The whole lot we realized in NFL Week 2: Takeaways, large questions and who impressed most

Week 2 of the NFL season started on Thursday evening with a Buffalo Bills 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 recreation and detailing every thing else that you must know for each staff. Let’s get to it.

Soar to:
BUF-MIA | LAC-CAR | NO-DAL
IND-GB | TB-DET | SF-MIN
NYJ-TEN | SEA-NE | NYG-WSH
CLE-JAX | LV-BAL

Raiders

So THIS is what the offense is meant to appear to be? After an anemic six-plus quarters of soccer — the Raiders had solely 48 yards of offense at halftime in Baltimore — quarterback Gardner Minshew, vast 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 recreation plan: The Raiders forgot to pack their working recreation on offense. Or did you miss Las Vegas speeding for 4 yards within the first half? Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy authored the NFL’s top-ranked speeding assault in 2022 for the Bears and was No. 2 final season. What offers?

Most stunning 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 motive. 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 recreation: vs. Panthers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

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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 staff 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 monitor as one of many high 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 line with 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 cross 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 vast left from 56 yards, which makes him 1-for-7 from 50 yards over the previous two seasons. He had been among the finest 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 recreation: at Cowboys (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Browns

Is that this nearer to what the Browns’ new offense needs to be? The Browns’ offense wasn’t good by any means, but it surely put forth a significantly better effort than its Week 1 no-show. Cleveland ran the ball properly and incessantly introduced in further linemen to get the bottom recreation 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 may lastly get one or each of their high tackles again subsequent week in Hakeem Adeniji and Germain Ifedi, which may assist jump-start the unit. — Daniel Oyefusi

Subsequent recreation: vs. Giants (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Jaguars

Can the Jaguars salvage September? After an 0-2 begin, they nonetheless have highway video games at Buffalo subsequent Monday evening and Houston the next week. There was just one staff make the playoffs after an 0-4 begin: The 1992 San Diego Chargers. This staff 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 mentioned earlier than the season that the time to win was now, and lacking the playoffs places the potential for modifications on the desk.

Largest gap within the recreation plan: Shedding tight finish Evan Engram in pregame warmups to a hamstring injury pressured the Jaguars to regulate their recreation plan lower than two hours earlier than kickoff. Second-year participant Brenton Strange bought extra work however Engram is a serious a part of the offense, particularly when the Jaguars need to execute brief, fast throws to primarily operate as a part of the run recreation or decelerate the cross 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 cross recreation 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 cross on a put up 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 recreation: at Payments (Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET)

Commanders

Did Washington uncover its run recreation? Quarterback Jayden Daniels wants extra assist and the run recreation supplied it Sunday. Working 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 cross recreation fueled the offense. Ekeler caught three passes for 47 yards and ran eight occasions for 38 extra. Washington wants to seek out its identification and lacks firepower within the cross recreation, but when the run recreation produces they will no less than management the sport and restrict the protection’s time on the sector.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Ugly win. But it surely positive beats a fairly loss for a gaggle that is making an attempt to rebuild the franchise. Daniels was sacked 5 occasions however led a game-winning drive — because of a 34-yard cross and 14-yard run — that was capped by Austin Seibert‘s seventh subject objective.

Largest gap within the recreation 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 properly as Nabers caught 5 passes for 73 yards. Washington stored enjoying man in opposition to Nabers in key spots, and he’d beat them on crossers. — John Keim

Subsequent recreation: at Bengals (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

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Giants

Is that this lastly a step in the best path for QB Daniel Jones? It is onerous to inform. Why? Jones all the time appears to play properly 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 properly on this matchup, making good performs even late within the fourth quarter. It needed to be good for his confidence. That is big contemplating it was a priority coming into Week 2.

Largest gap within the recreation plan: The Giants did not have a kicker. Sure, that actually occurred. They could not even attempt to kick a subject objective 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 stunning efficiency: Extensive receiver Malik Nabers. It is not that stunning that the No. 6 draft decide is enjoying properly, however what’s stunning 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 recreation: 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 additional 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 cross and no turnovers regardless of 5 drops and subsequent to no assist from his run recreation, 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. That they had 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 stunning efficiency: Extensive receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He appeared poised for a breakout all offseason, and this was a matchup that appeared to go well with 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 recreation: vs. Dolphins (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

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Patriots

Do the Patriots have a susceptible cross 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 wonderful WR corps, but it surely wasn’t with out self-inflicted wounds, too. The one TD seemed to be a communication breakdown involving cornerback Christian Gonzalez and security Kyle Dugger. There have been additionally defensive cross interference penalties on CBs Marco Wilson and Jonathan Jones that led to a landing and the game-winning subject objective in OT. They’re going to have little time to get better with a Thursday evening recreation in opposition to Aaron Rodgers and the Jets.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Time beyond regulation heartbreaker. The Patriots performed true to their identification in working for 185 yards, and obtained the opening kickoff of additional time to offer themselves an opportunity to win the sport. In the long run, their lack of explosiveness within the passing recreation and inconsistent cross protection was the distinction.

Largest gap within the recreation plan: Manufacturing from WRs in passing recreation. Exterior 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 K.J. Osborn in additional time, the Patriots did not have a receiver register one other catch. That is possible a results of the Patriots working extra two-TE packages — and TE Hunter Henry had an enormous day. — Mike Reiss

Subsequent recreation: at Jets (Thursday , 8:15 p.m. ET)

Jets

Can QB Aaron Rodgers proceed to bail out the Jets? Rodgers hit some clutch passes within the fourth quarter to save lots of 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 12 months. He brings the form of successful mentality they’ve lacked for … properly, many years. However will probably be troublesome to take care of except the offense achieves extra total consistency.

Largest gap within the recreation plan: Extensive receiver Garrett Wilson was focused solely six occasions and had 4 receptions. Rodgers mentioned he wished to get Wilson extra touches than final week (six), however they went within the improper path. He was coated quite a bit by cornerback La’Jarius Sneed, which was an element, however there have been methods (see: pre-snap movement) to create favorable matchups. Reality be instructed, Rodgers struggled to get the ball to each vast receiver. The passing assault was dink-and-dunk to the max. Rodgers needed to depend on his working backs, Breece Hall and Braelon Allen, each of whom caught touchdowns.

Most stunning efficiency: Defensive finish Will McDonald IV. He had three sacks, equaling his profession whole. The largest got here with 23 seconds left, a third-down play within the crimson zone. The previous first-round decide got here up big on a day through which the Jets could have misplaced defensive finish Jermaine Johnson to a season-ending Achilles injury — which places extra strain on the Jets to unravel the Haason Reddick holdout. — Wealthy Cimini

Subsequent recreation: vs. New England (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

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Titans

How a lot are QB Will Levis‘ expensive turnovers hurting the Titans? Levis single-handedly destroyed the Titans momentum early within the recreation 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 an alternative of taking a sack on third down, and as an alternative, 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 capable of get better from some deadly errors.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Momentum swings. The momentum was swinging forwards and backwards on this recreation. Levis’ fumble and interception on consecutive drives gave the Jets life. The Titans fought again to tie it up, because of a miraculous landing catch by WR Calvin Ridley. In whole, the Jets misplaced and regained the lead thrice earlier than developing with the win.

Most stunning 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 whole sacks by way of the primary two video games of his 5 earlier seasons. The veteran exterior linebacker is off to one of the best begin of his profession. — Turron Davenport

Subsequent recreation: vs. Packers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Vikings

What bodily situation will the Vikings be for Week 3? As thrilling as Sunday’s victory was, the Vikings had been enjoying with out most of their offensive playmakers by the tip of the sport. Extensive receiver Justin Jefferson had 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. Working again Aaron Jones, in the meantime, appeared sluggish within the fourth quarter after a visit to the blue tent. Except there are some fast recoveries, the Vikings might 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 a complete of six occasions, 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 might 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 cross protection and compelled turnovers.

Eye-popping superior stat: Jefferson ran a complete of 127.5 yards on a 97-yard touchdown reception within the second quarter, probably the most by a ball service on an offensive landing since 2016, in line with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Darnold despatched the cross 50 yards within the air, however Jefferson needed to cease after catching it, pivot and outrace Ji’Ayir Brown and George Odom to the far nook of the tip zone for the rating. — Kevin Seifert

Subsequent recreation: vs. Texans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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49ers

Will the 49ers ever win in Minnesota once more? Irrespective of how good they’ve been, the Niners merely cannot get it accomplished within the Twin Cities. Sunday’s loss was their eighth straight at Minnesota with their final win coming all the way in which again in 1992. This loss was extra alarming for the truth that the Vikings had been lacking a number of key offensive items for many or all the recreation and nonetheless rang up 407 whole yards. Save for linebacker Fred Warner, the Niners have quite a lot of enchancment to do defensively in the event that they need to get again to the staff they have been in recent times.

Largest gap within the recreation plan: It is no secret that Justin Jefferson is one of the best receiver within the league, and with Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson unavailable for Minnesota, it stood to motive the Niners would take particular care to power anybody else to beat them. As a substitute, Jefferson posted 4 catches for 133 yards, together with a 97-yard landing, earlier than leaving with an damage. San Francisco needs to stay to its defensive rules of speeding 4 and enjoying zone protection, but when the cross rush is not getting house constantly, there needs to be a greater plan for gamers of Jefferson’s caliber.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Error stuffed. Taking part in their first highway and 10 a.m. body-clock recreation had the Niners seemingly sleepwalking for a lot of Sunday’s recreation. It led to quite a few expensive errors, akin to a blocked punt, a muffed punt and Purdy merely dropping the ball for a fumble earlier than he may throw it. In a spot as troublesome to win as Minnesota, that is not going to get it accomplished. — Nick Wagoner

Subsequent recreation: at Rams (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Buccaneers

Are we a career-high 12 months for QB Baker Mayfield? Mayfield’s 5 passing touchdowns (with a sixth on the bottom) are probably the most ever for him to begin the season. His skill to thrive below duress (he was sacked 5 occasions) 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 difference-maker in opposition to the Lions.

Largest gap within the recreation plan: With out beginning proper deal with Luke Goedeke (concussion), Lions defensive finish Aidan Hutchinson dominated Tampa Bay’s offensive line. The Bucs had all week to organize for the previous second total 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 stunning efficiency: The Bucs’ battered secondary. The unit 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 objective. Backup security/nickelback Christian Izien picked off Goff within the fourth quarter and likewise 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 the Lions’ fourth-and-8 for the game-winner. — Jenna Laine

Subsequent recreation: vs. Broncos (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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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 stunning efficiency: Defensive finish Aidan Hutchinson. He 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 recreation by a Lions participant since sacks grew to become official 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 red-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 on the highway in Arizona. — Eric Woodyard

Subsequent recreation: at Cardinals (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Packers

Can the Packers win once more with out QB Jordan Love? Contemplating they’re enjoying one other offensively challenged AFC South staff within the Titans subsequent week, why not? Whereas it appeared like Love was close to being able to play in opposition to the Colts, the Packers could need to attempt to purchase one other week of restoration now that they’ve no less than one win with out him. An 0-3 begin would’ve been powerful — however not not possible — to beat and a loss may need pressured the Packers to push Like to play. However at 1-1 early in a 17-game schedule, they will higher afford to roll the cube with Malik Willis and one other run-heavy recreation 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 occasions in comparison with 34 speeding makes an attempt for the Packers earlier than halftime. In simply his second recreation with the Packers, working again Josh Jacobs carried 32 occasions 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 speeding within the first half was the third-most by an NFL staff within the first half of a recreation 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 occasions for 261 yards. — Rob Demovsky

Subsequent recreation: at Titans (Sunday , 1 p.m. ET)

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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 recreation. The Packers posted historic first-half speeding totals with 237 yards. And whereas the Colts bought the speeding assault below management within the second half, the Packers nonetheless managed to transform some essential 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 speeding yards this season.

Largest gap within the recreation plan: Quarterback Anthony Richardson was the Colts’ main rusher with six carries for 56 yards. 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 referred to as in Week 1.

Most stunning efficiency: Rookie vast receiver Adonai Mitchell. He had a promising coaching camp and has created a lot optimism, however Mitchell harm the Colts on Sunday with a essential 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 cross from Richardson that may have transformed a essential third down throughout the Colts’ failed comeback. Mitchell noticed fewer snaps the remainder of the sport, maybe in consequence. — Stephen Holder

Subsequent recreation: vs. Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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 recreation and seemed unstoppable. The Saints didn’t stall on a possession till a QB Derek Carr interception within the fourth quarter.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Grasp efficiency. It is onerous to take subject with something Carr or the offense did in opposition to the Cowboys. They set the tone early and by no means let off the gasoline, using WR Rashid Shaheed‘s velocity and Kamara’s versatility whereas deploying a number of gamers as blockers to permit Carr to play largely error-free.

Eye-popping superior stat: 91 factors. The Saints made an enormous transfer this offseason by transferring away from the Sean Payton offense that received a Tremendous Bowl title within the 2009 season. That exact staff 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 recreation: vs. Eagles (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Cowboys

What must be made from the Cowboys protection? Dominant in opposition to the Browns. Dominated by the Saints. By way of 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 staff historical past. Final 12 months, the Cowboys allowed greater than 35 factors in a recreation simply as soon as. Carr was hardly touched and neither was Kamara, who had 4 touchdowns. Coach 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 speeding groups within the NFL, partly as a result of quarterback Lamar Jackson is a game-changer. He could make defenses look dangerous on his personal. RB 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 means, giving up greater than 5 yards per keep on their first six possessions.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Over early. This wasn’t as dangerous 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 red-zone journeys, settling for too many Brandon Aubrey subject objectives. — Todd Archer

Subsequent recreation: vs. Ravens (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Chargers

Ought to the Chargers cease splitting caries between RBs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins? Dobbins had one other file 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 the staff’s first two video games of a season and somersaulted ultimately zone for his lone rating of the day. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman mentioned that they’d roll with the “sizzling hand” because the season progressed, but it surely’s clear that the speeding offense is best with Dobbins. Edwards had 18 carries for 59 yards.

Most stunning efficiency: Extensive receiver Quentin Johnston. He had scored two touchdowns over the primary 18 video games of his profession earlier than he caught two within the first half Sunday. His 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 cross for the rating.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Defensive domination. The Chargers held Panthers quarterback Bryce Young to only 22 passing yards and an interception within the first half, the bottom first half whole of his profession. The Chargers’ protection has allowed simply 13 factors over the primary two weeks of the season. — Kris Rhim

Subsequent recreation: at Steelers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Panthers

When will coach Dave Canales sit QB Bryce Younger? Carolina has far more issues than Younger, however sluggish 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. Backup QB Andy Dalton may give Carolina a greater likelihood. However when just lately requested about altering, Canales mentioned: “The very best expertise you’ll be able to have is to be on the sector, and simply to dwell it.”

Describe the sport in two phrases: Déjà vu. The 20-0 first-half deficit seemed eerily to the one in opposition to New Orleans, which led 30-3. The lack to cease the run in opposition to L.A. (44 rushes for 219 yards) mirrored the lack to cease it in opposition to the Saints (180 yards). Younger’s ineffectiveness … sure, quite a lot of dangerous sameness.

Early prediction for subsequent week: Canales does not plan to gamble earlier than subsequent week’s recreation at Las Vegas — he mentioned “Bryce is our quarterback” after the Week 2 loss — however will change to Dalton in some unspecified time in the future subsequent Sunday to offer Carolina a preventing likelihood. It was this time final season that Younger sat due to an ankle damage and the Panthers had their greatest offensive output. — David Newton

Subsequent recreation: at Raiders (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

Payments

What does the longer term maintain at linebacker? Terrel Bernard left the sport within the first half with a pectoral injury which means each of the staff’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 staff is deciding whether or not to position him on injured reserve — a place that has handled accidents for the reason that 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 Cook‘s 1-yard landing run, Allen was working 14.87 mph on the time of his throw. Within the final 5 seasons, Allen has accomplished 50 passes on 113 makes an attempt when working no less than 14 mph. That’s the most such completions within the NFL over that span (Eagles’ Jalen Hurts is subsequent with 40).

Most stunning 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 recreation: vs. Jaguars (Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET)

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Dolphins

What is going to the Dolphins do at quarterback transferring ahead? Tua Tagovailoa’s latest concussion will possible preserve him out of subsequent week’s recreation in opposition to the Seahawks coach Mike McDaniel mentioned. The Dolphins have the “utmost confidence” in third-year quarterback Skylar Thompson, who will in all chance begin till Tagovailoa is ready to return. McDaniel mentioned Miami will add one other quarterback to its roster, however do not count on a quarterback like Ryan Tannehill or Jimmy Garoppolo who would are available anticipating to begin.

Most stunning efficiency: Extensive receiver Tyreek Hill. The Dolphins’ efficiency as a complete was stunning, however individually, 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 greatest gamers — no matter his staff’s quarterback scenario.

Eye-popping superior stat: In line with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats, Tagovailoa solely accomplished 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 no less than eight of such passes. Contemplating the Payments’ unproven safeties coming into the sport, not with the ability to benefit from that matchup was an enormous miss for Miami’s offense. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Subsequent recreation: at Seahawks (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)