Week 2 of the NFL didn’t disappoint. The theme for week two was the Sunday of the comeback. We witnessed massive comebacks throughout the league. We also have several playoff teams from last year struggle out the gates and are now 0-2. There were plenty of standout performances, but none stood out more than Tua and the Dolphins coming back in Baltimore. Let’s recap the action from week 2 and preview week 3.
Tua’s Statement:
If you’re a Miami Dolphins fan you have to be geeked up after what you saw on Sunday. Tua Tagovailoa threw for 459 yards and six touchdown passes – leading the Dolphins back from a three-touchdown fourth quarter deficit versus Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Lamar was outstanding himself, throwing for 318 yards and rushing for another 119 yards – combining for four touchdowns combined. Any questions about how Tyreek Hill and Tua were going to mesh have been answered. Hill had 11 catches for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Hill’s partner across the field, Jalen Waddle, was also outstanding – catching 11 passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns. Sure, the Ravens’ defense collapsed, but at the end of the day the Dolphins and their offense made the plays they needed to make to win on the road and now Miami is 2-0
Super Bowl Hangover?
What is up with the Cincinnati Bengals? The defending AFC champs are 0-2 after losing to the Cooper Rush-led Dallas Cowboys 20-17 on Sunday. The Bengals’ offense has not looked good so far, as the offensive line continues to struggle to protect Joe Burrow. Burrow has been sacked 13 times in the first two weeks and if the Bengals don’t get that fixed, they will struggle to contend for the postseason. For Dallas, Cooper Rush looked okay, but can he continue to steady the ship while Dak heals up from his injury with games against the Giants, Commanders, Rams, and Eagles ahead?
A Wild Ending in Vegas:
The Arizona Cardinals looked dead throughout the first three quarters against the Raiders. Down 23-7 entering the final quarter, Kylar Murray took over the game and may have saved the Cardinals’ season with a spectacular fourth quarter. Murray led the Cardinals on two touchdown drives and the Cardinals were able to convert the 2-point conversion twice – the last one a spectacular throw to A.J. Green to tie the game. Despite Murray’s heroics, the Raiders’ defense was able to get a stop and get the ball back to their offense. Then Hunter Renfrow fumbled and Byron Murphy Jr. scooped the ball up and scored the game wining touchdown….or did he? It was close, but the refs ruled that Murphy barely crossed the plane before dropping the ball. How will the Raiders recover from two early defeats early in a tough division? The Raiders have the Titans, Broncos, and Chiefs up next.
Can the Chargers Stay Out of their Own Way:
The Chargers can’t stay out their own way. What can go wrong, usually does and it happened again on Thursday. Justin Herbert just completed a long pass to Gerald Everett and the Chargers were getting ready to take the lead. Everett was signaling to come out of the game, but the Chargers went no huddle. Herbert threw a pass to Everett who ran a lazy route and was pick-sixed by Jaylen Watson. That play doomed the Chargers in a game where they arguably outplayed the Chiefs on the road. To add insult to injury, Justin Herbert suffered a rib injury and will have to play through pain.
Quick Takes:
The Bills are the best team in the NFL through two games after beating the Rams and then dominating the Titans. Josh Allen is on his way to a MVP season.
The Eagles won the offseason, and it’s paying off so far as Philly is 2-0. Jalen Hurts was sharp, completing 26 of 31 passes for 331 yards and rushing for 57 yards. If Hurts can continue to play at this level the Eagles are a threat in the NFC.
The 49ers should thank the football gods that Jimmy G is still on their roster. Trey Lance suffered a season-ending ankle injury and now Jimmy G will lead the 49ers…again.
The temperatures of the coaching seats are rising in Carolina and Indy as the Panthers start 0-2 and the Colts are 0-1-1 after tying with the Texans and getting blown out by the Jaguars.
Week 3 Games to Watch
* Raiders (-2.5) at Titans: Two playoff teams from last season are looking at 0-3. This is a must-win for both teams.
* Bills (-5.5) at Dolphins: This is an early season AFC East showdown that could go a long way into deciding this division.
* Rams (-4) at Cardinals: A NFC west showdown and playoff rematch. Neither team wants to start 1-2 in what figures to be a competitive division.
* Packers vs Buccaneers (-2.5): Tom Brady vs Aaron Rodgers is always a must-see game. Which QB can get their offense going?