NFL 2023 Week 2: Biggest questions, risers and takeaways

Welcome to Week 2 of the NFL common season. One other week, one other painstaking strategy of attempting to determine which groups are amongst this season’s elite.

The Payments’ offense got here alive in opposition to the Raiders, whereas Chris Jones was the difference-maker within the Chiefs’ win over the Jaguars. Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson left Sunday’s sport in opposition to the Texans within the first half with a concussion, and the Seahawks and Titans each pulled off additional time victories.

Within the late window, the Giants tied their franchise document for greatest comeback in opposition to the Cardinals after being down 20-0 at halftime, the 49ers outlasted the Rams and the Cowboys are 2-0 with a win over the Zach Wilson and the Jets. The Dolphins held on within the night time sport to start out 2-0 and drop the Patriots to 0-2.

Within the first of two tilts on Monday night time, the Saints pulled away from the Panthers late in a defensive battle to go 2-0 on the season and drop the Panthers to 0-2.

Our NFL Nation reporters are reacting to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every sport and choosing out who — or what — is rising and falling for each staff. Let’s get to it.

Leap to a matchup:MIN-PHI | KC-JAX | SEA-DET | LV-BUFBAL-CIN | LAC-TEN | GB-ATL | IND-HOUCHI-TB | NYG-ARI | SF-LAR | NYJ-DALWSH-DEN | MIA-NE | NO-CAR | CLE-PIT

Steelers

Why cannot the Steelers’ offense transfer the ball? To quarterback Kenny Pickett, the factor that causes the Steelers to stall is considerably easy: When one play is stopped behind the sticks, your entire drive is derailed. Fixing it is not fairly as easy. The Steelers had minus-7 offensive yards within the fourth quarter, and every of their drives lasted solely three performs and fewer than two minutes. Every fourth-quarter drive had one negative-yardage play. Blame for the stagnation seems to fall on each the playcalling and the execution, however each must get higher for the Steelers to have any hope of competing within the AFC.

Replenish after the win: OLB Alex Highsmith. Highsmith confirmed he was greater than well worth the four-year, $68 million extension he bought within the offseason by scoring off an interception return lower than 10 seconds into the sport. Then he initiated the game-winning landing by forcing a fumble that T.J. Watt recovered for a scoop-and-score. Highsmith was the primary Steelers linebacker with an interception and compelled fumble in a single sport since James Harrison in November 2010 in opposition to the the Raiders.

Inventory down after the win: RB Najee Harris. Outdoors of two back-to-back runs of 21 and 17 yards within the second half, Harris was largely ineffective in opposition to the Browns. Not together with these two runs, Harris averaged 1.6 yards per carry. Playcalling was part of his struggles, although. — Brooke Pryor

Subsequent sport: at Raiders (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)

Browns

What do the Browns do at working again? Cleveland misplaced All-Professional RB Nick Chubb to what seemed to be a major left knee damage within the first half. To his credit score, backup working again Jerome Ford gained extra yards (69) on a second-half run that arrange a go-ahead TD than he had his whole profession (54 yards) coming into the sport. Ford confirmed why he is a promising prospect, however Chubb is irreplaceable. Cleveland might pursue different backs to assist, together with former Browns RB Kareem Hunt, who stays a free agent. Both manner, Chubb’s damage was devastating for a Browns season that was exhibiting a lot promise.

Replenish after the loss: Grant Delpit. The protection had an interception within the first half and continues to surge three years after his season-ending Achilles damage.

Inventory down after the loss: Deshaun Watson. The $230 million QB continues to be a shell of the participant who led the NFL in passing in 2020. — Jake Trotter

Subsequent sport: vs. Titans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Saints

How can the Saints discover consistency on offense shifting ahead? The Saints’ offense has made performs late within the sport when it counted, however it will not at all times have the ability to draw back with last-minute heroics. It’s going to definitely assist to get working again Alvin Kamara again after he finishes his three-game suspension, however within the meantime, the Saints might want to work out how you can defend quarterback Derek Carr higher after permitting eight sacks in two video games. The intense aspect: Huge receivers Chris Olave, Michael Thomas and Rashid Shaheed look pretty much as good as marketed.

Replenish after the win: The line of defense. The Saints added two extra sacks to their tally (4 in two video games) and, as soon as once more, each member of the line of defense regarded good, with Carl Granderson’s second-quarter strip sack being a key play.

Inventory down after the win: CB Paulson Adebo. Whereas the general defensive efficiency was glorious, Adebo had two key penalties within the sport, one which took away a Bryan Bresee strip sack that will’ve given the Saints glorious discipline place and a defensive go interference name within the fourth quarter that led to a discipline purpose. — Katherine Terrell

Subsequent sport: at Packers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Panthers

What does Bryce Younger need to do to enhance his efficiency below stress? The highest choose of the draft has been strong when not pressured, however below stress, he has struggled badly. He was 4-for-9 passing for 20 yards with 4 sacks when pressured in Monday night time’s loss to New Orleans after going 2-for-10 with a sack within the Week 1 loss to Atlanta. Till he responds, groups will proceed to extend the stress price and the Panthers will proceed to battle offensively.

Replenish after the loss: Linebacker Frankie Luvu. He had two first-half sacks for his second profession multisack sport, and his capacity to generate stress from inside and outdoors has been a key for the protection to date — and possibly going ahead if inside linebacker Shaq Thompson (ankle) misses prolonged time.

Inventory down after the loss: Left deal with Ikem Ekwonu. He gave up a strip sack late within the first half that took Carolina out of scoring place and was a part of an offensive line that allowed fixed stress on Younger out of the Saints’ four-man rush. — David Newton

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

Dolphins

Did the Dolphins present a glimpse of how good they could possibly be? Sunday’s win wasn’t good — the Dolphins had a discipline purpose blocked, and their protection largely stalled out within the second half — however for a minimum of a half, Miami confirmed what it could possibly be when it is firing on either side of the ball. Its protection pressured Mac Jones 20 instances for 4 sacks, forcing two turnovers within the course of. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa led an environment friendly offensive assault till hitting a snag within the second half. It is September, and no staff is predicted to be a ultimate product, however the Dolphins offered a glimpse.

Replenish after the win: The push protection. After permitting 235 speeding yards to the Chargers in Week 1, Miami held the Patriots to 88 yards on the bottom and an inefficient 3.5 yards per carry.

Inventory down after the win: Mike McDaniel’s problem document. The Dolphins coach tossed the pink flag early within the first half on what he thought was a fumble, however it was confirmed to be an incomplete go. His document in coach’s challenges dropped to 1-for-6 because the begin of final season. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

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

Patriots

At 0-2, are the Patriots in hassle? Plainly manner. After dropping their first two video games at residence, the subsequent two are on the highway (Jets, Cowboys), and historical past is not on their aspect. Since 1990, 31 of 270 groups that started a season 0-2 certified for the postseason — though the 17-game NFL schedule adopted in 2021 supplies somewhat extra margin for error. The distinction in explosiveness between the Patriots and Dolphins stood out, as one other fourth-quarter rally fell quick.

Replenish after the loss: Brenden Schooler, who bought a working begin and blocked a kick. The second-year participant out of Texas was touring 12.7 mph when the ball was snapped and 13.19 mph when the kick was blocked.

Inventory down after the loss: Offensive line. The lack to persistently open holes within the working sport in opposition to a Dolphins’ protection that surrendered 233 speeding yards within the opener was telling (88 yards/3.5 common), because the Patriots struggled to create steadiness and QB Mac Jones (4 sacks) as soon as once more took some huge hits as rushers got here free in opposition to a unit that was taking part in with out beginning left deal with Trent Brown (concussion). — Mike Reiss

Subsequent sport: at Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Commanders

What’s totally different about this staff in comparison with the previous? Washington has a younger quarterback with moxie who makes big-time throws. Sam Howell threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns in his third NFL begin, and first on the highway. He shakes off dangerous performs and has the expertise to get scorching. However the protection is also making performs. Sort out Daron Payne is taking part in at an elite degree, and the unit has pressured 4 turnovers in two video games and had probabilities for extra.

Replenish after the win: Working backs. Brian Robinson Jr. rushed for 87 yards and two touchdowns, displaying the facility and fast ft Washington favored when it drafted him within the third spherical final 12 months. The backs have been additionally concerned within the display screen sport. Robinson caught two passes for 42 yards whereas Antonio Gibson added three for 44 yards.

Inventory down after the win: Kicking sport. Washington’s Joey Slye missed two discipline targets — the primary was a results of one other dangerous snap by Camaron Cheeseman; the second miss was large proper from 59 yards. Cheeseman, a third-year participant, has struggled along with his snaps since coaching camp. — John Keim

Subsequent sport: vs. Payments (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Broncos

When will the Broncos play the complementary soccer they’ve promised? The season-opening loss to the Raiders was irritating, however Sunday’s loss was alarming, late 50-yard Hail Mary landing however. The Broncos let an 18-point lead get away. The protection let the Commanders go on a 32-12 run during the last three quarters. So, the hoped-for new tradition below Sean Payton and employees hasn’t revealed what the Broncos can lean on with the Dolphins, Chiefs (twice), Packers and Payments on the schedule earlier than mid-November.

Replenish after the loss: WR Marvin Mims Jr. Mims had 113 yards on his first two receptions of the sport, together with a 60-yard landing, and inexplicably wasn’t thrown to once more within the sport. The rookie must be a far larger a part of what the Broncos do.

Inventory down after the loss: S Kareem Jackson. Jackson’s savvy and fiery management are at all times wanted on the protection, however he now has had two consecutive video games with a late hit — pointless roughness penalties that modified the complexion of video games. He had one within the season opener that saved a late Raiders drive going, and Sunday he was ejected simply earlier than halftime for successful on tight finish Logan Thomas. The Broncos led 21-9 after Thomas’ catch, however Washington dominated the sport after the play. — Jeff Legwold

Subsequent sport: at Dolphins (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Cowboys

Are we seeing the Cowboys’ new offensive id? When coach Mike McCarthy stated in February that former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore “needs to mild up the scoreboard, however I wish to run the rattling ball so I can relaxation my protection,” he was killed by the analytics world. However what he really meant was he needed to handle the sport. Think about it managed. Quarterback Dak Prescott had two landing passes, however he did one thing he didn’t do a 12 months in the past: He went back-to-back video games with out an interception.

Replenish after the win: WR CeeDee Lamb. He completed with 11 catches for 143 yards, however he had greater than 100 yards within the first two quarters. It was the third time in his profession he recorded greater than 100 yards in a half.

Inventory down after the win: Crimson zone offense. The Cowboys scored 30 factors, bolstered by kicker Brandon Aubrey’s 5 discipline targets, however transformed 2 of 6 alternatives contained in the Jets’ 20. Within the opener, the Cowboys transformed 3 of 4 probabilities, with Tony Pollard scoring two speeding touchdowns, however Pollard completed with 4 carries for minus-1 yard on carries contained in the 10-yard line in opposition to the Jets. — Todd Archer

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

Jets

Can the Jets be a profitable staff with QB Zach Wilson? It should be exhausting, actually exhausting, to win with Zach Wilson. Wilson accomplished 12 of 27 passes for 170 yards and three interceptions — and 68 yards got here on a slant that Garrett Wilson become a landing. Zach Wilson is not on the stage in his improvement the place he can carry a staff to the playoffs. If this continues, the entrance workplace should decide: Trip it out with Wilson or commerce for a starting-caliber QB. The Jets did not lose due to Wilson, however he did not make sufficient performs to win. That is a problem.

Replenish after the loss: WR Garrett Wilson. He scored on a spectacular catch-and-run for his second landing of the season. However for the Jets, it was their lone landing on the day.

Inventory down after the loss: The Jets’ secondary. Supposedly “the most effective secondaries within the league” bought destroyed by CeeDee Lamb. Many of the injury got here in opposition to D.J. Reed, however Sauce Gardner did not assist by dropping a possible pick-six. — Wealthy Cimini

Subsequent sport: vs. Patriots (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Giants

Is there nonetheless cause for concern for the Giants? The staff that confirmed up within the second half was totally different from the one from the primary six quarters of the season, when the Giants have been outscored 60-0. That is what the Giants’ offense was imagined to appear to be, with 358 yards of complete offense within the second half after 81 within the first. The 21-point comeback matched the most important in franchise historical past. Now it is a matter of whether or not there are nonetheless too many holes and deficiencies (offensive line, lack of go rush) — plus the potential for RB Saquon Barkley to overlook time due to an ankle damage — for this to proceed.

Replenish after the win: WR Jalin Hyatt. His 58-yard reception on the primary play of the second half gave the Giants life, and his 31-yard catch late within the fourth quarter set them up for the tying rating.

Inventory down after the win: OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux. After a quiet opener, the fifth general choose in final 12 months’s draft was invisible but once more on Sunday in Arizona, with zero tackles, no sacks and one stress within the contest, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. — Jordan Raanan

Subsequent sport: at 49ers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Cardinals

Can the Cardinals’ offense construct on their progress? It will not be simple dealing with the Cowboys’ and 49ers’ defenses the subsequent two weeks, however the Cardinals confirmed Sunday they’ll produce a balanced and productive offense — for a half. The offense stalled within the second half — gaining 119 yards after 241 yards with 20 factors within the first half — which put extra stress on a protection that was on the sector about 9 minutes longer within the second half than the primary.

Replenish after the loss: QB Joshua Dobbs. The quarterback confirmed a greater command of the scheme and wasn’t afraid to make performs along with his ft (41 speeding yards and a landing) together with throwing the ball everywhere in the yard (21-of-31 for 228 yards, one landing).

Inventory down after the loss: DT Dante Stills. The rookie was flagged for pointless roughness on a late hit on Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, with the dangerous resolution coming every week after Arizona was flagged for 2 comparable penalties in Washington. — Josh Weinfuss

Subsequent sport: vs. Cowboys (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

49ers

Is that this a blip on the radar for the protection or cause for concern? It feels extra like a blip. For a giant chunk of the sport, the Rams managed to slowly transfer down the sector, which was efficient in holding the sport shut with the Niners’ offense on the sideline. A lot of that may be attributed to a fast passing sport that neutralized the go rush, because the Rams took benefit of sentimental zone coverages. The Rams’ familiarity with the Niners undoubtedly helped, however it’s additionally truthful to imagine new coordinator Steve Wilks is discovering his footing. Make no mistake, the Rams did not pile up the yards or factors. And Wilks will get credit score for dialing up further stress down the stretch because the Niners’ protection delivered when it was wanted most to flee with the win.

Replenish after the win: CB Isaiah Oliver. The much-maligned nickel nook delivered huge performs when the Niners’ protection desperately wanted them, arising with a pair of key tackles to get stops and an interception on a deflection for the sport’s first takeaway. A type of stops was on Kyren Williams on fourth down late within the sport to extinguish any likelihood of a Rams comeback.

Inventory down after the win: QB Brock Purdy’s deep ball. Though he hit a giant one late to Jauan Jennings, Purdy struggled pushing the ball downfield in opposition to the Rams, lacking open wideouts Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk for would-be touchdowns and Jennings for a key third-down conversion. — Nick Wagoner

Subsequent sport: vs. Giants (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Rams

Can the offense proceed to maneuver the ball with out Cooper Kupp? The Rams performed nicely in opposition to a troublesome 49ers protection within the first half, however two turnovers within the second half stopped an offense that was rolling. Rookie receiver Puka Nacua set the document for many receptions by a participant by means of his first two video games, in line with ESPN Stats & Info. For the second sport in a row, Nacua has taken on a heavy load of the goal share, turning 20 targets into 15 catches for 147 yards. The Rams’ efficiency wasn’t sufficient to beat the 49ers on Sunday, however it definitely supplies extra hope with Kupp out for a minimum of the primary 4 video games.

Replenish after the loss: RB Kyren Williams. Williams, a 2022 fifth-round choose, was named the Rams’ lead again this week and impressed within the function. He completed with 52 yards and a landing on 14 carries and had six receptions for 48 yards and a landing, changing into the primary Rams participant to attain by means of the air and on the bottom since Week 8 of the 2021 season.

Inventory down after the loss: RB Cam Akers. Akers was a wholesome scratch for Week 2, every week after speeding for 29 yards and a landing on 22 carries. Akers additionally fell out of favor for some time final season, however Williams’ emergence may make it powerful for him to get again within the lineup. — Sarah Barshop

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

Buccaneers

Can the Bucs proceed to win with Baker Mayfield? After listening to all offseason how dangerous it could be with out Tom Brady, the Bucs are 2-0. Between Mayfield’s quarterback scramble performs, the deep-ball connections to Mike Evans, and the sacks and takeaways by the protection, this group has established itself and gained. Tampa Bay shall be examined the subsequent two weeks, although, with two top-five defenses from final season on deck: the Eagles on “Monday Evening Soccer” and the Saints in Week 4.

Replenish after the win: Go rush. After sacking Kirk Cousins twice final week, the Bucs sacked Justin Fields six instances, with two sacks every from Vita Vea and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (who recovered a fumble final week), and Shaquil Barrett sealing the victory with a pick-six.

Inventory down after the win: Crimson zone offense. Whereas the Tampa Bay offense moved the ball a lot better this week and confirmed a considerable enchancment on third down — a degree of emphasis for OC Dave Canales — it was 1-for-4 on journeys to the pink zone, so the Bucs missed scoring alternatives. — Jenna Laine

Subsequent sport: vs. Eagles (Monday, 7:15 p.m. ET)

Bears

Will Bears remedy Justin Fields’ inconsistent play? Fields was in command on the primary drive, marching the Bears 75 yards earlier than speeding for a landing. The following six drives have been a catastrophe, nonetheless, with 5 sacks — a number of brought on by holding on to the ball too lengthy — and hassle throwing downfield. The quarterback put collectively a 90-yard TD drive within the fourth quarter and went 2-of-3 on throws of 10-plus air yards, together with a 20-yard TD to Chase Claypool, however on the ultimate drive, he threw a pick-six. He faces the Chiefs on the highway in Week 3.

Replenish after the loss: WR Chase Claypool. Per week after he was referred to as out for his lack of effort, which put his Week 2 availability into query, Claypool caught his first landing go as a Bear and turned eight targets into three receptions for 36 yards.

Inventory down after the loss: Third-down protection. Chicago didn’t get off the sector in opposition to Inexperienced Bay (9-of-16 on third downs) and continued that worrying pattern in Tampa, the place the Bucs went 7-of-11 on third downs, together with two touchdowns. — Courtney Cronin

Subsequent sport: at Chiefs (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Falcons

What can Desmond Ridder do to enhance? Sunday was a blended bag. Ridder led some lengthy drives and had a landing throw on the run to Drake London. However there have been a minimum of three passes — one which was intercepted and two that simply might have been — wherein Ridder confirmed his inexperience. He dealt with the read-option sport nicely, ending with 9 carries for 40 yards, together with a landing. He has loved a degree of consolation late in video games; if he can do the identical in first halves and enhance his accuracy on intermediate and deep passes, he could make features.

Replenish after the win: RB Bijan Robinson. Robinson adopted up his sturdy debut along with his first 100-yard speeding sport (124 yards on 19 carries), which included two highlight-reel runs: one wherein he made three jukes, and one other wherein he jumped over a Packers defender on the bottom. He additionally added 4 catches for 48 yards, exhibiting off his versatility.

Inventory down after the win: WR/RB Cordarrelle Patterson. The staff’s do-it-all participant was inactive Sunday with a thigh damage regardless of training in full all week and never being listed as questionable on the damage report. — Michael Rothstein

Subsequent sport: at Lions (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Packers

Does shedding this sport imply something within the huge image? The Packers took a double-digit lead into the fourth quarter with out wideout Christian Watson, working again Aaron Jones and left deal with David Bakhtiari, plus they misplaced left guard Elgton Jenkins to a first-half knee damage. The issue was, Bijan Robinson wore down the Packers’ protection and Jordan Love — regardless of three touchdowns for the second straight week — didn’t get a primary down on their ultimate three drives to mark their first loss with a double-digit fourth-quarter lead because the 2014 NFC Championship Sport.

Replenish after the loss: The receivers. Second-round choose Jayden Reed and fifth-rounder Dontayvion Wicks mixed for 3 TD catches. Reed caught two — together with a 9-yarder within the second quarter on a jet-sweep movement shovel go wherein he hit 20.54 miles per hour, in line with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats.

Inventory down after the loss: Forcing turnovers. The Packers dropped two gimme interceptions — one by Jaire Alexander and one other by Quay Walker. What regarded like a pick-six proper into Alexander’s fingers become a discipline purpose on the subsequent drive. — Rob Demovsky

Subsequent sport: vs. Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Seahawks

Who’re the true Seahawks? This Seattle staff on Sunday could not have regarded extra totally different from the staff that performed Week 1. After getting blown out at residence to the Rams, the Seahawks delivered an upset win amid powerful circumstances. They have been with out each beginning offensive tackles and dealing with a superb Lions go rush at a raucous Ford Subject. In addition they misplaced No. 1 CB Riq Woolen to a chest damage. His alternative, Tre Brown, greatest symbolized the one-week turnaround. Picked on within the opener, Brown got here off the bench and had a pick-six within the fourth quarter in addition to a sack and two passes defensed vs. Detroit.

Replenish after the win: QB Geno Smith. Smith was glorious below duress. He dealt with the noise and absence of his beginning tackles, made performs and averted pricey errors — till the 17-yard sack he took to arrange the Lions’ game-tying discipline purpose on the finish of regulation. Smith (32-of-41, 328 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs) atoned by main the game-winning OT drive.

Inventory down after the win: Ok Jason Myers. Myers has alternated good seasons and dangerous ones since rejoining the Seahawks in 2019, and 2023 is off to a shaky begin. After going 2-of-3 within the opener, he went 1-of-3 vs. Detroit, lacking from 45 and 56 yards within the first half. — Brady Henderson

Subsequent sport: vs. Panthers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

Lions

Did Seattle expose the Lions’ defensive weaknesses? Coming off a season-opening victory in opposition to the Chiefs, the Lions laid an egg of their residence opener with an additional time loss to Seattle wherein they gave up three touchdowns within the fourth quarter and additional time. The protection struggled as an entire, permitting two speeding touchdowns to RB Kenneth Walker III, two receiving touchdowns to Tyler Lockett and 328 receiving yards.

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Replenish after the loss: QB Jared Goff. His streak with out an INT ended after 383 consecutive makes an attempt, however the veteran now has a number of landing passes in six straight residence video games going again to Week 9 in 2022 — the longest energetic streak within the NFL.

Inventory down after the loss: Offensive ball safety. Goff threw his first choose since November. WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and working again David Montgomery have been each stripped for misplaced fumbles. — Eric Woodyard

Subsequent sport: vs. Falcons (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Chiefs

Was Chris Jones well worth the wait? Although the Chiefs might have used him within the opener in opposition to the Lions, he made up for it in opposition to the Jaguars. Jones, in restricted taking part in time, had 5 pressures, 1.5 sacks and a batted go. He had just one sport with greater than 4 pressures final season. The Chiefs had 4 sacks from an energized go rush.

Replenish after the win: RB Isiah Pacheco. He perked up a dormant working sport. His 31-yard run jump-started a landing drive to start out the third quarter. He rushed for 16 yards on a discipline purpose drive within the fourth quarter, together with changing on a fourth-and-1 play with the Chiefs struggling in such conditions.

Inventory down after the win: Huge receivers. They did not have a giant downside with dropped passes, as they did within the season opener, however they mixed to fumble thrice, shedding two. Dropped passes and turnovers are two issues that may kill even the Chiefs’ offense. — Adam Teicher

Subsequent sport: vs. Bears (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Jaguars

Is OC Press Taylor’s playcalling hurting the offense? The offensive line has been a problem, however there have been probabilities to make performs, and the Jaguars simply missed them. QB Trevor Lawrence overthrew an open Zay Jones ultimately zone, Lawrence missed Calvin Ridley behind the top zone, Christian Kirk dropped a third-down go, and Jamal Agnew fumbled a lateral. The unit did not play cleanly (simply 4.2 yards per play), however it was associated extra to OL points and execution than playcalling.

Replenish after the loss: DC Mike Caldwell. His protection pressured two turnovers out of the Chiefs (the Jaguars additionally bought one on a muffed punt) and held Patrick Mahomes out of the top zone within the first half till lower than a minute remained. That saved the Jaguars within the sport whereas the offense stumbled round for 3 quarters.

Inventory down after the loss: The offensive line. It had hassle holding the Chiefs off Lawrence: He was pressured on 25% of his dropbacks and likewise was sacked thrice into the early a part of the fourth quarter. Rookie RT Anton Harrison had hassle with Chris Jones (5 pressures and 1.5 sacks). — Mike DiRocco

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

Colts

How will QB Anthony Richardson’s concussion impression the subsequent week? With the rookie quarterback leaving the sport with a concussion within the second quarter, the Colts’ preparations for subsequent week’s sport in opposition to the Baltimore Ravens turns into difficult. Even when he clears the concussion protocol by the top of the week, Richardson’s observe reps shall be considerably lowered and his preparation negatively impacted. And balancing the necessity to put together backup Gardner Minshew shall be delicate, too, as Minshew performs the place a lot in a different way and would require a unique sport plan. Coach Shane Steichen can have his work lower out for him.

Replenish after the win: RB Zack Moss. Moss rushed for 88 yards and a landing on 18 carries in his first motion of the season, offering a wanted increase to a working sport that struggled mightily in Week 1. The Colts’ working backs averaged 1.6 yards per try final week behind lead again Deon Jackson, who didn’t contact the ball Sunday.

Inventory down after the win: CB Darrell Baker Jr. He gave up a number of key first-down completions — together with a 32-yard connection from C.J. Stroud to Nico Collins — and a 23-yard landing to Tank Dell. — Stephen Holder

Subsequent sport: at Ravens (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Texans

Can the Texans’ offense maintain up with its line accidents? The Texans have been with out 4 starters on the offensive line as left deal with Laremy Tunsil, heart Juice Scruggs, proper deal with Tytus Howard and left guard Kenyon Inexperienced have been out. Consequently, the Texans’ offense could not successfully run the ball, totaling 52 speeding yards on 26 carries. Quarterback C.J. Stroud additionally was sacked six instances.

Replenish after the loss: Stroud. Regardless of the offensive line struggles, Stroud went 30-of-47 for 384 yards with two touchdowns, and he has but to throw an interception by means of two video games.

Inventory down after the loss: RB Dameon Pierce. After a promising rookie 12 months, Pierce is off to a sluggish begin with 31 yards on 15 carries in Week 2 and 38 yards on 11 carries in Week 1. — DJ Bien-Aime

Subsequent sport: at Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Payments

Is the multidimensional offense the Payments confirmed for actual? It certain will be. After a turnover-heavy efficiency in Week 1, the Payments confirmed how the offense can take over a sport. QB Josh Allen put collectively landing drives of 11 and 15 performs, and unfold the ball round to 9 pass-catchers. The Payments averted turnovers and Allen decreased his common air yards per play from 7.4 in Week 1 to three.9 vs. the Raiders, and the offense benefited because of this. The run sport got here up huge, too. After speeding for 97 complete yards final week, the Payments racked up 183 Sunday.

Replenish after the win: The Payments’ linebackers. Matt Milano has an interception in three straight regular-season video games, and second-year center linebacker Terrel Bernard had some good moments in opposition to the Raiders, together with an interception, together with a team-high six tackles.

Inventory down after the win: Third-down manufacturing. There’s not a simple candidate right here as nearly every thing trended in a extra constructive course for the Payments, however the offense went 7-of-13 on third down, resulting in 4 fourth-down makes an attempt, and shall be an space to wash up. — Alaina Getzenberg

Subsequent sport: at Commanders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Raiders

What’s going on with former Professional Bowl receiver Hunter Renfrow? Per week after not getting a single goal for the primary time in his profession, Renfrow was once more an invisible man. The 2021 Professional Bowler, who caught 103 passes that season, was not focused by quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo till there have been lower than 4 minutes to play. There have been a minimum of just a few different events wherein Renfrow was working free however Garoppolo didn’t see him. If Garoppolo, who has extra interceptions (three) than throws to Renfrow (one), doesn’t wish to turn out to be too predictable, he must get the receiver extra concerned.

Replenish after the loss: WR Davante Adams. Adams caught six passes for 84 yards, together with a 16-yard catch-and-run rating to start out the day. Adams was being evaluated for a concussion after the sport.

Inventory down after the loss: RB Josh Jacobs. The All-Professional ran for a career-low minus-2 yards on 9 carries. — Paul Gutierrez

Subsequent sport: vs. Steelers (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)

Titans

Can the secondary discover a option to cease opposing quarterbacks? The Titans’ secondary gave up yet one more 300-plus yards of passing regardless of the win. Justin Herbert threw for 305 yards and two touchdowns. Tennessee was with out beginning proper cornerback Kristian Fulton and Herbert picked on his alternative Tre Avery. The Chargers drove 60 yards, largely passing the ball earlier than a Harold Landry sack saved the day and compelled a 33-yard discipline purpose to ship the sport to additional time. The go protection, after rating lifeless final within the NFL final season, is not off to a a lot better begin.

Replenish after the win: Crimson-zone offense. The Titans bounced again and scored touchdowns three of their 4 instances contained in the 20-yard line after failing to take action final week.

Inventory down after the win: The offensive line. Tennessee allowed 5 sacks, with two approaching dangerous miscommunication. Ryan Tannehill was persistently below stress. — Turron Davenport

Subsequent sport: at Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Chargers

Which model of the Chargers’ go rush will present up shifting ahead? In final week’s loss to the Dolphins, the Chargers struggled to get a lot stress on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who threw for 466 yards and wasn’t sacked. Chargers coach Brandon Staley dismissed the shortage of stress, pointing to how shortly Tagovailoa threw the ball. With All-Professional edge rusher Joey Bosa nursing a hamstring damage, the go rush was in query heading into this sport. However that unit regarded like a unique group this week, because it sacked Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill 5 instances.

Replenish after the loss: LB Tuli Tuipulotu. The Chargers’ second-round choose began at edge rusher instead of Bosa, who was restricted with a hamstring damage. Tuipulotu completed with a sack and beat offensive lineman for stress recurrently.

Inventory down after the loss: Go protection. The Chargers struggled once more to cease deep throws. Sunday was the primary time since 2013 that Tannehill accomplished two passes of a minimum of 45 air yards in a sport, essentially the most notable being a 70-yard strike to receiver Treylon Burks. — Kris Rhim

Subsequent sport: at Vikings (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Ravens

How are the Ravens overcoming accidents? Baltimore was with out six injured starters, however it had a wholesome Lamar Jackson. It was Jackson’s clutch play that led Baltimore to beat the Bengals on the highway. Within the second half, Jackson threw two landing passes on third down after which helped seal the victory with a 12-yard scramble on third down. The percentages have been definitely in opposition to the Ravens, who have been with out working again J.Ok. Dobbins, offensive deal with Ronnie Stanley, heart Tyler Linderbaum, cornerback Marlon Humphrey and security Marcus Williams. Then, Baltimore dominated out large receiver Odell Beckham Jr. with an ankle damage. However Jackson was the difference-maker.

Replenish after the win: TE Mark Andrews. In his first sport again after lacking the opener with a quad damage, Andrews caught his first landing go from Lamar Jackson since Week 6 of final season — a span of 12 video games.

Inventory down after the win: Punt protection. The Ravens’ solely landing allowed within the first half got here on an 81-yard punt return, which was the primary one given up by Baltimore since 2016. — Jamison Hensley

Subsequent sport: vs. Colts (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Bengals

What’s most regarding in regards to the Bengals’ 0-2 begin? At this level, it is the run protection. It had some tough moments in Week 1 in opposition to the Browns on a day when Cleveland racked up 206 speeding yards. In Week 2, the Ravens had comparable success (178 yards) irrespective of who was working it: Gus Edwards, Lamar Jackson or Justice Hill. That performed a job in Cincinnati’s lack of ability to cease Baltimore on a few key first downs. The offense ought to determine issues out as Joe Burrow will get extra reps. However Cincinnati must cease the run.

Replenish after the loss: WR Tee Higgins. After no catches in Week 1, Higgins bounced again in opposition to Baltimore with eight catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns.

Inventory down after the loss: Rush protection. Cincinnati struggled in opposition to the run as Baltimore gained 178 yards. Gus Edwards averaged 6.2 yards per carry. — Ben Child

Subsequent sport: vs. Rams (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Thursday

Eagles

What’s behind the passing sport struggles? Heart Jason Kelce stated the Eagles’ offense has been seeing some “loopy issues” from opposing coordinators over the primary two weeks in an try and create confusion and sluggish the passing assault. Kelce believes it should keep that manner, predicting “chaos” the remainder of the best way. One level of emphasis for opposing defenses has been to restrict the explosive performs. It falls to the teaching employees and quarterback Jalen Hurts to decode the myriad seems to be they’re getting and discover a option to get the passing sport again on monitor.

Replenish after the win: RB D’Andre Swift. The Philadelphia native made essentially the most of his homecoming, speeding for a career-high 175 yards and a landing within the residence opener.

Inventory down after the win: WR A.J. Brown. He had 4 catches for 29 yards. Frustration led to a heated dialog on the sideline with Hurts. Hurts referred to as him a “nice participant, nice teammate, nice pal” and stated he is not anxious about Brown, however it wasn’t one of the best look on a profitable night time for the Eagles. — Tim McManus

Subsequent sport: at Bucs (Sunday, 7:15 p.m. ET)

Vikings

Have the Vikings already given away their season? They dedicated 4 turnovers Thursday night time and have a complete of seven by means of the primary two video games, which have been determined by 9 factors mixed. Who is aware of how their losses to the Eagles and Buccaneers would have been totally different and not using a minus-6 turnover margin? However whether or not it has been by fluke or it’s deserved, the Vikings have fallen into an 0-2 gap that, traditionally, many groups have struggled to get out of.

Replenish after the loss: QB Kirk Cousins to WR Justin Jefferson. Regardless of the 2 losses, Cousins and Jefferson are clicking like by no means earlier than, with Jefferson changing into the primary NFL participant in 12 years to place up consecutive 150-yard receiving video games to open a season and Cousins throwing for a franchise-record 708 yards over that stretch.

Inventory down after the loss: Run sport. The Vikings had 28 speeding yards, on 9 makes an attempt, a continuation of a theme that started in Week 1 and a weird twist following an offseason spent making an attempt to enhance speeding effectivity. — Kevin Seifert

Subsequent sport: vs. Chargers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)