Week 2 NFL takeaways: Large days for Patriots, 49ers, Cowboys
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New England and San Francisco every put up 40-plus factors on their option to 2-Zero begins. Lamar Jackson had one other big recreation to maintain Baltimore undefeated. In the meantime, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Jacksonville have been among the many groups that stumbled once more and dropped to Zero-2.
NFL Nation reporters offer you what it’s essential to know for each Week 2 recreation:
Soar to a matchup:
ATL-PHI | KC-OAK | NO-LAR
CHI-DEN | MIN-GB | IND-TEN
LAC-DET | SEA-PIT | JAX-HOU
ARI-BAL | DAL-WSH | NE-MIA
SF-CIN | BUF-NYG | TB-CAR
The Falcons confirmed up on protection. From Desmond Trufant’s two interceptions, to Vic Beasley’s sack, to Isaiah Oliver and Keanu Neal stopping Zach Ertz in need of a primary right down to seal a victory, the protection performed with rather more vitality and energy than it did towards the Vikings. Atlanta pressured Carson Wentz right into a 61.Three passer score. After all, the Falcons benefited from early accidents to DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery, however you possibly can’t take away from the trouble. Now they must maintain that very same vitality going to Indianapolis. They usually’ll have some nice cell quarterback challenges forward with Deshaun Watson and Marcus Mariota. — Vaughn McClure
Subsequent recreation: at Indianapolis (Sunday, Sept. 22 at 1 p.m. ET)
The Eagles exited Atlanta banged up. The Eagles head dwelling not solely with a 24-20 loss, however with numerous accidents that would affect them as they flip their consideration to Week Three towards the Detroit Lions. Receivers DeSean Jackson (groin) and Alshon Jeffery (calf) went down within the first half and did not return. Tight finish Dallas Goedert did not play a snap after tweaking his calf earlier than the sport. Defensive sort out Tim Jernigan (foot) and operating again Corey Clement (shoulder) additionally could not end. That is the second-oldest staff within the NFL. Expertise shouldn’t be the query with the Eagles, however whether or not they could make it to the end line. Sunday’s recreation will solely heighten these issues. — Tim McManus
Subsequent recreation: vs. Detroit (Sunday, Sept. 22 at 1 p.m. ET)
The Chiefs will not want to attain huge to win each week. They managed the second half towards the Raiders with their protection, which appeared to make important progress over the Week 1 recreation towards the Jaguars. Between higher stress up entrance and protection on the again finish, Kansas Metropolis snuffed out each Oakland alternative to climb again into the sport. Maybe essentially the most encouraging stat for the Chiefs was they allowed 5.2 yards per Oakland passing try. If that retains up, they will enhance considerably over final season. — Adam Teicher
Subsequent recreation: vs. Baltimore (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
Chris Berman and Tom Jackson recap the weekend’s video games with prolonged highlights and evaluation. Watch on ESPN+
Raiders put up a battle … for 1 / 4. Few outdoors the partitions of Silver and Blackdom anticipated the rebuilding Raiders to truly beat the high-flying Chiefs on Sunday. However after final Monday evening’s exhilarating defeat of the Broncos and a very good week of follow, throwing a scare at reigning league MVP Patrick Mahomes & Co. appeared doable. Such was the case … for 15 minutes. After Oakland took a 10-Zero lead, the wheels fell off and Mahomes took off within the second quarter, slicing and dicing an already suspect Raiders secondary. It was a nasty style to depart within the mouths of the Oakland trustworthy, what with the Raiders not taking part in once more within the East Bay till Nov. Three. — Paul Gutierrez
Subsequent recreation: at Minnesota (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
A gradual begin for the L.A. offense. The Rams’ protection began and completed quick towards the Saints, however for a second consecutive week, the offense took some time to discover a rhythm. Aside from a 57-yard move to receiver Brandin Cooks, quarterback Jared Goff struggled to develop connections along with his go-to trio of receivers within the first half and the Rams have been unable to attain a landing. Goff, nonetheless, made changes within the second half and completed with 283 passing yards and a landing. He additionally rushed for a 1-yard landing on a sneak. Goff and the Rams should discover a option to begin quick and develop a rhythm early in Week Three, as they put together to play the Browns in Cleveland on Sunday Night time Soccer. — Lindsey Thiry
Subsequent recreation: at Cleveland (Eight:20 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
Zero:51
The Rams get touchdowns from Todd Gurley, Brandin Cooks, and Jared Goff on their option to a 27-9 win over the Saints.
Woes for the Saints, who acquired “whipped up entrance.” If quarterback Drew Brees misses any important time due to his thumb damage, the Saints might want to do a greater job of rallying in his absence than they did in a Sunday flop at Los Angeles. Backup Teddy Bridgewater was ineffective as his alternative. Coach Sean Payton, nonetheless, expressed confidence in Bridgewater and mentioned he wanted extra assist from an offensive line that acquired “whipped up entrance” by the Rams (the Saints rushed for less than 57 yards), and dedicated means too many drive-killing penalties. There have been additionally too many missed tackles by the protection in a recreation that basically could not have gone a lot worse for New Orleans. — Mike Triplett
Subsequent recreation: at Seattle (four:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
The Bears are fortunate to be 1-1 this season. Chicago’s last-second victory over the Broncos cannot cowl up the intense points it has on offense, beginning with quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, who regardless of finishing a 25-yard move to Allen Robinson to arrange Eddy Pineiro’s profitable 53-yard discipline aim, completed the sport 16-of-27 passing for 120 yards. The Bears are struggling to seek out any kind of rhythm on offense. Chicago can beat dangerous groups due to its superior protection, however its schedule will get a lot more durable starting subsequent month. — Jeff Dickerson
Subsequent recreation: at Washington (Eight:15 p.m. ET, Monday, Sept. 23)
An Zero-2 begin for Denver. The Broncos scratched and clawed however left their very own stadium Sunday evening Zero-2 with nothing to indicate for it. And in the event that they pout for too lengthy, a visit to Inexperienced Bay will solely add to the frustration. As coach Vic Fangio mentioned: “They’re 2-Zero and have one of many all-time finest quarterbacks ever, we have simply acquired to get proper again to work and get after it.” Sunday’s wild loss will take a look at the resolve of a younger staff and new teaching workers, and the Broncos should reset rapidly. The previous two years, they’ve had problem ending dropping streaks, and each seasons acquired away from them. This time Fangio’s problem shall be to snap again a locker room that’s feeling the sting of back-to-back disappointing losses. — Jeff Legwold
Subsequent recreation: at Inexperienced Bay (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
“We have a variety of work to do.” Sooner or later, the Packers are going to want a complete-game efficiency from their offense. Maybe they will discover it subsequent Sunday towards the Broncos within the second of three consecutive early-season dwelling video games. However given how the protection got here via as soon as once more in Sunday’s win over the Vikings at Lambeau Area, it hasn’t been needed on the best way to a 2-Zero begin beneath first-year coach Matt LaFleur. “We’re pleased with how we began, however we’re not pleased with how we completed,” mentioned operating again Jamaal Williams, whose 15-yard landing on the primary drive sparked the Packers to a 21-Zero lead early within the second quarter. As Aaron Rodgers mentioned: “We have had a pair good quarters out of eight. We have a variety of work to do.” — Rob Demovsky
Subsequent recreation: vs. Denver (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
1:02
Aaron Rodgers acknowledges Inexperienced Bay did not rating for many of the remaining three quarters and believes the Packers did not execute regardless of getting the win.
Hindsight is at all times 20/20, particularly in the case of playcalling. Ought to Minnesota have known as a run on first down from the Eight-yard line within the fourth quarter after six earlier runs arrange a possible go-ahead rating on the Vikings’ second-to-last drive? Certain, however though the run recreation was efficient and sporting down the Packers’ protection, Kirk Cousins has to make a better resolution than the throw that price the Vikings their probability at beating the Packers. The most important knock on Cousins has been an lack of ability to persistently come via in huge moments, and this big pink flag might rightfully hinder the arrogance Minnesota has in its quarterback. Cousins wanted to throw that ball away as an alternative of making an attempt to suit a tight-window throw to Stefon Diggs in double protection. The choice-making on his half was inexcusable. — Courtney Cronin
Subsequent recreation: vs. Oakland (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
The Colts cannot sugarcoat issues anymore: They’ve a authentic kicking downside. Veteran Adam Vinatieri missed two extra further factors Sunday towards the Titans. He has now missed an additional level in three consecutive regular-season video games going again to final season. That is the longest streak of his 24-year NFL profession. He has additionally missed an additional level in 4 of the previous 5 video games, which incorporates the playoffs, and he has missed a complete of seven kicks prior to now three video games. Vinatieri left the locker room with out chatting with the media. “You will hear from me [Monday on the players’ day off],” he mentioned. — Mike Wells
2 Associated
Subsequent recreation: vs. Atlanta (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
The Titans got style of their very own medication by a bodily Colts protection. It was complemented by a potent Indianapolis dashing assault that produced 167 yards. The Titans struggled on third down (1-of-10) regardless of having Adam Humphries, a free-agent addition who was supposed to assist. Quarterback Marcus Mariota mentioned he has to get the ball to Humphries, so anticipate him to be an element towards Jacksonville. The protection allowed the Colts to transform on seven of 14 third-down alternatives and gave up a landing on the primary possession for the second consecutive week. The Titans might want to get off to a greater begin towards Jacksonville. — Turron Davenport
Subsequent recreation: at Jacksonville (Eight:20 p.m. ET, Thursday, Sept. 19)
How the Lions acquired again on monitor. It was a efficiency many Lions gamers mentioned was not their finest, however after a tie final week towards the Cardinals through which they squandered an 18-point lead, Detroit will take this win. Offensively, there was a move to issues for the Lions. Receiver Marvin Jones mentioned formations they noticed from the Chargers on Sunday have been labored on throughout the week, giving them consolation in conditions once they must have it. “It is like that via the entire week,” Jones mentioned. — Michael Rothstein
Subsequent recreation: at Philadelphia (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
Why L.A. could possibly be in additional hassle. The Chargers’ damage woes didn’t have an effect on the end result of this loss, however they may have an effect transferring ahead. They’re already taking part in with out 4 starters in security Derwin James (foot), tight finish Hunter Henry (knee), left sort out Russell Okung (pulmonary embolism) and Melvin Gordon (holdout). They misplaced one other key participant on Sunday in defensive playcaller Adrian Phillips, who’s out indefinitely with a forearm damage. Dealing with AFC playoff contender Houston Texans in Week Three, the Chargers should work out tips on how to patch issues up and get wholesome sufficient to get again within the win column subsequent week. — Eric D. Williams
Subsequent recreation: vs. Houston (four:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
The Seahawks are 2-Zero for the primary time since their 2013 Tremendous Bowl season. That issues rather more than how ugly each of these victories have been at occasions over Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. They beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh on Sunday regardless of 10 penalties, 4 first-half sacks of Russell Wilson and two misplaced fumbles, one in every of which arrange a straightforward landing. No staff ought to make a behavior of making an attempt to win video games like that, however it’s a very good signal the Seahawks have been capable of pull out two victories with out something near their A-game. — Brady Henderson
Subsequent recreation: vs. New Orleans (four:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
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Massive Ben, Conner go down for Pittsburgh. The Steelers misplaced greater than the sport towards Seattle on Sunday afternoon — additionally they misplaced two offensive and two defensive starters due to accidents. Pittsburgh completed with 5 injured gamers, together with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and operating again James Conner. Though the holes created have been important, coach Mike Tomlin mentioned: “We misplaced numerous guys on this recreation, however that wasn’t the rationale why we did not win this recreation. We have been totally succesful with the fellows that have been on the sector. We did not make sufficient performs, to be fairly sincere with you. We did not play clear sufficient, notably in some moments. We have to get higher. We settle for accountability. We’re not seeking to make excuses.” — Brooke Pryor
Subsequent recreation: at San Francisco (four:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
Houston’s offense is not cruising — but. The Texans scored 13 factors Sunday, and quarterback Deshaun Watson mentioned the offense is “nonetheless placing items collectively” after buying left sort out Laremy Tunsil, vast receiver Kenny Stills and operating again Carlos Hyde earlier than the beginning of the season. “It is going to take a while,” Watson mentioned. “The entire offseason we have been working with different guys. … Issues are nonetheless clicking, and it may hit as soon as the timing is correct.” The Texans’ subsequent probability to have a extra cohesive offense will come subsequent week towards the Chargers, who allowed 13 factors on Sunday of their loss to the Lions. — Sarah Barshop
Subsequent recreation: at L.A. Chargers (four:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
In the event you thought Gardner Minshew Mania was nuts final week, wait till this week. The rookie quarterback led the Jaguars on a late landing drive, and although the Jaguars’ two-point attempt got here up simply quick, the franchise must be ecstatic about what Minshew confirmed Sunday at NRG Stadium. After an up-and-down efficiency via the primary three and a half quarters, Minshew acquired sizzling late within the fourth and led the Jaguars on a 68-yard landing drive that included an 18-yard scramble on fourth-and-10. The Jaguars will not have Nick Foles till Nov. 17 on the earliest due to a damaged collarbone, however Minshew (23-of-33, 213 yards) confirmed that he is greater than able to not solely conserving the Jaguars’ division hopes afloat however doubtlessly stealing a number of video games. — Michael DiRocco
Subsequent recreation: vs. Tennessee (Eight:20 p.m. ET, Thursday, Sept. 19)
The Ravens have the nice form of “conundrum.” Within the phrases of coach John Harbaugh, quarterback Lamar Jackson’s potential to provide huge performs along with his arm and legs presents a “conundrum” for defenses. Jackson set a brand new normal for dual-threat quarterbacks, producing essentially the most dashing yards (120) for a participant who threw for greater than 250 yards in the identical recreation. He completed 24-of-37 for 272 yards passing and two touchdowns, together with a 41-yard strike to Marquise “Hollywood” Brown within the fourth quarter to seal the win. Requested how he prefers his success, Jackson mentioned, “I might relatively throw than run. I might relatively win, too.” Jackson grew to become the 12th quarterback within the Tremendous Bowl period to start a profession Eight-1 or higher via 9 begins. Jackson returns to Kansas Metropolis in Week Three, the location of his solely regular-season loss. — Jamison Hensley
Subsequent recreation: at Kansas Metropolis (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
Zero:52
Lamar Jackson exhibits out within the Ravens’ win vs. the Cardinals as he goes 24-of-37, passing for 272 yards with two touchdowns.
As in Week 1, the Cardinals’ offense did not discover its rhythm till the fourth quarter. This time, nonetheless, it was too little, too late. On Sunday, the magic Kyler Murray confirmed every week in the past did not work towards the Ravens. Arizona could not discover the tip zone for the primary three quarters regardless of three journeys contained in the 5-yard line, all of which produced three discipline objectives. An aerial offense led to Murray throwing for 349 yards and included 100-yard video games for vast receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk, which stored the Cardinals in a recreation they may’ve received till the ultimate minutes. — Josh Weinfuss
Subsequent recreation: vs. Carolina (four:05 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
By two video games, Jerry Jones mentioned he has not seen Dak Prescott play higher. The Cowboys quarterback has seven landing passes and has accomplished 82.2% of his passes within the Cowboys’ first 2-Zero begin since 2015. “He is taking part in at a really excessive degree proper now,” coach Jason Garrett mentioned. “He is acquired a extremely good command of what we’re making an attempt to do and I feel he is comfy. And I feel the fellows are taking part in nicely round him. The offensive line has been excellent the primary couple of weeks, very comfy within the pocket. And the fellows round him are making performs. He and [Kellen Moore] are completely on the identical web page as to what we wish to get to and the way we wish to get there.” Up subsequent is a Miami protection that has allowed an 80% completion fee with eight landing passes and no picks. Prescott’s quick begin won’t decelerate subsequent week, both. — Todd Archer
Subsequent recreation: vs. Miami (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
1:01
Dak Prescott throws for 3 touchdowns and 269 yards because the Cowboys take down the Redskins on the street 31-21.
The stress is mounting on defensive coordinator Greg Manusky. The Redskins almost fired him after final season, and thru two video games, his group has allowed 63 factors and 911 yards. If issues do not get higher for his protection, it is easy to surprise about his future. Washington has a variety of youth on its protection and was lacking two of its prime three corners, plus finish Jonathan Allen on Sunday. However as linebacker Jon Bostic mentioned, “We’ll by no means use that as an excuse. … Everyone seems to be on this league for a cause.” The Redskins haven’t had a protection end within the prime 10 in yards or factors allowed since 2009. You’ll be able to blame Manusky or the gamers; however the group has failed in its half, too. — John Keim
Subsequent recreation: vs. Chicago (Eight:15 p.m. ET, Monday, Sept. 23)
The New England protection has dominated to this point. Nearly all of the focus will go to receiver Antonio Brown’s Patriots debut, however that should not undersell how the staff’s protection continues to construct in a means that would make it a challenger for the most effective unit in Invoice Belichick’s 20 years as coach. One week after stifling the Steelers and holding them to 3 factors, the protection shut out the Dolphins whereas returning two interceptions for touchdowns. Whereas the Dolphins aren’t an offensive powerhouse, it’s spectacular nonetheless how rapidly the Patriots’ defensive script has been flipped. All offseason, the query was which coach would name the performs after Greg Schiano unexpectedly resigned in March. Now that looks as if an afterthought as they shift their focus to subsequent week’s recreation towards the Sam Darnold-less Jets. “They have been spectacular. They’ve been taking part in nice all preseason,” quarterback Tom Brady mentioned. “It takes some stress off the offense.” — Mike Reiss
Subsequent recreation: vs. New York Jets (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
Zero:56
In his first recreation as a Patriot, Antonio Brown finishes with 4 catches for 56 yards and a landing as New England cruises previous Miami.
The Dolphins’ offense was on tempo for its worst statistical efficiency in franchise historical past earlier than garbage-time stats helped it keep away from the report. There’s not a variety of hope going ahead the offense can flip it round, however after three Ryan Fitzpatrick interceptions (together with two pick-sixes), it is value questioning if the staff ought to make a quarterback change to Josh Rosen. Coach Brian Flores mentioned Fitzpatrick is the starter “proper now,” however Miami’s offense has been dangerous and desires a spark from somebody. — Cameron Wolfe
Subsequent recreation: at Dallas (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
Cautious optimism for San Francisco. For the primary time since 2012, the 49ers are 2-Zero, they usually did it by occurring the street to the Jap Time zone and profitable a pair of video games by a mixed 38 factors. It is too early to begin trumpeting these Niners as a playoff contender, however they wanted a fast begin to get there. Because the present playoff format started in 1990, groups that begin 2-Zero make the playoffs 61.Three% of the time. That drops to 41.four% for 1-1 groups. “I felt like we actually wanted to begin this season on a sizzling begin,” fullback Kyle Juszczyk mentioned. “If we will go get one other one subsequent week, go into the bye week Three-Zero, there’s actually no phrases for that. That is such an enormous factor.” If the Niners can beat banged-up Pittsburgh, they will be Three-Zero for the primary time since 1998. — Nick Wagoner
Subsequent recreation: vs. Pittsburgh (four:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
Bengals protection cannot “cease the bleeding.” One week after a powerful debut, Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will understandably be the goal of scrutiny after a traditionally dangerous outing because the Bengals surrendered 572 yards of whole offense, the fifth-highest quantity in franchise historical past. Poor tackling and execution have been two of the protection’s issues. Bengals defensive finish Carlos Dunlap mentioned they struggled with the quantity of movement and misdirection the 49ers used and did not create the mandatory leverage on the line of scrimmage. It was one of many components that led to the 24-point loss. “We performed to their recreation plan, and we did not cease the bleeding — ever,” Dunlap mentioned. — Ben Child
Subsequent recreation: at Buffalo (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
Payments’ street wins set them up for a run. The primary staff in NFL historical past to play the Jets and Giants on the street in consecutive weeks to begin a season is now the primary staff to beat the Jets and Giants on the street in consecutive weeks to begin a season, because the Payments have matched their street win whole from final season. Buffalo scored on three consecutive drives of 75, 74 and 98 yards to offer its protection an insurmountable lead. Most significantly, the Payments got here out of an hostile state of affairs unscathed and face a good stretch for the subsequent month and a half. They draw the Bengals in Week Three, kicking off a string of 5 dwelling video games and a bye within the subsequent seven weeks. “It is particular as a result of we’ve a younger staff and it is exhausting to win on this league,” linebacker Lorenzo Alexander mentioned. “We’re in a season the place we will maintain some adversity.” — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Subsequent recreation: vs. Cincinnati (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
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Frustration is beginning to construct for the Giants after their sixth Zero-2 begin in seven seasons. The protection has allowed 9 touchdowns in two video games, together with three within the first half Sunday. “Whenever you acquired time and get no stress, I can not cowl no one for 10 seconds,” cornerback Janoris Jenkins mentioned. “Who can cowl anyone for 10 seconds?” When outdoors linebacker Lorenzo Carter was requested about opposing quarterbacks having an excessive amount of time and making it exhausting for the secondary, he responded: “S—, it is true. It takes all 11 [players].” Some gamers talked about it is early, however star operating again Saquon Barkley is not an enormous believer in that. He desires the issues addressed instantly. — Jordan Raanan
Subsequent recreation: at Tampa Bay (four:05 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
Sigh of reduction for Tampa. The Bucs ended a seven-game street dropping streak and managed to do one thing they have not completed a lot of prior to now 10 years: come again from a deficit. From 2009 via Week 1 of 2019, they have been 36-105 when trailing at any level in a recreation. Granted, they trailed by solely three factors — when the Panthers hit their second discipline aim to make it 6-Three within the second quarter — however for a staff that has struggled to get out of its personal means, this was an essential step. And the Bucs wanted a win with street video games on the Rams and Saints looming after their Week Three dwelling date towards the Giants. — Jenna Laine
Subsequent recreation: vs. New York Giants (four:05 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)
Carolina has huge points. The Bucs got here up with a defensive recreation plan that labored to perfection: Stress Cam Newton with blitzes, and shut down Christian McCaffrey figuring out Newton now not is a menace to expire of the zone-read. Newton was Zero-for-10 passing beneath duress with three sacks. McCaffrey had 53 yards from scrimmage every week after having 209. He could not decide up a yard out of the Wildcat on the trick play from the 2-yard line that would have received it. Carolina has a variety of issues heading into street video games towards Arizona and Houston. Search for some shake-ups Monday. — David Newton
Subsequent recreation: at Arizona (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 22)