NFL Review: Week 2

Sunday… was a story of two halves. The 6pm slate was… uninspiring. We’ll get to the headlines from the early slate later on, but my oh my did the late slate (and Sunday Night Football) deliver all the drama you could ever wish for. Drama in Baltimore, Seattle, Arizona & LA kept us electrified as Week 2 got hotter the later it went.

Sunday Night Lamar-sterclass

The Ravens finally figured out how to counter their Kryptonite. The Chiefs have run roughshod over Baltimore over the last 3 years, with Mahomes himself untouchable and irrepressible. There were times on Sunday night when it looked like this streak would continue, especially when Tyrann Mathieu took Lamar for a pick six within the first minute of the game. As things proceeded, the Chiefs threatened to breakaway on multiple occasions, as Andy Reid decided to “run the touchdown play” a couple of times, highlighted by the patently ridiculous Travis Kelce catch and run that looked to have put Kansas City out of reach.

The Kansas City offense is still most definitely the benchmark for “making it look easy” in the NFL. However, Kelce’s TD with 6 minutes left in the 3rd quarter proved, strangely, to be the Chiefs’ final scoring play. From seemingly nowhere – the Ravens rallied. One could have forgiven Baltimore for accepting the tidal wave rolling over them and just laying down waiting to get swept away, but Lamar was having none of it. Another “200 pass, 100 rush game” for the former MVP gave the Ravens a spark, and their defense latched onto it.

Mahomes threw his first INT in September of his career, which proved to be a big moment as the Ravens proceeded to take the lead late and never looked back. Lamar had two 4th quarter rushing TDs that turned the score on it’s head, even with a couple of failed 2pt conversions thrown in there too. But the game boiled down to one play. Harbaugh and Jackson’s big decision to go for it on 4th down and ice the game, rather than punt it back to Kansas City and risk getting Mahomes-ed. It was ballsy, but it was absolutely the right call. Their offensive line had been creating holes at will all night long, and finding one more for Lamar to sneak through and put the final nail in the Chiefs’ coffin.

A couple other notes… Shout out Hollywood Brown! Quietly establishing himself as most definitely the WR1 in Baltimore – some thought that might be Sammy Watkins – as Mark Andrews is yet to really find his groove this season. And on the flip side, spare a thought for Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Tough fumble to lose that. CEH hasn’t hit the heights many were expecting after such a stellar career alongside Joe Burrow at LSU. He’s still got time to put it right, but you really feel like he should be a huge part of their offense, but it just hasn’t worked out that way yet.

However, it must be said: What a play by Odafe Oweh. The Ravens’ draft pick who was knocked down during the draft process for “not making enough big plays.” Well, that’s how you answer the critics. Force the fumble, recover the fumble, and get the Baltimore Ravens back to .500. I’m still hesitant to anoint the Ravens as SuperBowl contenders just yet, but beating the Chiefs is the hurdle you have to climb over if you want to win the AFC. The Browns just fell short last week, but the Ravens delivered on 4th and short this week. Lamar deserves our respect for winning this memorable duel.

The Cardinals Escape to 2-0

Sometimes, you deserve the luck you get. And – on Sunday – the Cardinals deserved a stroke of luck. But… Yikes. Taxi for Greg Joseph. Obviously lower stakes, and a marginally harder kick, but this had massive Blair Walsh vs the Seahawks vibes. The Minnesota Vikings are 0-2 and I’m sure nobody in that organisation can work out how they’re not sitting at 2-0. They had last weeks game against the Bengals totally in hand and managed to lose it in OT. Similarly, the oft-maligned (by me!) Kirk Cousins actually looked like a competent quarterback for the majority of this game and, despite being battered by the Cardinals’ defenders, Dalvin Cook racked up the yards to put the Vikings in position to steal a road win.

They were 20-7 up in the 2nd quarter, but missed an extra point that would prove pivotal. It was a really bad day for Greg Joseph. The Vikings absolutely could and probably should have won this game, but it wasn’t to be. Using a Zero Blitz on 4th down felt like a terrible idea and it led to the Field Goal that gave the Cardinals just enough of a lead to cling on to the win. But Joseph just has to make that Field Goal. A 37 yarder is a gimme. Justin Jefferson was noticeably – and understandably – pissed off at the conclusion of the game. He and Thielen had again put on an exceptional performance as a WR tandem. The weapons in Minnesota… frankly they deserve to be winning more games than they are. The Vikings now face an EXTREMELY daunting schedule (I think there’s a legitimate chance the only two games they win in their next 10 are both against the Lions) with confidence low following a gut-wrenching loss. It’s not been a good start to the season for Mike Zimmer’s men.

But it HAS been a great start to the season for Double K – Kliff Kingsbury – and his merry band of extremely speedy and short players. It wasn’t as flawless as last week, as the defensive line didn’t get home to Kirk Cousins like they did to Ryan Tannehill, but whenever the offense needed a play they found one. Maxx Williams had a nice game, and even AJ Green scored a TD! I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t mention the other Kicker in this game… a 62 yard BOMB from Matt Prater to end the first half ended up being decisive.

But – as ever – the story with the Cardinals starts and ends with one man. Kyler Murray saying he’s not a Star Wars fan in his postgame interview only further raises his stock in my book – I’ve never “got it,” why can’t Yoda just speak in straightforward sentences?! – and I will continue to write about him in this column as long as he continues to be the most “must-see” quarterback every sunday. And that’s a HUGE title to be giving out to someone not named Patrick Mahomes… but right now, it’s apt.

Now it wasn’t perfect, far from it. Both his INTs yesterday were fairly egregious, but Murray continues to find ways to get his guys involved, even if he has to run circles around defensive linemen for about 15 minutes until his receivers get open. Rondale Moore flashed his big play ability, but not until Kyler had actually bewitched the entire Vikings defensive front. He danced, and jived, and scrambled so far to the left you thought he was hanging out with my man Bernie Sanders, before flinging the TD pass to the speedy rookie from Purdue. Anyone else feeling smug about drafting Rondale on numerous fantasy teams? I know I am. The Cardinals move to 2-0… and I’m starting to get excited about the prospect of Arizona winning the NFC West.

Greg The Leg Wins it for Dallas

It sounded like a Cowboys home game if we’re honest. Well, it is America’s Team after all. The Cowboys in LA. Not surprised. This game – if I’m totally honest – was a bit of a disappointment. I was utterly convinced this would be a game of veeeeery little defense, and both teams scoring in the 30s. But instead it was cagey, almost as if both teams really really didn’t want to lose this game.

The Chargers know that losing games to anyone other than the Chiefs needs to be minimised if they want a chance to usurp KC at the top of the AFC West. The Cowboys didn’t want to fall to 0-2 after so nearly (deservedly) beating the Buccaneers last week. So, I guess I can understand the high stakes, despite it being an early season matchup, but I just wanted a few more fireworks from these squads. That said, I couldn’t ask for much more than a walk-off Field Goal to win it, this time in Dallas’ favour. Greg the Leg delivered then they needed him.

Zeke looked a bit more like his old self, and found the Endzone, but was still somewhat outshone by the talented second-year man Tony Pollard. CeeDee Lamb again showed why he’s the most exciting player on this Cowboys’ roster, flashing all over the field and helping Dak move the chains. This was a big win for Dallas.

The Chargers are a very very good football team. Justin Herbert rekindled his friendship with Austin Ekeler, after not connecting for a reception a week ago. Ekeler was back to being “CMC-lite,” looking significantly more healthy than 7 days previous. Welcome to Mike Williams breakout szn, as the Clemson product finally looks to be fulfilling his potential. The Chargers – for my money – are clearly the second best team in the AFC West, and will attempt to push the Chiefs as close as they can. Brandon Staley is building something nice in LA.

Mike McCarthy? He did his best to mismanage the clock and ruin the Zuerlein Field Goal attempt to win the game, but there is so much talent on this Cowboys roster that you have to believe the NFC East is theirs to lose, especially with Washington’s defense faltering and Philly not being the finished article yet.

The Cowboys defense was being disrespected all off season, but has put up a fight against two of the best offenses in the league so far, holding the Chargers to just 17 points, and they’re missing key contributors who will return as the season goes on. I’m all in on Dak and this offense, and I think there’s a realistic chance that the Cowboys could win their next 7, and head to face Kansas City with a record of 8-1. Just keep that thought in the back of your mind…

King Henry Reclaims His Throne

What a game. It always feels like strange things happen in Seattle, and in the NFL strange things often mean “fun and ridiculous things.” There were a number of completely nonsensical officiating calls in this game. The Julio Jones “no TD” ruling was absolutely ridiculous, but what a good showing from Jones generally. After a fairly lacklustre opening against the Cardinals, Julio took the Seahawks to town and showed he can still be the big play guy he was for so many years in Atlanta. Furthermore, it should definitely have been a Safety against Wilson to end the game. I’m not sure how the Refs marked him down at the 1, but Russ sure got lucky there. Anyway, no harm done. The Titans – deservedly – won in the end.

Mike Vrabel’s boys bounced back from a shellacking from the Arizona Cardinals last week, with an impressive road win over an NFC West team. Arise King Henry. He’s back. Derrick Henry had more yards from scrimmage in the second half THAN THE ENTIRE SEAHAWKS TEAM. That’s ridiculous, especially when you consider Wilson hit Freddie Swain for a long TD, plus Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf catching passes from Wilson.

It was good to see Chris Carson – the most underrated RB in the league – get in the endzone twice. Use him more, Pete Carroll. He’s very very good. But for Seattle, this one will hurt. The Seahawks were up 24-9 at half time, and only scored SIX points in the second half. And if that had been 7 points, that would have been just about enough. Jason Myers’ missed extra point proved to be the reason the game ended up in Overtime – kicking woes was a theme on Sunday.

But it was Henry’s day. Tannehill did his part, connecting with Julio and AJ Brown where needed, but Derrick did the rest. What a comeback from Tennessee. AND… Congratulations to Randy Bullock on his game winner. Nice to see him back winning games for a team. The Titans really needed a kicker who could do that for them. Now, they can focus on winning the AFC South… as they should.

Quick Hits

Not breaking news, but the new taunting penalty absolutely SUCKS. Let them play.
Well that was a fun week of positivity surrounding the Dolphins… and then it all came crashing down. The Dolphins are seemingly incapable of not getting blown out by the Buffalo Bills. Obviously the injury to Tua was a huge factor… but how bad was the rest of the performance as well? As far as Tua goes… please be okay!? Miami in biiiiiiiiiiiiig trouble if he misses extended time with this rib injury.
On the flip side, it’s weird that you can win a game 35-0 and I’m still a bit concerned about a team’s outlook. Where are the Buffalo Bills from last season? Offensively Josh Allen seems… tentative?! It’s strange. It just doesn’t quite feel right yet, but maybe a shutout win will get them rolling next week.
Can Carson Wentz please just stop getting hurt?
Can Matthew Stafford please throw the ball to Tyler Higbee for all of my Fantasy Teams’ sakes?
Cooper Kupp is very good. Amazing what a new QB can do for your production levels.
The Raiders are the worst 2-0 team I’ve ever seen.
The Broncos are an exceptionally average 2-0 team.
Uh Oh Alert for both the Jets and Jaguars. It’s gonna be a long season fellas…
Also, the Falcons… Oh boy. They’re bad bad. Like very bad.
CMC is a joke. What a player.
My “Jameis is back” take lasted merely a week too. Nothing like a good overreaction!
I’m not sure how Matt Nagy is going to remain alive in Chicago if he persists with the narrative that “Andy Dalton is our guy.”
Really relieved Baker’s injury appears to be minor. Really hope Jarvis Landry’s isn’t bad either. Let’s get OBJ back… STAT.
Shout out Damien Harris. That’s how you bounce back from a bad fumble.
49ers still on Fraud Alert. I’m just utterly unconvinced by everything about them.
Jalen Hurts is a very good quarterback and should have been drafted higher than Round 2.
Brady x Gronk is still a combination that works. Maybe Defenses should try and stop it? Just a thought.

MNF Prediction: (Season Record: 0-1)

I’m still attempting to figure out how on earth Baltimore managed to lose to the Raiders last week and start my season off with a loss… Shambolic. Anyway, let’s get back on the horse this weekend with an NFC North massacre. I wish I could say it was going to be close game, but I just cannot see that. The Lions, who are rebuilding at best, travel to Lambeau to face the Packers, who are pissed off at least.

I’m a big fan of Dan Campbell – he’s a character, and this league is never a worse place with more personality in it. The Lions did the right thing in hiring a character who will inspire grit and passion in his players, as they seek to stop being the laughing stock of their division. The Lions being a perennial top 5 draft pick team has to stop eventually, right? Campbell may well be the right guy, but he’s not the right man to win in Green Bay tonight. Nobody is.

Rodgers by a billion. Green Bay by a billion. Sorry Detroit. It is what it is. Aaron Rodgers was humbled and humiliated last week by the Saints, and now he has a primetime audience, at home, under the lights, against a division rival? You’ve seen this movie before. Packers. No doubt.

Week 3 Preview

Week 3 kicks off with a potentially extremely one-sided game as the Carolina Panthers look to move to 3-0 (…huh?!) against the probably Tyrod Taylor-less Texans. Don’t even mention that other QB in Houston. Davis Mills will have to do… But Sunday looks great. Chiefs vs Chargers, Titans vs Colts, Patriots vs Saints, and then Buccaneers vs Rams in the late window! Love those options.

Sunday Night Football you ask? Packers vs 49ers. Monday Night Football you ask? Cowboys vs Eagles. Oh yes, yes please. Primetime delivering nicely. For the record… Chiefs, Titans, Saints, Rams, Packers, Cowboys in those games… Thanks again for spending a little of your week reading my thoughts. I’m @CallumJDSquires on Twitter and Instagram. Come say hey. Have a great week everyone.

CALLUM IS FROM LONDON, BUT PLAYED COLLEGE SOCCER AT TRINITY UNIVERSITY IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, WHERE HE LEARNED NEVER TO CHEER FOR THE COWBOYS. CALLUM IS A LONG-SUFFERING DOLPHINS FAN WHO BELIEVES THE TUA HYPE

 5/5