With Week 2 of the NFL season in the books, the most optimistic of fans remain hopeful, even if their team sits at 0-2 to this point in the young season. The teams that pulled out victories in Week 1, were looking to go to 2-0, eight of which play in the West Division of their respective conference. The teams that lost in their first game were going to get to 1-1. This series is returning for its third-straight season. Here’s a look back at the week that was: Week 2 in the NFL, 2021.
Living up to His Name
On Thursday, Chase Young showcased, well, his chase speed. As New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley broke off a 41 yards run, his longest since returning from the torn ACL, Young was stride for stride, just one step behind him, after Barkley beat Young to the edge to break off the run.
The Return of the Real Winston
In their blowout victory against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, Saints quarterback Jameis Winston was efficient with the football, throwing five touchdown passes. Sunday he threw a pair of interceptions and no touchdowns. Interceptions were his Achilles heel, in his last season as the starter with the Buccaneers. Winston became the first player in NFL history to throw 30 or more touchdowns and 30 interceptions, in the same season.
Injuries a Plenty Part Deux
In Week 2’s games, the injuries continue to mount. Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (Achilles), Giants guard Nick Gates (ankle), Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (ribs), Bears quarterback Andy Dalton, Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (ankles), Titans tackle Taylor Lewan (knee), Steelers T.J. Watt (groin), Browns receiver Jarvis Landry (MCL sprain), and Texans quarterback Tyrod Taylor (hamstring), all went down, many will miss multiple games at the least, Graham and Gates are done for the season. Meanwhile, the 49ers running backs; Elijah Mitchell (shoulder), JaMycal Hasty (ankle), and Trey Sermon (concussion), also went down with injuries on Sunday, a week after starting back, Raheem Mostert was lost for the season.
Murray and Company Survive Shootout
Fresh off of their blowout win against the Titans, the Cardinals went score for score with the Vikings. They came out victorious, after the game-winning field goal attempt by Vikings’ kicker Greg Joseph was wide right. Kyler Murray threw for 400 yards and three touchdowns for the Cardinals.
Contrary to Popular Belief, you can Blame the Refs
In Sunday’s Titans-Seahawks matchup, the Titans Julio Jones had what was originally called a touchdown, reversed after replay, all replays shown on the broadcast looked like it would stand as called. After Tennessee scored late to force overtime, they appeared to have Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson in the grasp for a safety. But after some discussion among the officials, their ruling was forward progress was stopped at the one-yard line, which it was clear to everyone watching, Wilson was in the end zone. It’s hard enough to win in Seattle as it is, but it’s that much harder when you’re playing against the Seahawks, The 12th Man, and the refs. Despite all that and trailing 24-9 at halftime, Tennessee pulled out the overtime victory.
Call him out Again, Coach
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, after last week’s blowout loss to the Cardinals, called out receiver Julio Jones for a bad penalty, and essentially what was viewed by some as a lack of effort, in his first game wearing a jersey other than the Falcons. Vrabel went as far as to call his penalty dumb. Jones answered with six receptions for 128 yards and should’ve had one touchdown as referenced in the aforementioned bad call.
Tough One for the No. 1 Pick
No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars, tossed a first-quarter touchdown to Marvin Jones against the Broncos. Unfortunately, that was the extent of highlights from his second NFL start. Lawrence finished 14-33 for 118 yards, 25 of which came on the Jones touchdown pass, with one touchdown and a pair of interceptions. Head coach Urban Meyer said after the game that he was simply outcoached.
Even Worse for the No. 2 Pick
Zach Wilson, in his first start at home for the Jets, threw four interceptions against the visiting Patriots. His defense, dominating a rookie quarterback, has been one of the things Bill Belichek has prided himself on throughout his tenure in New England. The boo birds were out at MetLife Stadium, showing their disappointment in the day’s performance.
Perfect No More
Patrick Mahomes, prior to Sunday Night’s loss to the Ravens, had never lost a game in September since taking over the starting job for the Chiefs. On the opposite side, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson beat the Chiefs for the first time in four tries, coming into last night Jackson had a combined 30-5 record against the other 30 teams.
That’s Packers Football
After getting embarrassed against the Saints in Week 1, the Packers were back at Lambeau Field and a packed house. Reigning MVP Rodgers threw four touchdowns in the 35-17 win. Running back Aaron Jones became the first player to record four touchdowns on Monday Night Football since Marshall Faulk did it against the Buccaneers in 2000. Maybe chalk last week up to being more of a fourth preseason game than Week 1.
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Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
