Welcome to Week 2 of the NFL common season. One other week, one other painstaking means of attempting to determine which groups are amongst this season’s elite.
The Payments’ offense got here alive towards the Raiders, whereas Chris Jones was the difference-maker within the Chiefs’ win over the Jaguars. Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson left Sunday’s recreation towards the Texans within the first half with a concussion, and the Seahawks and Titans each pulled off extra time victories.
Within the late window, the Giants tied their franchise report for greatest comeback towards the Cardinals after being down 20-0 at halftime, the 49ers outlasted the Rams and the Cowboys are 2-0 with a win over the Zach Wilson and the Jets. The Dolphins held on within the evening recreation to start out 2-0 and drop the Patriots to 0-2.
Our NFL Nation reporters are reacting to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every recreation and selecting out who — or what — is rising and falling for each group. Let’s get to it.
Bounce to a matchup:
MIN-PHI | KC-JAX | SEA-DET | LV-BUF
BAL-CIN | LAC-TEN | GB-ATL | IND-HOU
CHI-TB | NYG-ARI | SF-LAR | NYJ-DAL
WSH-DEN | MIA-NE
Dolphins
Did the Dolphins present a glimpse of how good they might be? Sunday’s win wasn’t good — the Dolphins had a subject purpose blocked, and their protection largely stalled out within the second half — however for a minimum of a half, Miami confirmed what it might be when it is firing on either side of the ball. Its protection pressured Mac Jones 20 instances for 4 sacks, forcing two turnovers within the course of. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa led an environment friendly offensive assault till hitting a snag within the second half. It is September, and no group is predicted to be a ultimate product, however the Dolphins supplied a glimpse.
Replenish after the win: The push protection. After permitting 235 dashing yards to the Chargers in Week 1, Miami held the Patriots to 88 yards on the bottom and an inefficient 3.5 yards per carry.
Inventory down after the win: Mike McDaniel’s problem report. The Dolphins coach tossed the pink flag early within the first half on what he thought was a fumble, nevertheless it was confirmed to be an incomplete cross. His report in coach’s challenges dropped to 1-for-6 because the begin of final season. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Subsequent recreation: vs. Broncos (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Patriots
At 0-2, are the Patriots in bother? It appears that evidently means. After dropping their first two video games at house, the following two are on the street (Jets, Cowboys), and historical past is not on their aspect. Since 1990, 31 of 270 groups that started a season 0-2 certified for the postseason — though the 17-game NFL schedule adopted in 2021 supplies somewhat extra margin for error. The distinction in explosiveness between the Patriots and Dolphins stood out, as one other fourth-quarter rally fell brief.
Replenish after the loss: Brenden Schooler, who acquired a working begin and blocked a kick. The second-year participant out of Texas was touring 12.7 mph when the ball was snapped and 13.19 mph when the kick was blocked.
Inventory down after the loss: Offensive line. The shortcoming to constantly open holes within the working recreation towards a Dolphins’ protection that surrendered 233 dashing yards within the opener was telling (88 yards/3.5 common), because the Patriots struggled to create stability and QB Mac Jones (4 sacks) as soon as once more took some large hits as rushers got here free towards a unit that was enjoying with out beginning left deal with Trent Brown (concussion). — Mike Reiss
Subsequent recreation: at Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Commanders
What’s completely different about this group in comparison with the previous? Washington has a younger quarterback with moxie who makes big-time throws. Sam Howell threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns in his third NFL begin, and first on the street. He shakes off dangerous performs and has the expertise to get sizzling. However the protection is also making performs. Sort out Daron Payne is enjoying at an elite stage, and the unit has compelled 4 turnovers in two video games and had possibilities for extra.
Replenish after the win: Working backs. Brian Robinson Jr. rushed for 87 yards and two touchdowns, displaying the facility and fast ft Washington preferred when it drafted him within the third spherical final 12 months. The backs had been additionally concerned within the display recreation. Robinson caught two passes for 42 yards whereas Antonio Gibson added three for 44 yards.
Inventory down after the win: Kicking recreation. Washington’s Joey Slye missed two subject objectives — the primary was a results of one other dangerous snap by Camaron Cheeseman; the second miss was vast proper from 59 yards. Cheeseman, a third-year participant, has struggled along with his snaps since coaching camp. — John Keim
Subsequent recreation: vs. Payments (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Broncos
When will the Broncos play the complementary soccer they’ve promised? The season-opening loss to the Raiders was irritating, however Sunday’s loss was alarming, late 50-yard Hail Mary landing however. The Broncos let an 18-point lead get away. The protection let the Commanders go on a 32-12 run during the last three quarters. So, the hoped-for new tradition below Sean Payton and workers hasn’t revealed what the Broncos can lean on with the Dolphins, Chiefs (twice), Packers and Payments on the schedule earlier than mid-November.
Replenish after the loss: WR Marvin Mims Jr. Mims had 113 yards on his first two receptions of the sport, together with a 60-yard landing, and inexplicably wasn’t thrown to once more within the recreation. The rookie must be a far greater a part of what the Broncos do.
Inventory down after the loss: S Kareem Jackson. Jackson’s savvy and fiery management are at all times wanted on the protection, however he now has had two consecutive video games with a late hit — pointless roughness penalties that modified the complexion of video games. He had one within the season opener that stored a late Raiders drive going, and Sunday he was ejected simply earlier than halftime for a success on tight finish Logan Thomas. The Broncos led 21-9 after Thomas’ catch, however Washington dominated the sport after the play. — Jeff Legwold
Subsequent recreation: at Dolphins (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
0:18
Brock Purdy fired up after dashing TD on final play of first half
Brock Purdy does a QB sneak on the ultimate play of the primary half for a landing.
Cowboys
Are we seeing the Cowboys’ new offensive id? When coach Mike McCarthy mentioned in February that former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore “needs to mild up the scoreboard, however I need to run the rattling ball so I can relaxation my protection,” he was killed by the analytics world. However what he really meant was he needed to handle the sport. Think about it managed. Quarterback Dak Prescott had two landing passes, however he did one thing he didn’t do a 12 months in the past: He went back-to-back video games with out an interception.
Replenish after the win: WR CeeDee Lamb. He completed with 11 catches for 143 yards, however he had greater than 100 yards within the first two quarters. It was the third time in his profession he recorded greater than 100 yards in a half.
Inventory down after the win: Pink zone offense. The Cowboys scored 30 factors, bolstered by kicker Brandon Aubrey’s 5 subject objectives, however transformed 2 of 6 alternatives contained in the Jets’ 20. Within the opener, the Cowboys transformed 3 of 4 possibilities, with Tony Pollard scoring two dashing touchdowns, however Pollard completed with 4 carries for minus-1 yard on carries contained in the 10-yard line towards the Jets. — Todd Archer
Subsequent recreation: at Cardinals (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Jets
Can the Jets be a profitable group with QB Zach Wilson? It is going to be arduous, actually arduous, to win with Zach Wilson. Wilson accomplished 12 of 27 passes for 170 yards and three interceptions — and 68 yards got here on a slant that Garrett Wilson became a landing. Zach Wilson is not on the stage in his improvement the place he can carry a group to the playoffs. If this continues, the entrance workplace must decide: Journey it out with Wilson or commerce for a starting-caliber QB. The Jets did not lose due to Wilson, however he did not make sufficient performs to win. That is a difficulty.
Replenish after the loss: WR Garrett Wilson. He scored on a spectacular catch-and-run for his second landing of the season. However for the Jets, it was their lone landing on the day.
Inventory down after the loss: The Jets’ secondary. Supposedly “among the finest secondaries within the league” acquired destroyed by CeeDee Lamb. Many of the injury got here towards D.J. Reed, however Sauce Gardner did not assist by dropping a possible pick-six. — Wealthy Cimini
Subsequent recreation: vs. Patriots (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
0:35
Payments take the lead on Dawson Knox TD
Josh Allen finds Dawson Knox at the back of the top zone for a Payments landing.
Giants
Is there nonetheless cause for concern for the Giants? The group that confirmed up within the second half was completely different from the one from the primary six quarters of the season, when the Giants had been outscored 60-0. That is what the Giants’ offense was presupposed to appear like, with 358 yards of complete offense within the second half after 81 within the first. The 21-point comeback matched the biggest in franchise historical past. Now it is a matter of whether or not there are nonetheless too many holes and deficiencies (offensive line, lack of cross rush) — plus the potential for RB Saquon Barkley to overlook time due to an ankle damage — for this to proceed.
Replenish after the win: WR Jalin Hyatt. His 58-yard reception on the primary play of the second half gave the Giants life, and his 31-yard catch late within the fourth quarter set them up for the tying rating.
Inventory down after the win: OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux. After a quiet opener, the fifth total decide in final 12 months’s draft was invisible but once more on Sunday in Arizona, with zero tackles, no sacks and one strain within the contest, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. — Jordan Raanan
Subsequent recreation: at 49ers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Cardinals
Can the Cardinals’ offense construct on their progress? It will not be simple dealing with the Cowboys’ and 49ers’ defenses the following two weeks, however the Cardinals confirmed Sunday they will produce a balanced and productive offense — for a half. The offense stalled within the second half — gaining 119 yards after 241 yards with 20 factors within the first half — which put extra strain on a protection that was on the sector about 9 minutes longer within the second half than the primary.
Replenish after the loss: QB Joshua Dobbs. The quarterback confirmed a greater command of the scheme and wasn’t afraid to make performs along with his ft (41 dashing yards and a landing) together with throwing the ball all around the yard (21-of-31 for 228 yards, one landing).
Inventory down after the loss: DT Dante Stills. The rookie was flagged for pointless roughness on a late hit on Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, with the dangerous resolution coming every week after Arizona was flagged for 2 comparable penalties in Washington. — Josh Weinfuss
Subsequent recreation: vs. Cowboys (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
49ers
Is that this a blip on the radar for the protection or cause for concern? It feels extra like a blip. For an enormous chunk of the sport, the Rams managed to slowly transfer down the sector, which was efficient in protecting the sport shut with the Niners’ offense on the sideline. A lot of that may be attributed to a fast passing recreation that neutralized the cross rush, because the Rams took benefit of soppy zone coverages. The Rams’ familiarity with the Niners undoubtedly helped, nevertheless it’s additionally honest to imagine new coordinator Steve Wilks is discovering his footing. Make no mistake, the Rams did not pile up the yards or factors. And Wilks will get credit score for dialing up further strain down the stretch because the Niners’ protection delivered when it was wanted most to flee with the win.
Replenish after the win: CB Isaiah Oliver. The much-maligned nickel nook delivered large performs when the Niners’ protection desperately wanted them, arising with a pair of key tackles to get stops and an interception on a deflection for the sport’s first takeaway. A type of stops was on Kyren Williams on fourth down late within the recreation to extinguish any probability of a Rams comeback.
Inventory down after the win: QB Brock Purdy’s deep ball. Though he hit an enormous one late to Jauan Jennings, Purdy struggled pushing the ball downfield towards the Rams, lacking open wideouts Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk for would-be touchdowns and Jennings for a key third-down conversion. — Nick Wagoner
Subsequent recreation: vs. Giants (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Rams
Can the offense proceed to maneuver the ball with out Cooper Kupp? The Rams performed effectively towards a troublesome 49ers protection within the first half, however two turnovers within the second half stopped an offense that was rolling. Rookie receiver Puka Nacua set the report for many receptions by a participant by way of his first two video games, in response to ESPN Stats & Info. For the second recreation in a row, Nacua has taken on a heavy load of the goal share, turning 20 targets into 15 catches for 147 yards. The Rams’ efficiency wasn’t sufficient to beat the 49ers on Sunday, nevertheless it actually supplies extra hope with Kupp out for a minimum of the primary 4 video games.
Replenish after the loss: RB Kyren Williams. Williams, a 2022 fifth-round decide, was named the Rams’ lead again this week and impressed within the position. He completed with 52 yards and a landing on 14 carries and had six receptions for 48 yards and a landing, turning into the primary Rams participant to attain by way of the air and on the bottom since Week 8 of the 2021 season.
Inventory down after the loss: RB Cam Akers. Akers was a wholesome scratch for Week 2, every week after dashing for 29 yards and a landing on 22 carries. Akers additionally fell out of favor for some time final season, however Williams’ emergence may make it robust for him to get again within the lineup. — Sarah Barshop
Subsequent recreation: at Bengals (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
1:39
Zach Wilson throws three 4th-quarter INTs in Jets’ loss to Cowboys
Zach Wilson is picked off thrice within the fourth quarter by the Cowboys’ protection.
Buccaneers
Can the Bucs proceed to win with Baker Mayfield? After listening to all offseason how dangerous it might be with out Tom Brady, the Bucs are 2-0. Between Mayfield’s quarterback scramble performs, the deep-ball connections to Mike Evans, and the sacks and takeaways by the protection, this group has established itself and received. Tampa Bay might be examined the following two weeks, although, with two top-five defenses from final season on deck: the Eagles on “Monday Evening Soccer” and the Saints in Week 4.
Replenish after the win: Go rush. After sacking Kirk Cousins twice final week, the Bucs sacked Justin Fields six instances, with two sacks every from Vita Vea and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (who recovered a fumble final week), and Shaquil Barrett sealing the victory with a pick-six.
Inventory down after the win: Pink zone offense. Whereas the Tampa Bay offense moved the ball a lot better this week and confirmed a considerable enchancment on third down — some extent of emphasis for OC Dave Canales — it was 1-for-4 on journeys to the pink zone, so the Bucs missed scoring alternatives. — Jenna Laine
Subsequent recreation: vs. Eagles (Monday, 7:15 p.m. ET)
Bears
Will Bears remedy Justin Fields’ inconsistent play? Fields was in command on the primary drive, marching the Bears 75 yards earlier than dashing for a landing. The subsequent six drives had been a catastrophe, nonetheless, with 5 sacks — a number of attributable to holding on to the ball too lengthy — and bother throwing downfield. The quarterback put collectively a 90-yard TD drive within the fourth quarter and went 2-of-3 on throws of 10-plus air yards, together with a 20-yard TD to Chase Claypool, however on the ultimate drive, he threw a pick-six. He faces the Chiefs on the street in Week 3.
Replenish after the loss: WR Chase Claypool. Every week after he was referred to as out for his lack of effort, which put his Week 2 availability into query, Claypool caught his first landing cross as a Bear and turned eight targets into three receptions for 36 yards.
Inventory down after the loss: Third-down protection. Chicago did not get off the sector towards Inexperienced Bay (9-of-16 on third downs) and continued that worrying pattern in Tampa, the place the Bucs went 7-of-11 on third downs, together with two touchdowns. — Courtney Cronin
Subsequent recreation: at Chiefs (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
1:53
Giants overcome 21-point deficit to take down Cardinals
Down by 21 factors within the third quarter, the Giants rally to defeat the Cardinals 31-28.
Falcons
What can Desmond Ridder do to enhance? Sunday was a blended bag. Ridder led some lengthy drives and had a landing throw on the run to Drake London. However there have been a minimum of three passes — one which was intercepted and two that simply might have been — wherein Ridder confirmed his inexperience. He dealt with the read-option recreation effectively, ending with 9 carries for 40 yards, together with a landing. He has loved a stage of consolation late in video games; if he can do the identical in first halves and enhance his accuracy on intermediate and deep passes, he could make features.
Replenish after the win: RB Bijan Robinson. Robinson adopted up his sturdy debut along with his first 100-yard dashing recreation (124 yards on 19 carries), which included two highlight-reel runs: one wherein he made three jukes, and one other wherein he jumped over a Packers defender on the bottom. He additionally added 4 catches for 48 yards, displaying off his versatility.
Inventory down after the win: WR/RB Cordarrelle Patterson. The group’s do-it-all participant was inactive Sunday with a thigh damage regardless of training in full all week and never being listed as questionable on the damage report. — Michael Rothstein
Subsequent recreation: at Lions (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Packers
Does dropping this recreation imply something within the large image? The Packers took a double-digit lead into the fourth quarter with out wideout Christian Watson, working again Aaron Jones and left deal with David Bakhtiari, plus they misplaced left guard Elgton Jenkins to a first-half knee damage. The issue was, Bijan Robinson wore down the Packers’ protection and Jordan Love — regardless of three touchdowns for the second straight week — did not get a primary down on their ultimate three drives to mark their first loss with a double-digit fourth-quarter lead because the 2014 NFC Championship Sport.
Replenish after the loss: The receivers. Second-round decide Jayden Reed and fifth-rounder Dontayvion Wicks mixed for 3 TD catches. Reed caught two — together with a 9-yarder within the second quarter on a jet-sweep movement shovel cross wherein he hit 20.54 miles per hour, in response to NFL Subsequent Gen Stats.
Inventory down after the loss: Forcing turnovers. The Packers dropped two gimme interceptions — one by Jaire Alexander and one other by Quay Walker. What regarded like a pick-six proper into Alexander’s fingers became a subject purpose on the following drive. — Rob Demovsky
Subsequent recreation: vs. Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Seahawks
Who’re the actual Seahawks? This Seattle group on Sunday could not have regarded extra completely different from the group that performed Week 1. After getting blown out at house to the Rams, the Seahawks delivered an upset win amid robust circumstances. They had been with out each beginning offensive tackles and dealing with an excellent Lions cross rush at a raucous Ford Area. Additionally they misplaced No. 1 CB Riq Woolen to a chest damage. His substitute, Tre Brown, finest symbolized the one-week turnaround. Picked on within the opener, Brown got here off the bench and had a pick-six within the fourth quarter in addition to a sack and two passes defensed vs. Detroit.
Replenish after the win: QB Geno Smith. Smith was glorious below duress. He dealt with the noise and absence of his beginning tackles, made performs and averted pricey errors — till the 17-yard sack he took to arrange the Lions’ game-tying subject purpose on the finish of regulation. Smith (32-of-41, 328 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs) atoned by main the game-winning OT drive.
Inventory down after the win: Okay Jason Myers. Myers has alternated good seasons and dangerous ones since rejoining the Seahawks in 2019, and 2023 is off to a shaky begin. After going 2-of-3 within the opener, he went 1-of-3 vs. Detroit, lacking from 45 and 56 yards within the first half. — Brady Henderson
Subsequent recreation: vs. Panthers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Lions
Did Seattle expose the Lions’ defensive weaknesses? Coming off a season-opening victory towards the Chiefs, the Lions laid an egg of their house opener with an extra time loss to Seattle wherein they gave up three touchdowns within the fourth quarter and extra time. The protection struggled as a complete, permitting two dashing touchdowns to RB Kenneth Walker III, two receiving touchdowns to Tyler Lockett and 328 receiving yards.
Replenish after the loss: QB Jared Goff. His streak with out an INT ended after 383 consecutive makes an attempt, however the veteran now has a number of landing passes in six straight house video games going again to Week 9 in 2022 — the longest lively streak within the NFL.
Inventory down after the loss: Offensive ball safety. Goff threw his first decide since November. WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and working again David Montgomery had been each stripped for misplaced fumbles. — Eric Woodyard
Subsequent recreation: vs. Falcons (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
1:00
Shaquil Barrett secures Bucs’ win with a pick-six
Shaquil Barrett picks off Justin Fields on the four-yard line and fights to the top zone to safe a Buccaneers win.
Chiefs
Was Chris Jones well worth the wait? Although the Chiefs might have used him within the opener towards the Lions, he made up for it towards the Jaguars. Jones, in restricted enjoying time, had 5 pressures, 1.5 sacks and a batted cross. He had just one recreation with greater than 4 pressures final season. The Chiefs had 4 sacks from an energized cross rush.
Replenish after the win: RB Isiah Pacheco. He perked up a dormant working recreation. His 31-yard run jump-started a landing drive to start out the third quarter. He rushed for 16 yards on a subject purpose drive within the fourth quarter, together with changing on a fourth-and-1 play with the Chiefs struggling in such conditions.
Inventory down after the win: Broad receivers. They did not have an enormous drawback with dropped passes, as they did within the season opener, however they mixed to fumble thrice, dropping two. Dropped passes and turnovers are two issues that may kill even the Chiefs’ offense. — Adam Teicher
Subsequent recreation: vs. Bears (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Jaguars
Is OC Press Taylor’s playcalling hurting the offense? The offensive line has been a difficulty, however there have been possibilities to make performs, and the Jaguars simply missed them. QB Trevor Lawrence overthrew an open Zay Jones ultimately zone, Lawrence missed Calvin Ridley at the back of the top zone, Christian Kirk dropped a third-down cross, and Jamal Agnew fumbled a lateral. The unit did not play cleanly (simply 4.2 yards per play), nevertheless it was associated extra to OL points and execution than playcalling.
Replenish after the loss: DC Mike Caldwell. His protection compelled two turnovers out of the Chiefs (the Jaguars additionally acquired one on a muffed punt) and held Patrick Mahomes out of the top zone within the first half till lower than a minute remained. That stored the Jaguars within the recreation whereas the offense stumbled round for 3 quarters.
Inventory down after the loss: The offensive line. It had bother protecting the Chiefs off Lawrence: He was pressured on 25% of his dropbacks and in addition was sacked thrice into the early a part of the fourth quarter. Rookie RT Anton Harrison had bother with Chris Jones (5 pressures and 1.5 sacks). — Mike DiRocco
Subsequent recreation: vs. Texans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
1:14
Tyler Lockett offers Seahawks win in OT
Tyler Lockett stretches into the top zone for a walk-off landing towards the Lions.
Colts
How will QB Anthony Richardson’s concussion affect the following week? With the rookie quarterback leaving the sport with a concussion within the second quarter, the Colts’ preparations for subsequent week’s recreation towards the Baltimore Ravens turns into difficult. Even when he clears the concussion protocol by the top of the week, Richardson’s follow reps might be considerably decreased and his preparation negatively impacted. And balancing the necessity to put together backup Gardner Minshew might be delicate, too, as Minshew performs the place a lot otherwise and would require a unique recreation plan. Coach Shane Steichen could have his work lower out for him.
Replenish after the win: RB Zack Moss. Moss rushed for 88 yards and a landing on 18 carries in his first motion of the season, offering a wanted increase to a working recreation that struggled mightily in Week 1. The Colts’ working backs averaged 1.6 yards per try final week behind lead again Deon Jackson, who didn’t contact the ball Sunday.
Inventory down after the win: CB Darrell Baker Jr. He gave up a number of key first-down completions — together with a 32-yard connection from C.J. Stroud to Nico Collins — and a 23-yard landing to Tank Dell. — Stephen Holder
Subsequent recreation: at Ravens (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Texans
Can the Texans’ offense maintain up with its line accidents? The Texans had been with out 4 starters on the offensive line as left deal with Laremy Tunsil, heart Juice Scruggs, proper deal with Tytus Howard and left guard Kenyon Inexperienced had been out. In consequence, the Texans’ offense could not successfully run the ball, totaling 52 dashing yards on 26 carries. Quarterback C.J. Stroud additionally was sacked six instances.
Replenish after the loss: Stroud. Regardless of the offensive line struggles, Stroud went 30-of-47 for 384 yards with two touchdowns, and he has but to throw an interception by way of two video games.
Inventory down after the loss: RB Dameon Pierce. After a promising rookie 12 months, Pierce is off to a gradual begin with 31 yards on 15 carries in Week 2 and 38 yards on 11 carries in Week 1. — DJ Bien-Aime
Subsequent recreation: at Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Payments
Is the multidimensional offense the Payments confirmed for actual? It positive could be. After a turnover-heavy efficiency in Week 1, the Payments confirmed how the offense can take over a recreation. QB Josh Allen put collectively landing drives of 11 and 15 performs, and unfold the ball round to 9 pass-catchers. The Payments averted turnovers and Allen decreased his common air yards per play from 7.4 in Week 1 to three.9 vs. the Raiders, and the offense benefited in consequence. The run recreation got here up large, too. After dashing for 97 complete yards final week, the Payments racked up 183 Sunday.
Replenish after the win: The Payments’ linebackers. Matt Milano has an interception in three straight regular-season video games, and second-year center linebacker Terrel Bernard had some good moments towards the Raiders, together with an interception, together with a team-high six tackles.
Inventory down after the win: Third-down manufacturing. There’s not a simple candidate right here as virtually every little thing trended in a extra optimistic route for the Payments, however the offense went 7-of-13 on third down, resulting in 4 fourth-down makes an attempt, and might be an space to wash up. — Alaina Getzenberg
Subsequent recreation: at Commanders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Raiders
What’s going on with former Professional Bowl receiver Hunter Renfrow? Every week after not getting a single goal for the primary time in his profession, Renfrow was once more an invisible man. The 2021 Professional Bowler, who caught 103 passes that season, was not focused by quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo till there have been lower than 4 minutes to play. There have been a minimum of just a few different events wherein Renfrow was working free however Garoppolo didn’t see him. If Garoppolo, who has extra interceptions (three) than throws to Renfrow (one), doesn’t need to change into too predictable, he must get the receiver extra concerned.
Replenish after the loss: WR Davante Adams. Adams caught six passes for 84 yards, together with a 16-yard catch-and-run rating to start out the day. Adams was being evaluated for a concussion after the sport.
Inventory down after the loss: RB Josh Jacobs. The All-Professional ran for a career-low minus-2 yards on 9 carries. — Paul Gutierrez
Subsequent recreation: vs. Steelers (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
0:22
Travis Kelce punts ball into stands after first TD of the season
Travis Kelce hauls within the landing from Patrick Mahomes, then punts the ball into the stands.
Titans
Can the secondary discover a option to cease opposing quarterbacks? The Titans’ secondary gave up one more 300-plus yards of passing regardless of the win. Justin Herbert threw for 305 yards and two touchdowns. Tennessee was with out beginning proper cornerback Kristian Fulton and Herbert picked on his substitute Tre Avery. The Chargers drove 60 yards, principally passing the ball earlier than a Harold Landry sack saved the day and compelled a 33-yard subject purpose to ship the sport to extra time. The cross protection, after rating useless final within the NFL final season, is not off to a a lot better begin.
Replenish after the win: Pink-zone offense. The Titans bounced again and scored touchdowns three of their 4 instances contained in the 20-yard line after failing to take action final week.
Inventory down after the win: The offensive line. Tennessee allowed 5 sacks, with two approaching dangerous miscommunication. Ryan Tannehill was constantly below strain. — Turron Davenport
Subsequent recreation: at Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Chargers
Which model of the Chargers’ cross rush will present up transferring ahead? In final week’s loss to the Dolphins, the Chargers struggled to get a lot strain on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who threw for 466 yards and wasn’t sacked. Chargers coach Brandon Staley dismissed the dearth of strain, pointing to how rapidly Tagovailoa threw the ball. With All-Professional edge rusher Joey Bosa nursing a hamstring damage, the cross rush was in query heading into this recreation. However that unit regarded like a unique group this week, because it sacked Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill 5 instances.
Replenish after the loss: LB Tuli Tuipulotu. The Chargers’ second-round decide began at edge rusher instead of Bosa, who was restricted with a hamstring damage. Tuipulotu completed with a sack and beat offensive lineman for strain recurrently.
Inventory down after the loss: Go protection. The Chargers struggled once more to cease deep throws. Sunday was the primary time since 2013 that Tannehill accomplished two passes of a minimum of 45 air yards in a recreation, essentially the most notable being a 70-yard strike to receiver Treylon Burks. — Kris Rhim
Subsequent recreation: at Vikings (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Ravens
How are the Ravens overcoming accidents? Baltimore was with out six injured starters, nevertheless it had a wholesome Lamar Jackson. It was Jackson’s clutch play that led Baltimore to beat the Bengals on the street. Within the second half, Jackson threw two landing passes on third down after which helped seal the victory with a 12-yard scramble on third down. The chances had been actually towards the Ravens, who had been with out working again J.Okay. Dobbins, offensive deal with Ronnie Stanley, heart Tyler Linderbaum, cornerback Marlon Humphrey and security Marcus Williams. Then, Baltimore dominated out vast receiver Odell Beckham Jr. with an ankle damage. However Jackson was the difference-maker.
Replenish after the win: TE Mark Andrews. In his first recreation again after lacking the opener with a quad damage, Andrews caught his first landing cross from Lamar Jackson since Week 6 of final season — a span of 12 video games.
Inventory down after the win: Punt protection. The Ravens’ solely landing allowed within the first half got here on an 81-yard punt return, which was the primary one given up by Baltimore since 2016. — Jamison Hensley
Subsequent recreation: vs. Colts (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Bengals
What’s most regarding in regards to the Bengals’ 0-2 begin? At this level, it is the run protection. It had some tough moments in Week 1 towards the Browns on a day when Cleveland racked up 206 dashing yards. In Week 2, the Ravens had comparable success (178 yards) irrespective of who was working it: Gus Edwards, Lamar Jackson or Justice Hill. That performed a task in Cincinnati’s incapacity to cease Baltimore on a few key first downs. The offense ought to determine issues out as Joe Burrow will get extra reps. However Cincinnati must cease the run.
Replenish after the loss: WR Tee Higgins. After no catches in Week 1, Higgins bounced again towards Baltimore with eight catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns.
Inventory down after the loss: Rush protection. Cincinnati struggled towards the run as Baltimore gained 178 yards. Gus Edwards averaged 6.2 yards per carry. — Ben Child
Subsequent recreation: vs. Rams (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Thursday
Eagles
What’s behind the passing recreation struggles? Middle Jason Kelce mentioned the Eagles’ offense has been seeing some “loopy issues” from opposing coordinators over the primary two weeks in an try to create confusion and gradual the passing assault. Kelce believes it would keep that means, predicting “chaos” the remainder of the way in which. One level of emphasis for opposing defenses has been to restrict the explosive performs. It falls to the teaching workers and quarterback Jalen Hurts to decode the myriad seems they’re getting and discover a option to get the passing recreation again on monitor.
Replenish after the win: RB D’Andre Swift. The Philadelphia native made essentially the most of his homecoming, dashing for a career-high 175 yards and a landing within the house opener.
Inventory down after the win: WR A.J. Brown. He had 4 catches for 29 yards. Frustration led to a heated dialog on the sideline with Hurts. Hurts referred to as him a “nice participant, nice teammate, nice good friend” and mentioned he is not frightened about Brown, nevertheless it wasn’t the perfect look on a profitable evening for the Eagles. — Tim McManus
Subsequent recreation: at Bucs (Sunday, 7:15 p.m. ET)
Vikings
Have the Vikings already given away their season? They dedicated 4 turnovers Thursday evening and have a complete of seven by way of the primary two video games, which have been determined by 9 factors mixed. Who is aware of how their losses to the Eagles and Buccaneers would have been completely different with out a minus-6 turnover margin? However whether or not it has been by fluke or it’s deserved, the Vikings have fallen into an 0-2 gap that, traditionally, many groups have struggled to get out of.
Replenish after the loss: QB Kirk Cousins to WR Justin Jefferson. Regardless of the 2 losses, Cousins and Jefferson are clicking like by no means earlier than, with Jefferson turning into the primary NFL participant in 12 years to place up consecutive 150-yard receiving video games to open a season and Cousins throwing for a franchise-record 708 yards over that stretch.
Inventory down after the loss: Run recreation. The Vikings had 28 dashing yards, on 9 makes an attempt, a continuation of a theme that started in Week 1 and a weird twist following an offseason spent trying to enhance dashing effectivity. — Kevin Seifert
Subsequent recreation: vs. Chargers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
