Sunday takeaways: Week 2

By: Josh Frey-Sam

One week after most games went under the Vegas total, all but three games hit the over on the second Sunday of the NFL season.

Indeed, offences were clicking in Week 2, which made for an exciting fantasy day and one of the most memorable noon slates I can remember.

If you’re an NFL Redzone watcher like me, this week’s “Witching Hour” was one for the ages, as four — maybe you could argue five — games were decided in the fourth quarter.

The afternoon slate didn’t suck either, with all three games finishing within one score.

It was a great day.

Unfortunately, this week was also filled with notable injuries.

Jayden Daniels (knee) and Justin Fields (concussion) are questionable for Week 3, while Joe Burrow (turf toe) is expected to be sidelined for at least three months, and JJ McCarthy (high-ankle sprain) is already ruled out for this week’s action.

They join Brock Purdy (turf toe), who is already lost for the next month.

There’s still plenty to discuss, though, so let’s get into my Sunday takeaways for Week 2.

Los Angeles Rams 33, Tennessee 19

One of the less notable games on the docket, because we knew what was going to happen. This will be a long season for Titans fans, but they are already prepared for that.

The positive? Cam Ward has done enough to let me know he belongs in the NFL and will be a solid QB.

Cleveland 17, Baltimore 41

We got our first glimpse of Dillon Gabriel and, while it was garbage time, you can’t say he looked bad. I still think the Browns will start Joe Flacco for at least a few more weeks, but it won’t be long before Gabriel — and maybe even Shedeur — get extended looks.

Jacksonville 27, Cincinnati 31

Jake Browning looked… decent-ish. I wouldn’t get my hopes up, though. The reality is this already looks like it could be a lost season for the Bengals. Not only is Burrow out, but the defence is terrible. The schedule also isn’t kind… defensive matchups include Vikings, Broncos, Lions, Packers, Steelers, Jets, Ravens and Bills.

Buffalo 30, New York Jets 10

Boy, you get the feeling the Bills can put it in cruise control for at least a month. Outside of the Patriots in Week 5, their next notable opponent is probably the Chiefs in Week 9. Meanwhile, the Jets simply don’t feel relevant in most conversations.

New England 33, Miami 27

The Fins’ offence was certainly better than last week, but this is simply a football team that lacks talent and depth, and it shows. When Storm Duck is a notable injury, you have an issue. Mike McDaniels days are numbered.

San Francisco 26, New Orleans 21

The Niners are purely in survival mode until Brock Purdy is healthy again. They barely escaped here, but a win is a win. They have the Cards and Jags in the next two weeks before playing the Rams, Bucs and Falcons.

New York Giants 37, Dallas 40

Thriller. Russell Wilson and Dak Prescott both looked great in this game. By the way, Cam Skattebo out-touched Tyrone Tracy 13-9 in this game. Might we already be witnessing a shift in the backfield??

Chicago 21, Detroit 52

This score did not surprise me one bit. The Bears aren’t there yet. This feels like it could get ugly in the Windy City if they don’t begin to see some results. I have concerns about Ben Johnson’s personality and how they could clash with Caleb Williams and the rest of that offence.

Seattle 31, Pittsburgh 17

The Seahawks are going to be a tough team to beat every week. They will be competitive more times than not because of that defence.

Also, Kaleb Johnson — WOOF.

Denver 28, Indianapolis 29

I had Broncos -1.5 in this game. Really tough beat, considering the way the game ended. That being said, we’re seeing what a Shane Steichen-led team looks like with competent quarterback play, and it’s actually enjoyable to watch.

Carolina 22, Arizona 27

I know the Cards are 2-0, but to be honest, I don’t feel much better about them than I do about the 0-2 Panthers right now. It’s also getting tougher to buy into Bryce Young as a franchise QB.

Philadelphia 20, Kansas City 17

I’m not in favour of banning the tush push, but I absolutely agree that it must be officiated better.

Atlanta 22, Minnesota 6

We must remember that JJ McCarthy is still dipping his toes into NFL game action. I’m not concerned about the Vikings from the standpoint of I believe they are a playoff team and the second-best team in the NFC North.

Tampa Bay 20, Houston 19

Baker Mayfield is such a dawg, man. One of my favourites to watch. That Texans defence is so good, especially at home, but it can’t do everything. The Colts are the best team in the AFC South through two weeks.

Los Angeles Chargers 20 , Raiders 9

The Bolts are just a well-oiled machine. Jesse Minter will be a coveted man in the next head coaching cycle, so enjoy him, Chargers fans. The scary part about this team is that we knew they could beat you with a stout defence and solid ground game, but now they’re unleashing Justin Herbert and beating teams with a dangerous aerial attack. As long as they force teams to defend every blade of grass, this is one of the scariest teams in the league.

Thanks for reading and, as always, have a great day.

Josh