NFL: Week 2 Player Matchups

Who knows what to make of Week 1 in the NFL? As always the temptation is to make sweeping statements, hailing teams as contenders and others as no-hopers. In reality, we have two or three weeks of game tape to get to before we get our feet underneath us and establish a rough pecking order. However, we can still look at the one-on-one battles likely to shape the outcomes of Week 2.

Micah Parsons vs Josh Conerly Jr

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Look away now, Commanders’ fans. Perhaps the biggest disparity on show in our matchups this week will come on Thursday evening. Although Micah Parsons was limited to 30 snaps in his debut, it was clear why the Packers traded two first-round picks to get him. He caused one of the better right tackles in the league, Penei Sewell, all sorts of problems. All the while opening lanes for his teammates along the line.

Now, his attention will turn to Commander’s right tackle Josh Conerly. Understandably, the rookie had a ‘welcome to the league’ start in Week 1. He allowed two pressures, including a sack and a penalty. Add to that a rather feeble run blocking grade of 45.2, and it was an indifferent start for the former Oregon man. Parsons will be another level of test, and Jayden Daniels better be ready to utilise his rushing ability to extend plays.

Taylor Rapp vs Breece Hall

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The Bills’ defense was all over the shop in an astounding 41-40 comeback over the Ravens on Sunday night. But don’t let Josh Allen paper over the cracks. Derrick Henry took the Bills D to the woodshed. Perhaps the most glaring mistakes came at safety, where Rapp and teammate Cole Bishop were ragdolled at times and simply off the pace at others. The TV commentary even suggested replacing one of them with Damar Hamlin to shore up the tackling. Now they must rebound against a Jets offense that did well establishing the run in a losing effort to the Steelers.

Breece Hall averaged 5.6 yards per carry, rushing for 107 yards against a usually sound Steelers defensive line. Now he will seek to take advantage of a rather soft-looking defensive interior that Buffalo has. Hall also benefited from an offensive line that looked to have turned a corner. The young additions up front all acquitted themselves well, and should they spring Hall to the second level, a player like Rapp could be targeted as a weak spot.

Rome Odunze vs Terrion Arnold

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One of the biggest surprises of week 1 was how poorly the Detroit Lions’ defense played. A big part of that was cornerback Terrion Arnold. He had difficulty containing Romeo Doubs and was responsible for four receptions, totalling 86 yards and a touchdown. Arnold’s physicality is to be admired, but if he can’t get to grips with deep coverage, teams will continue to target him.

This week, Arnold faces another divisional opponent, and the Bears will have a combination of Rome Odunze and DJ Moore keeping Arnold occupied. Odunze was particularly impressive early on for the Bears before the offense collapsed in the second half. He had a fantastic sideline grab and a touchdown catch, finally realising the potential his draft stock promised. He will hope to have another strong showing in this one.

Travis Kelce vs Jihaad Campbell

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Jihaad Campbell earned rave reviews in his first start as an Eagle. He posted an impressive PFF grade in coverage, 85.9. The highlight that defined his display was a pass breakup across the middle of the field, showing off his athletic range. This week should be more taxing than facing Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker.

Campbell could be taking snaps opposite Travis Kelce. He had three targets, but his big play of week 1 came when linebacker Troy Dye covered him. That resulted in a 37-yard touchdown grab, so it’s likely the Chiefs will try to find him matchups against the likes of Campbell and Zack Baun. Kelce likely has a significant role to play if Xavier Worthy isn’t healthy, something Kelce is responsible for!

Cam Taylor-Britt vs Brian Thomas Jr.

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The Bengals’ defense was a big story this offseason, given that they failed to make any significant additions. Hoping instead that defensive coordinator Al Golden would find a way to improve the unit’s young core. Cam Taylor-Britt was seen as a key part but had a rough first outing against the Browns. He allowed 12.7 yards per reception and a touchdown, conceding chunk plays to both Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman.

Unless the Bengals decide to shuffle their secondary pack, Taylor-Britt faces another physical battle in the shape of Brian Thomas. There is quite a discrepancy in size, and Thomas will look to play bully in this one. It was a troubling first for the Jags No. 1 receiver, targeted seven times, he managed only one catch, his chemistry with Trevor Lawrence somewhat lacking. This could be a get-right game against a secondary with plenty of question marks.

AS A LONG-SUFFERING CINCINNATI BENGALS FAN, RORY HAS FOLLOWED THE NFL FOR OVER 20 YEARS. HIS PASSION FOR THE DRAFT LED HIM TO GET ENTANGLED WITH COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND HE HAS BEEN WRITING ABOUT PROSPECTS AND THE CFB LANDSCAPE EVER SINCE.