficiency: Defensive finish Will McDonald IV. He had three sacks, equaling his profession complete. The most important got here with 23 seconds left, a third-down play within the crimson zone. The previous first-round decide got here up enormous on a day wherein the Jets might have misplaced defensive finish Jermaine Johnson to a season-ending Achilles damage — which places extra stress on the Jets to resolve the Haason Reddick holdout. — Wealthy Cimini
Subsequent sport: vs. New England (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Titans
How a lot are QB Will Levis’ expensive turnovers hurting the Titans? Levis single-handedly destroyed the Titans momentum early within the sport in opposition to the Jets. Tennessee was en path to consecutive scoring drives till Levis made a careless play that led to a turnover for the second week in a row. Levis tried to pitch the ball backward as a substitute of taking a sack on third down, and as a substitute, it was a fumble recovered by the Jets on their very own 12-yard line. A rating would have put the Titans up double digits. This comes every week after Tennessee wasn’t in a position to get better from some deadly errors.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Momentum swings. The momentum was swinging backwards and forwards on this sport. Levis’ fumble and interception on consecutive drives gave the Jets life. The Titans fought again to tie it up, due to a miraculous landing catch by WR Calvin Ridley. In complete, the Jets misplaced and regained the lead thrice earlier than arising with the win.
Most shocking efficiency: Linebacker Harold Landry III. He had two sacks in opposition to the Jets and now has a complete of three after two video games. Landry is not usually a quick starter, as proven by his 3.5 complete sacks by way of the primary two video games of his 5 earlier seasons. The veteran exterior linebacker is off to the very best begin of his profession. — Turron Davenport
Subsequent sport: vs. Packers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Vikings
What bodily situation will the Vikings be in for Week 3? As thrilling as Sunday’s victory was, the Vikings had been taking part in with out most of their offensive playmakers by the top of the sport. Broad receiver Justin Jefferson departed within the third quarter due to a proper quad damage, whereas wideout Jordan Addison (ankle) was inactive and T.J. Hockenson (knee) was on the PUP record. Operating again Aaron Jones, in the meantime, appeared gradual within the fourth quarter after a visit to the blue tent. Except there are some fast recoveries, the Vikings could possibly be short-handed heading into subsequent Sunday’s matchup in opposition to Houston.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Brian Flores. The Vikings’ defensive coordinator spun up a scheme that pressured QB Brock Purdy on 13 of his dropbacks and sacked him six instances, that are each probably the most taken by Purdy in his profession. The Vikings additionally intercepted him as soon as and recovered his lone fumble. There can be loads of adulation across the group for this 2-0 begin, however Flores has discovered methods to have an effect on each victories by way of go protection and compelled turnovers.
Eye-popping superior stat: Jefferson ran a complete of 127.5 yards on a 97-yard landing reception within the second quarter, probably the most by a ball provider on an offensive landing since 2016, in response to NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Darnold despatched the go 50 yards within the air, however Jefferson needed to cease after catching it, pivot and outrace Ji’Ayir Brown and George Odum to the far nook of the top zone for the rating. — Kevin Seifert
Subsequent sport: vs. Texans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
49ers
Will the 49ers ever win in Minnesota once more? Regardless of how good they’ve been, the Niners merely cannot get it achieved within the Twin Cities. Sunday’s loss was their eighth straight at Minnesota with their final win coming in 1992. This loss was extra alarming for the truth that the Vikings had been lacking a number of key offensive gamers for many or all the sport and nonetheless rang up 407 complete yards. Save for linebacker Fred Warner, the Niners have lots of enchancment to do defensively in the event that they wish to get again to the group they have been lately.
Largest gap within the sport plan: It is no secret that Justin Jefferson is the very best receiver within the league, and with Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson unavailable for Minnesota, it stood to purpose the Niners would take particular care to power anybody else to beat them. As an alternative, Jefferson posted 4 catches for 133 yards, together with a 97-yard landing, earlier than leaving with an damage. San Francisco desires to stay to its defensive rules of dashing 4 and taking part in zone protection, but when the go rush is not getting house persistently, there must be a greater plan for gamers of Jefferson’s caliber.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Error-filled. Taking part in on the highway and at 10 a.m. PT for the primary time this season, the Niners had been seemingly sleepwalking for a lot of the sport. It led to quite a few expensive errors, corresponding to a blocked punt, a muffed punt and Purdy merely shedding the ball for a fumble earlier than he might throw it. In a spot as tough to win as Minnesota, that is not going to get it achieved. — Nick Wagoner
Subsequent sport: at Rams (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Vikings flip a Purdy INT right into a TD
Josh Metellus will get the interception off the deflection. Vikings would rating on the subsequent play with a Jalen Nailor landing.
Buccaneers
Are we taking a look at a career-best season for QB Baker Mayfield? Mayfield’s 5 passing touchdowns (with a sixth on the bottom) are probably the most ever for him over the primary two video games of a season. His capability to thrive below duress (he was sacked 5 instances) and join with wideout Chris Godwin — who has amassed 200 receiving yards and two touchdowns by way of the primary two video games — was the distinction maker in opposition to the Lions.
Largest gap within the sport plan: With out beginning proper deal with Luke Goedeke (concussion), Lions defensive finish Aidan Hutchinson dominated Tampa Bay’s offensive line, registering 4.5 sacks. The Bucs had all week to arrange for the 2022 No. 2 draft decide. Whereas the primary sack got here on a stunt with DT Alim McNeill, Hutchinson simply man-handled backup Justin Skule on the subsequent two, and it wasn’t till then that Skule bought some assist from one other blocker. Even then, Hutchinson rattled off 1.5 extra sacks.
Most shocking efficiency: The Bucs’ battered secondary grabbed two takeaways off Lions QB Jared Goff with out Antoine Winfield Jr. and Josh Hayes. Cornerback Zyon McCollum, who’d simply cleared the concussion protocol, secured his first profession interception within the first quarter, which arrange a 55-yard subject aim. Backup security/nickelback Christian Izien picked off Goff within the fourth quarter and in addition made a touchdown-saving play in opposition to RB Jahmyr Gibbs. Security Jordan Whitehead was a tackling machine and allowed solely 4 catches on seven targets with a team-high three run stuffs. Each Izien and Whitehead tackled Gibbs on a important fourth-and-8 on the Bucs’ 6-yard line with 1:01 left. — Jenna Laine
Subsequent sport: vs. Broncos (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Lions
Ought to the Lions be involved about QB Jared Goff? Sunday wasn’t his best efficiency. Whereas Goff completed with 307 yards passing, he threw two expensive interceptions, together with a decide on Detroit’s first offensive play of the sport. He has now thrown an interception in every of the primary two video games of a season for simply the second time in his profession. On a day the Lions’ offense recorded 463 yards, Goff’s efficiency was a key issue within the loss.
Most shocking efficiency: Hutchinson put collectively a sack hat trick within the opening quarter earlier than ending with a career-high 4.5 sacks. It was the second most in a sport by a Lions participant since sacks grew to become an official stat in 1982. Hutchinson was additionally the primary participant with three sacks in 1 / 4 this NFL season and now has a sack in 4 consecutive video games, tying the longest streak by a Lions participant.
Early prediction for subsequent week: The Lions scored only one landing on seven crimson zone journeys in opposition to the Buccaneers, which is uncharacteristic for an offense with so many weapons. Detroit might want to clear up its errors coming into subsequent week’s matchup in Arizona. — Eric Woodyard
Subsequent sport: at Cardinals (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Packers
Can the Packers win once more with out QB Jordan Love? Contemplating they’re taking part in yet one more offensively challenged AFC South group within the Titans subsequent week, why not? Whereas it seemed like Love was near with the ability to play in opposition to the Colts, the Packers might wish to purchase one other week of restoration now that they’ve at the least one win with out him. An 0-3 begin would’ve been powerful — however not unimaginable — to beat and a loss may need compelled the Packers to push Like to play. However at 1-1 early in a 17-game schedule, they’ll higher afford to roll the cube with Malik Willis and one other run-heavy sport plan.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Run over. The Packers barely even pretended to throw the ball within the first half. Willis threw simply 5 instances in comparison with 34 dashing makes an attempt for the Packers earlier than halftime. In simply his second sport with the Packers, Josh Jacobs carried 32 instances for 151 yards. Willis was efficient when he was requested to throw and completed 12-of-14 for 122 yards and a landing.
Eye-popping superior stat: The Packers’ 237 yards dashing within the first half was the third most by an NFL group within the first half of a sport since 2000. It was 14 behind probably the most, which was by the Jaguars in 2006 additionally in opposition to the Colts. In all, the Packers rushed 53 instances for 261 yards. — Rob Demovsky
Subsequent sport: at Titans (Sunday , 1 p.m. ET)
Colts
What occurred to the Colts’ run protection? For the second week in a row, the Colts had been bodily dominated up entrance by an opponent’s working sport. The Packers posted historic first-half dashing totals with 237 yards. And whereas the Colts bought the dashing assault below management within the second half, the Packers nonetheless managed to transform some important third downs. Inexperienced Bay additionally beat the Colts with nice use of misdirection, utilizing Indianapolis’ aggressiveness in opposition to it. The Colts have now allowed 405 dashing yards this season.
Largest gap within the sport plan: Quarterback Anthony Richardson was the Colts’ main rusher with six carries for 56 yards in Week 1. However the Colts had been seemingly disinterested in utilizing Richardson on designed runs Sunday, opting to maintain him within the pocket despite the fact that the Packers’ coverages had been intent on not permitting him to throw downfield. Richardson had one designed run Sunday after a number of had been known as in Week 1.
Most shocking efficiency: Rookie receiver Adonai Mitchell had a promising coaching camp and has created a lot optimism, however he harm the Colts on Sunday with a important pair of performs. Mitchell dedicated a psychological error with an unlawful formation penalty within the second quarter, negating an enormous third-down conversion. Later, Mitchell dropped an ideal go from Richardson that might have transformed a important third down throughout the Colts’ failed comeback. Mitchell noticed fewer snaps the remainder of the sport, maybe because of this. — Stephen Holder
Subsequent sport: vs. Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Josh Jacobs breaks off spectacular 34-yard run
Josh Jacobs bounces a run to the skin and takes it 34 yard for a Packers first down.
Saints
Can the Saints sustain this offensive tempo? The Saints proved their new offense is for actual after blowing out each the Panthers and Cowboys. However how lengthy can they sustain this record-setting tempo? The Saints’ beginning offense scored on its first 16 possessions of the season, gave working again Alvin Kamara his second profession four-touchdown sport and appeared unstoppable. The Saints didn’t stall on a possession till a Derek Carr interception within the fourth quarter.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Grasp efficiency. It is onerous to take concern with something Carr or the offense did in opposition to the Cowboys. They set the tone early and by no means let off the fuel, utilizing Rashid Shaheed’s pace and Kamara’s versatility whereas deploying a number of gamers as blockers to permit Carr to play largely error-free.
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Eye-popping superior stat: 91 factors. The Saints made an enormous transfer this offseason by shifting away from the Sean Payton offense that gained a Tremendous Bowl title within the 2009 season. That group put up 93 factors in its first two video games, the second most in NFL historical past. This season’s Saints are tied for sixth in NFL historical past with 91 factors by way of Week 2. — Katherine Terrell
Subsequent sport: vs. Eagles (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Cowboys
What needs to be made from the Cowboys’ protection? Dominant in opposition to the Browns. Dominated by the Saints. By three quarters, the Saints averaged 9.7 yards per play. The 35 factors allowed within the first half tied for probably the most given up by way of the primary two quarters in group historical past. Final yr, the Cowboys allowed greater than 35 factors in a sport simply as soon as. Carr was hardly touched and neither was Kamara, who had 4 touchdowns. Mike McCarthy was round for the final time an opponent had 4 touchdowns in opposition to Dallas with Packers working again Aaron Jones scoring 4 in a Inexperienced Bay win at AT&T Stadium.
Early prediction for subsequent week: It is not going to get any simpler. The Ravens have traditionally been one of many higher dashing groups within the NFL, partially as a result of quarterback Lamar Jackson is a game-changer. He could make defenses look unhealthy on his personal. Derrick Henry has but to go off in his first two video games with the Ravens, however the Cowboys had been bludgeoned by the Saints in each manner, giving up greater than 5 yards per keep it up their first six possessions.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Over early. This wasn’t as unhealthy because the 48-32 wild-card loss to the Packers final season, however solely as a result of this wasn’t a playoff loss. The Cowboys allowed touchdowns on the Saints’ first six possessions. The offense moved the ball however failed on two crimson zone journeys, settling for too many Brandon Aubrey subject objectives. — Todd Archer
Subsequent sport: vs. Ravens (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Chargers
Ought to the Chargers cease splitting caries between Gus Edwards and J.Ok. Dobbins? Dobbins had one other record-setting Sunday, ending with 17 carries for 131 yards and one landing. Dobbins is the primary Chargers participant to hurry for 100 yards in every of his group’s first two video games of a season, and he somersaulted into the top zone for his lone rating of the day. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman stated they’d roll with the “sizzling hand” because the season progressed, but it surely’s clear that the dashing offense is best with Dobbins. Edwards had 18 carries for 59 yards.
Most shocking efficiency: Quentin Johnston’s two touchdowns: Johnston had scored two touchdowns over the primary 18 video games of his profession earlier than he caught two within the first half on Sunday. Johnston’s first rating, a 29-yard catch over CB Jaycee Horn, was his most spectacular play of the day. Johnston ran by Horn and adjusted because the ball was within the air to reel within the go for the rating.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Defensive domination. The Chargers held Panthers quarterback Bryce Younger to only 22 passing yards and an interception within the first half, the bottom first-half complete of his profession. The Chargers’ protection has allowed simply 13 factors over the primary two weeks of the season. — Kris Rhim
Subsequent sport: at Steelers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Panthers
When will coach Dave Canales sit quarterback Bryce Younger? Carolina has far more issues than Younger, however gradual begins are killing the Panthers. Younger is an element. He was 8-of-10 for 22 yards and a decide within the first half Sunday. He was 6-of-12 for 50 yards with a decide within the first half final week. Andy Dalton may give Carolina a greater likelihood. However when just lately requested about altering, Canales stated: “One of the best expertise you’ll be able to have is to be on the sector, and simply to reside it.”
Describe the sport in two phrases: Déjà vu. The 20-0 first-half deficit appeared eerily much like final week, after they fell behind 30-3 in opposition to New Orleans. The shortcoming to cease the run in opposition to L.A. (44 rushes for 219 yards) mirrored the shortcoming to cease it in opposition to the Saints (180 yards). Younger’s ineffectiveness … sure, lots of unhealthy similarities.
Early prediction for subsequent week: Canales will take an opportunity by switching to Dalton both earlier than Sunday’s sport at Las Vegas or throughout it. It was this time final season that Younger sat due to an ankle damage, and the Panthers had their finest offensive output. — David Newton
Subsequent sport: at Raiders (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Quentin Johnston secures his second TD with a 5-yard seize
Quentin Johnston hauls in a 5-yard landing go to increase the Chargers’ lead vs. the Panthers.
Payments
What does the longer term maintain at linebacker? Terrel Bernard left the sport within the first half with a pectoral damage, that means each of the group’s beginning linebackers are injured, along with beginning nickel cornerback Taron Johnson. Baylon Spector performed the remainder of the sport for Bernard, whereas Dorian Williams is in for the Matt Milano. With Bernard set to overlook time — the group is deciding whether or not to position him on injured reserve — a place that has handled accidents because the offseason must overcome much more, with coach Sean McDermott anticipating Spector taking on the center linebacker position in Bernard’s absence.
Eye-popping superior stat: On quarterback Josh Allen’s throw to working again Ty Johnson that arrange James Prepare dinner’s 1-yard landing run, Allen was working 14.87 mph on the time of his throw. Prior to now 5 seasons, Allen has accomplished 50 passes on 113 makes an attempt when working at the least 14 mph. That’s the most such completions within the NFL over that span (Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is subsequent with 40).
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Most shocking efficiency: Cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram. The previous undrafted free agent took benefit of alternatives and got here away with two interceptions, together with a pick-six. Ingram got here into the sport with out ever recording an interception. — Alaina Getzenberg
Subsequent sport: vs. Jaguars (Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Dolphins
What is going to the Dolphins do at quarterback shifting ahead? Tua Tagovailoa’s newest concussion will seemingly maintain him out of subsequent week’s sport in opposition to the Seahawks, coach Mike McDaniel stated. The Dolphins have the “utmost confidence” in third-year quarterback Skylar Thompson, who will in all probability begin till Tagovailoa is ready to return. McDaniel stated Miami will add one other quarterback to its roster, however do not anticipate a participant like Ryan Tannehill or Jimmy Garoppolo, who would are available in anticipating to begin.
Most shocking efficiency: The Dolphins’ efficiency as an entire was shocking, however individually, Tyreek Hill recorded simply three catches for twenty-four yards. Jaylen Waddle, Jonnu Smith and De’Von Achane had been all extra productive as Hill’s struggles in opposition to the Payments proceed. If Thompson is to begin subsequent week, Hill has to claim himself as one of many league’s finest gamers — no matter his group’s quarterback state of affairs.
Eye-popping superior stat: Based on NFL Subsequent Gen Stats, Tagovailoa accomplished solely two of his eight makes an attempt of 10-plus air yards, leading to 38 yards and two interceptions. It was the bottom completion proportion of his profession in video games the place he is tried at the least eight such passes. Contemplating the Payments’ unproven safeties, not with the ability to benefit from that matchup was an enormous miss for Miami’s offense. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Subsequent sport: at Seahawks (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)