The second week of the NFL season is over, with a weekend full of shock results and upsets. Here’s a recap of some of the highlights, courtesy of The HCC Times sportswriter Jonathan Chekol.
Buffalo Bills (2-0) – 31 Miami Dolphins (1-1) – 10
The Bills are now 5-1 over the last six games against their division rivals in the Dolphins, as they dominated Miami in South Florida. Bills quarterback Josh Allen had 139 passing yards and a touchdown, while running back James Cook had 78 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns including a TD pass from Allen. Things were bad for the Dolphins all night, only getting worse when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa left the game in the third quarter with a concussion after colliding with defensive back Damar Hamlin and hitting the back of his head off the turf. His status is unknown, but he is unlikely to return for the remainder of the season, prompting the Dolphins to sign a new quarterback in the form of Tyler Huntley from the Ravens’ practice squad.
The Dolphins will travel to Seattle this Sunday (4.05 p.m.), while the Bills host Jacksonville on Monday Night Football (7.30 p.m.)
Las Vegas Raiders (1-1) – 26 Baltimore Ravens (0-2) – 23
Las Vegas was a heavy underdog going into “Charm City” and had lost 49 straight games when trailing by at least 10 points in the fourth quarter, but “Da Raiders” shocked the NFL world and ruined the Ravens’ home opener. Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew had 30 completions in 38 attempts for 276 yards, leading three scoring drives in the fourth quarter – including the field goal by kicker Daniel Carlson to win the game for the Raiders. Vegas linebacker Maxx Crosby was huge defensively for the black and silver, contributing 6 tackles and 2 sacks.
The Ravens at one point had a 10-point lead, going into the fourth quarter 23-13 up. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had 21 of 34 passes for 247 yards, but a costly interception to Robert Spillane in the fourth quarter by the two-time league MVP cost his team the game. The Ravens are starting the season 0-2 for the first time since 2015. In the movie Glengarry Glen Ross, Blake reminds his colleagues to “Always Be Closing” – the Ravens have not been doing this, as since the start of 2021 they have lost 10 games after having a lead of seven or more points in the fourth quarter. Only twice since the playoffs expanded to 14 teams in 2020 has an 0-2 team made it to the playoffs.
The Ravens go to Dallas to play the Cowboys this Sunday (4.25 p.m.) while the Raiders have their home opener in Vegas against the Carolina Panthers (4.05 p.m.).
San Francisco 49ers (1-1) – 17 Minnesota Vikings (1-1) – 23
The Vikings made a statement in their home opener in the Twin Cities as they stunned the defending NFC Champion 49ers. Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold went 17 of 26 for 268 yards, with 2 touchdowns – including a fantastic 97-yard strike to wide receiver Justin Jefferson that won the game for Minnesota. Despite two red-zone turnovers that the 49ers turned into touchdowns, and losing Jefferson to a quad injury in the third quarter, Minnesota managed to hold on for the upset. The only bright spot for the 49ers was linebacker Fred Warner, who had 9 tackles, 1 sack and 1 fumble recovery in the game. The 49ers have a lot to correct if they want to get back into contention for the Super Bowl once again.
The Niners are on the road this Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams (4.25 p.m.) while the Vikings will entertain the Texans (1.00 p.m.).
New Orleans Saints (2-0) – 44 Dallas Cowboys (1-1) – 19
The Saints have been one of the most surprising teams of this young football season, which they proved to be once again by making a statement at AT&T Stadium. Saints QB Derrick Carr threw for 243 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 1-yard sneak that led to a score for New Orleans. Running back Alvin Kamara scored a massive 4 touchdowns, including a 57-yarder on a screen pass, as the Saints ended the Cowboys’ 16-game home winning streak. The Saints got touchdowns on their first six drives after starting the season with points on nine consecutive possessions in a 47-10 rout of the Panthers. New Orleans looks to be going the opposite route to last year’s slow start to the season, in which the Saints missed the playoffs on tiebreakers with a 9-8 record.
Cowboys signal caller Dak Prescott threw for 293 yards, with a touchdown and 2 interceptions. Wide receiver Ceedee Lamb had 90 receiving yards on 4 receptions, including a tough 65-yard score. The Cowboys have some things to fix up if they want to be on the right track this season, while the Saints hope to keep this momentum going for the rest of the season.
Dallas will entertain the Ravens this weekend (4.25 p.m.), while New Orleans are set to take on the Eagles (1.00 p.m.).
Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) – 25 Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) – 26
The defending champions showed that they still can find ways to win, with kicker Harrison Butker kicking a 51-yard field goal as time expired to give Kansas City the win.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for 151 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions, but his incomplete pass to wide receiver Rashee Rice turned out to be the turning point in the game. Bengals safety Daijahn Anthony arrived a split-second early and moved Rice from behind his body, as flags flew with 38 seconds remaining to keep Kansas City alive – leading to Butker’s winning field goal.
Bengals QB Joe Burrow threw for 258 yards and 2 touchdowns, both to wide receiver Andrei losivas. The Cincinatti defense setup two scoring drives with interceptions, with linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither getting one of the picks. In the end, Cincy came up empty against one of their biggest nemeses for the third straight time since their 27-24 loss in the AFC Championship game two years ago.
The Bengals will be at home on Monday against the Washington Commanders (8.15 p.m.) while Kansas City will go to Atlanta to play the Falcons (8.20 p.m.) on Sunday night.
Atlanta Falcons (1-1) – 22 Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) – 21
The Falcons delivered in a big way on Monday Night Football as they pulled off one of the shockers of the week, defeating the Eagles in Philly. Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins was solid as he had 241 passing yards and 2 touchdowns as he led Atlanta to victory. Running back Bijan Robinson was a beast in the running game, going for 97 rushing yards. Cousins managed to find Drake London for a 7-yard game winning score that led to the Atlanta victory.
Questionable play calling by the Eagles may have cost Philly the game – in the first quarter, rather than kicking a chip-shot field goal for kicker Jake Elliot, the Eagles decided to go for it on fourth down at Atlanta’s 9-yard line, which failed and resulted in Hurts throwing an interception which led to the Eagles loss.
The Falcons will host the Chiefs (8.20 p.m.) on Sunday Night while the Eagles will host the New Orleans Saints (1.00 p.m.).
That’s it for the Week 2 Recap! Enjoy this week’s games!
