Week 2

Bills 41, Lions 31

Josh Allen had another great performance, as the Bills had a great start and a 21-0 lead.  The Lions helped the Bills out quite a bit with bad defensive penalties that extended the Bills first 2 drives and then another penalty negated a sack and a interception.  Was not a great half for the Lions.  Goff had a rough go of it as he was missing three starting linemen, and was under constant pressure.  He gave up a bunch of sacks, including a strip-sack.  He was able to put up a few points with TD passes to Brown, Gibbs and LaPorta but they were just too far behind.  The Bills made them pay for every mistake, and Allen had a night that included 250 pass yards with 3 TDs and added another 2 rushing.  With those 2 rushing TDs, Allen moved up past a couple HOF running backs on the career rushing TDs.  He could pass up some legends this season.  He’s on a tear right now.

Packers 20, Jets 17 - OT

I really thought the Jets were going to start the season 2-0.  As improbable as that sounds, it sure looked like it was going to happen.  The Jets defense were having a pretty good day as they sacked Love on multiple occasions and only allowed 3 points. The Jets were able to put together a couple good drives and had a nice 17-3 lead.  Love got going though and was able to put together a couple nice drives to tie things up in regulation.  The Jets won the toss and elected to receive, but couldn’t get much as they went 3 and out.  Love drove the team down, got a break with a personal foul penalty and kicked the winning FG for the win.

 

Patriots 20, Steelers 3

It wasn’t that close.  Pittsburgh has some serious issues offensively; they stink.  Rogers looks very old, they can’t run the ball, his number one receiver – Metcalf has been terrible, and his offensive line can’t protect him.  He took some BIG shots Sunday.  Rogers gave up multiple strip sacks, one resulting in a Pats TD and was intercepted once.  None of his receivers / RBs had 50 receiving yards for the day.  It was an ugly performance.  Maye wasn’t great, but he did have some big throws including a nice bomb to Doubs, who was able to pull it in.  However, May also threw an int in the end zone.  The Pats got a real nice TD run from Henderson on a 39-yard sprint.

Panthers 34, Falcons 3

And talk about anemic offense, woof.  The Atlanta Falcons have not run an offense play in the Red Zone.  After week 2 – nothing.  Not good.  They again rolled Rush out there as the starter, and then for good measure threw in their undrafted rookie Jack Strand for a bit.  Rush started the game with a fumble, and an interception.  Strand’s first throw was a deflection and a pick-six for Carolina.  The only bright spot in Atlanta’s offense is Robinson, but he only rushed for 72 yards.  There is a glimmer of hope for Atlanta as they have announced that Penix will be available next week.  On the other side of the ball Young had another solid day for the Panthers.  He got off to a slow start but finished the day with 287 yards and 3 TDs.  He connected with McMillan five times for over a hundred yards, and TD Waller for 2 TDs.  He’s off to a great start.

Browns 23, Bucs 19

This was set up for nicely for Baker.  He just got a new contract, and the team that cut him played like trash last week and was rolling into his new home.  He was unable to get a little revenge.  The Bucs got off to a decent start as he had a couple nice scrambles to connect with Egbuka on their way to a 16-6 lead.  The Browns responded with a FG and a TD from Boston.  Bucs got another FG, but then Browns scored another TD as Watson hit Whiteheart on the completion.  This was by far Watson’s best game as a Brown.  Just a shade over 200 yards and 2 TDs, but no turnovers.  He started looking like the Houston Watson.  With 2 minutes left the Bucs had the ball when Mother Nature took over.  Huge thunderstorm with plenty of water and lightning caused the NFL to pause the game for a 2 hour delay.  After the delay, the Bucs got close, but Mayfield sailed the 4th down pass over Egbuka and the Browns held on for their first win of the season.

Bengals 20, Texans 6

Texans really did have their chances in this one as they got off to a decent start.  They had a nice drive that ended in a  botched FG, and then they went for it on 4th down and Montgomery was stoned at the line so they lost the ball on downs.  After that, it was all Cincy.  Burrow hit Chase for what is an early front-runner for catch of the year.  Have no idea how he kept in bounds while catching that way over his head.  It was pretty.  Burrow hit him again for aonther in the 2nd half to go up 17-3.  For the Texans, CJ is going to take a lot of heat, but he is not getting much help at all.  His top WR Collins was out, all of his RBs combined for a grand total of 50 yards or so, and the only reliable receiver is his TE Schultz.  He had a great day for 140 yards, but your TE really shouldn’t be your leading receiver.  Texans have a few things to figure out.  Bengals just need to figure out how to keep Burrow healthy and they’ll be in great shape.

Saints 24, Ravens 17

Saints have a theme going.  Heard someone this weekend call them the Cardiac Kids, and so far – that is the case.  Play poorly in the first half, give up a few points and then play lights out in the 2nd half.  They really should’ve won that Detroit game with that phantom “incomplete pass” horse-crap, and they had a great second half again Sunday against the Ravens.  Jackson had his team up early with a big run from Henry and a nice bomb to Bateman.  Saints were only able to get a couple FGs in that first half.  Second half was a different story.  For some reason, the Ravens forgot they have Henry.  They didn’t give  him many carries at all in the second half.  Shough and the Saints offense scored a FG in the 3rd and then Shough hit Olave for a really nice 21-yard TD.  They converted on the 2-pt to get within 7.  They got the ball back and Shough got his team to the one.  They didn’t convert on the first try (I call BS on that - he was in), and they “did” on the second attempt from the one.  I have no idea how the refs decided that he was in, but I do know that they completely blew a horrific face mask.  I don’t know how Shough delt with that.  The D Lineman just cranked his neck back by the facemask.  It’s beyond me how they missed it.  It’s also very not cool that this type of egregious miss is not reviewable.  At any rate – this put the Saints up by 7.  Ravens were not able to answer as Jackson’s last pass was intercepted for the Saints win.  Look out if the Saints can put together 4 quarters of second half football.

Eagles 24, Titans 20

Eagles were favored by 7.5 in this one.  And they BARELY got past the Titans, who have looked terrible up to this point.  Things were looking good for the Eagles as they marched straight down to the red zone, but Hurts was intercepted by Hooker and he returned that all the way to the Philly 10.  Ward was able to run it in for the TD on a scramble and a QB sneak.  The Eagles also lost Barkley early, so their running game went to Bigsby and Shipley.  The Eagles dominated time of possession in the first half, but the Titans were able to put together a late scoring drive late in the first half.  The Eagles D has not been sharp.  Titans got some really unlikely first downs; Spears broke a big 27-yard run on 3rd and 22.  The Titans were able to go up by 3 with just a couple minutes left.  Hurts was able to put together a great drive and hit Cooper for the winning TD with only a few ticks left on the clock.   

Vikings 9, Bears 3

59 points one week, 3 the next.  This is the NFL.  First of all – the weather sucked.  Have co-worker who goes to most of the Chicago home games, and he said it was pretty miserable.  Just a nice even, steady rain that just didn’t let up.  Soldier Field has it’s issues, and conditions were very sloppy.  This does help explain the sloppy play.  Williams would go out late in this game, but even before that, the Vikings D played lights out.  They kept the Bears on their heels all day.  For the Vikings, Wentz again got the start.  On the opening possession, he had a nice 30-yard completion to Jefferson and the was gifted a drop by the Bears DB who should’ve picked him off.  Vikings got a FG out of that drive.  The Bears did get a FG after that to tie.  The Vikings were able to get another FG to make it a 6-3 lead at half.  The Bears had a really nice drive going, but Swift fumbled at the one which was recovered by the Vikings.  The Bears got the ball back and had a drive going, but this is when Williams went down.  As he scrambled, he just fell.  He wasn’t touched.  It looked bad, like an Achilles or maybe a knee, but reports have it as a hammy.  Hopefully it’s nowhere near as bad as Prescott’s was a few years ago.  The Bears FG attempt was blocked, and that was pretty much the game.  Bagent came in for the Bears, and they did have a shot, but a sack killed their last drive.

Cowboys 37, Commanders 20

Another QB injury marred what was an exciting game.  Dak and Cee Dee had quite a game for the ‘Boys as they connected for over a 150 yards and 3 TDs.  They started the game with their first one, and then the teams traded FGs.  Dak hit Ferguson for his second TD pass of the day.  Daniels hit Diggs for a TD on their next possession to get things close.  He then missed by “this much” an open Burks.  Later in that drive the ‘Ders went for a TD on 3rd down as time was running down instead of taking the FG.  Daniels was stepped on as he backed from center and landed awkwardly.  His elbow was dislocated on the play, and obviously he was in agony.  Unfortunately, that was the same elbow he had issues with last season.  He’ll be out for a while.  Mariota did come in for the ‘Ders in the second half and played pretty well.  He did hit Diggs for another TD.  Dak continued his great day – he finished with almost 280 yards and 4 TDs.  Dallas is still not very good on defense – they’re going to have to score a LOT.

Raiders 26, Chargers 14

I know it’s only week 2 – but the Chargers are toast.  Their first 2 weeks, Cardinals / Raiders looked like gimme’s going into the season, and they have lost BOTH games with the same score – 26-14.  Stupid, random fact – according to OptaSTATS, they became only the second team in NFL history—and the first since the 1926 Racine Tornadoes (I had not heard of those guys either)—to lose back-to-back games by double digits at home against teams that had a sub-.200 winning percentage the previous season. Both the Cardinals and Raiders finished the prior 2025 season with a 3-14 record.  And their schedule is BRUTAL – look it up.  They very easily could be 0-9 / 1-8 going into week 10.  Of course anything could happen, but they’re playing bad football.  Herbert threw 2 interceptions and can’t finish drives.  One bright spot is Hampton, he had 94 yards, and a TD, but it wasn’t enough.  Cousins has been playing well for the Raiders – he had 253 yards and 3 TDs in a very nice win for the Raiders.  The Raiders are 2-0.  I did NOT see that coming.

Broncos 20, Jaguars 13

For Bronco fans, this was a tough one.   The end was quite satisfying, but there was plenty of swearing and angst in the first half.  After a scoreless first quarter,  Lawrence got the Jags rolling with a nice 77 yard TD drive on the first possession of the 2nd quarter.  Broncos came right back and Nix hit Waddle for a big 49-yard pass play.  Despite having 1st and goal at the one, they had to settle for a FG.  On their next possession - the Broncos had another great drive with ended with a Nix interception in the endzone after they again had 1st and goal.  Jags took advantage with a FG drive of their own.  Second half was a different story.  The teams traded FGs to start the half.   Denver’s D played SO much better than they did against KC.  They got a gift interception from Lawrence which really switched momentum.  The Broncos converted the interception to a TD when Nix hit Adkins, and after a Jags missed FG, the Broncos capitalized on that with a TD run from their rookie RB – Coleman.  The Jags had to punt on the next possession, and the Broncos did enough keep the ball away from Lawrence and drain clock for the win.  Much needed.  Waddle showed why the Broncos traded for him as he had 10 receptions for 140 yards.  WAY better than last week.

 

Seahawks 31, Cardinals 7

Drew Lock again got the start for the ‘Hawks, and it didn’t take long.  JSN is the answer.  Second play from scrimmage, and that’s all they needed.  Lock threw a nice ball to JSN as he had torched the DB – 82 yard touchdown.  JSN finished the day with 155 yards and 3 TDs.  Cards could not stop him.  Brissett was able to hit McBride for a TD that made the game 7-7, but the ‘Hawks pulled away after that.  Lock finished with 235 yards, and Wilson had a nice day as he rushed for 92 yards to kill time and keep the ball away from the Cards.  Pretty good chance that Darnold is back against the Chargers next week.

Niners 35, Dolphins 13

Not much to say in this one, is there?  This looked like JV vs. varsity on Sunday.  Dolphins are not a good team, Niners are.  CMC rushed for 2 TDs, Purdy threw for 2 ran for one.  He was 20 – 22 in passing.  You shouldn’t have a 90% completion rate in the NFL.  If it wasn’t for Josh Allen, we’d probably be talking a lot more about Purdy.  This was total domination by the Niners.  Dolphins did get a fluke TD as Willis hit Miller for a 77-yarder in garbage time.

Chiefs 33, Colts 30

I hate to say it, but these Chiefs look good.  Dammit.  Mahomes had a much better night in week 2, Kelce looks sharp, and Walker may end up being the best free-agent acquisition of the off season.  Gotta give the Colts a ton of credit as they marched right down for an opening TD.  The Chiefs responded with 10 points of their own.  Walker had over hundred yards, as he picked up big first downs and kept drives alive.  The Colts found themselves down 17-13, but took advantage of a bad personal foul by the Chiefs and Taylor rushed for a TD to go up by 3.  The teams took turns scoring in the second half and this game went into OT as the Colts scored on Taylor’s second rushing TD with five minutes left to force it to OT.  The Chiefs got the ball first, and had a nice drive going, but stalled at the 13.  Colts did a good job on their next drive Jones hit Treadwell for a big gain, putting the ball at the KC 15.  Very interesting play, as Treadwell got up immediately after completing the pass.  Ball popped out as he was hit, but refs determined that he was down by contact before he got up.  Colts drive stalled.  There was plenty of time on the clock – they knew the Chiefs would have another possession, but they elected to kick the FG anyway.  Of course Mahomes got his team in place for the winning FG.  Pretty sure I have never seen an NFL game with 3 scores in OT; it was a fun game – just don’t like the outcome.

Rams 28, Giants 6

This game was marred by another QB injury as Dart was hit after a throw and had a couple guys land on his legs.  Still not 100% sure if there was any real damage, but he did not return.  I  guess at least he didn’t get hurt doing something dumb, but the Giants chances in this one were gone pretty quickly.  The Rams took this as a “get right” game, and the return of Aaron Donald gave them even more juice.  No Puka, no problem.  Stafford and Adams had a ridiculous night as Adams had just shy of 200 yards and 2 TDs.  Giants couldn’t cover him.  Both Williams and Corum had nice a night rushing the ball and TE Ferguson also caught a TD pass.  Mr. 30/ 30 Jamess Winston came in as Dart’s backup, but he really could never get things going.  He kinda looked like a guy who did not put in the prep time for this game.  Offensively, the Giants couldn’t do squat without Dart.  Tough loss for them.  There was a report that Dart wanted to come back in, but training staff didn’t let him.  I’m thinking that was the wise choice.  Reports Tuesday afternoon aren't positive as his knee looks to be worse than anticipated.  Will wait and see.