Another week of the NFL season has gone by. Let’s take a look at the highlights and lowlights of last week’s NFL games.
The injury bug has spread like wildfire throughout these first two weeks. During the Monday Night Football matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, Browns running back Nick Chubb was carted off the field after a gruesome knee injury. It was later announced that the four-time Pro Bowler would miss the remainder of the season after tearing tearing his MCL.
The Browns lost 26-22, falling to 1-1 on the season, but the upside of this team has drastically changed. Deshaun Watson has been very disappointing and is not performing like a quarterback with one of the largest contracts in NFL history. Without being able to lean on the elite running game by Chubb, more pressure will be on Watson to lead the offense. Due to its long-term implications on the franchise, it will be interesting to see how Watson and the Browns perform this season.
The Dallas Cowboys plowed through the New York Jets, moving to 2-0 as they continue to look like one of the most complete teams in the NFL. Micah Parsons and the Cowboys’ defense was stifling, totaling multiple interceptions and sacks en route to a 30-10 win. However, disaster struck when it was reported that star cornerback Trevon Diggs tore his ACL during practice and is out for the season. Their defense, who have only allowed 280 yards through the air this season, will be questioned when they have to play teams with talented receivers without their lockdown corner.
Speaking of question marks, the New York Jets unfortunately have a massive one at the quarterback position. Zach Wilson had a rough game. He didn’t have much time in the pocket, with the offensive line also having a poor showing, but he only completed 44% of his passes. There have been reports that the Jets front office is seeking a veteran quarterback to compete with Wilson. If Wilson continues to have more games like this, it may be difficult to envision him as a Jet in the future.
Daniel Jones led the New York Giants to a comeback victory over the Arizona Cardinals. At halftime, the Giants’ offense was held scoreless while the defense let up 20 points. Two touchdowns by Saquan Barkley and some timely throws by Jones helped the Giants outscore Arizona 31-7 in the second half to win 31-28. Barkley did leave the field late in the 4th quarter due to a high ankle sprain and is expected to miss two or more weeks of play.
Bengals quarterback, Joe Burrow, is also dealing with a nagging injury. Burrow strained his right calf during the second practice of the offseason and missed nearly six weeks of preseason. The star quarterback hasn’t looked 100% in the Bengals’ first two appearances as they have fallen to 0-2 for the second straight season. The offense did not look as explosive as last season in their 27-24 loss against the Baltimore Ravens.
Ja’Marr Chase has called for the offense to take more shots down the field, but with a limited Burrow, the offense seems stagnant. Chase has been off to a slow start to his 2023-24 campaign, with only 10 receptions for 70 yards through the first two weeks.
The Ravens, dealing with a bevy of injuries themselves, pulled out the victory thanks to an MVP-level performance by Lamar Jackson. He fit many throws into some tight windows, including a 52-yard pass to Zay Flowers. Jackson’s connection with the rookie wide receiver has been electric so far, as the Ravens’ offense is moving like a well-oiled machine. If Baltimore can stay healthy, they could stand as one of the best teams in the NFL.
