0 of 32
Joe Burrow(Richard Rodriguez/Getty photographs)So Week 2 of the 2022 NFL season turned into…whatever thing.
to claim that ultimate week's NFL motion changed into wild is the mom of all understatements. In Cleveland, the Browns grew to become the first team to blow a 13-factor lead within the final two minutes of a online game given that…the Browns. In Baltimore, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa played arguably the most effective game of his career in leading a wild comeback win over the Ravens. And in each Jacksonville and Detroit, two groups most expected to be tomato cans made statements that opponents who underestimate them accomplish that at their personal peril.
That become the 1:00 p.m. ET slate. The late games featured two AFC playoff groups that at the moment are in scramble mode after closing-2nd losses dropped them to 0-2—including the defending convention champions.
It turned into a week that rattled what we think about who the league's contenders and pretenders are and put the Bleacher record NFL vigor Rankings through a blender.
Now that the dirt has settled, NFL analysts Brent Sobleski, Maurice Moton and Gary Davenport have gathered to sift in the course of the rubble and reslot the league's groups from worst to first.
The desirable group hasn't changed, however it is about all that didn't.
32. Houston Texans (0-1-1)1 of 32
Laremy Tunsil (Cooper Neill/Getty pictures)ultimate Week: 30
Week 2 effect: lost at Denver Broncos sixteen-9
On Sunday afternoon, lovers of the Houston Texans had been dealt a painful reminder: Their favourite team simply is rarely very respectable.
On a day when the Broncos at all times shot themselves within the foot, the Texans have been unable to capitalize on Denver's miscues. For the video game, the Texans managed simply 234 yards of offense and were held out of the conclusion zone.
After the dispiriting loss, Texans address Laremy Tunsil tried to put some sort of positive spin on things.
"now we have received to get superior at completing video games," Tunsil observed. "as soon as we do this, we'll be a great team."
The fact is that Houston could smartly have the least proficient roster within the NFL. In Week 1, the Texans couldn't dangle a lead in opposition t a Colts crew that looks more and more deeply incorrect through the week. That changed into followed up by using a loss to a Broncos crew that did everything in its energy handy the online game to them.
The Texans don't play a group that made the postseason closing yr except a visit to Las Vegas on October 23. but given how things have long gone so far, it's getting more durable and harder to pinpoint weeks the place the Texans have a true possibility at earning wins.
31. Atlanta Falcons (0-2)2 of 32
Cordarrelle Patterson (rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty pictures)final Week: 29
Week 2 influence: misplaced at l. a. Rams 31-27
Two weeks into the season, the Atlanta Falcons have shown some combat.
Two weeks into the season, that hasn't lots mattered.
In Week 1, the Falcons had a 26-10 fourth-quarter lead over the new Orleans Saints earlier than finally falling through one aspect. On Sunday against the Rams, the Falcons fell into a 31-10 fourth-quarter hole before ultimately dropping by using four aspects.
The consequences admittedly have not been there, but in his postgame presser, Atlanta head coach Arthur Smith applauded the grit that Marcus Mariota, Cordarrelle Patterson and the Falcons showed in making a online game of it against the defending tremendous Bowl champions.
"definitely it wasn't best and we should ruin via, however one thing about our guys, no count what has came about, we've a chance unless the ultimate play to win it," Smith observed. "certainly we didn't make enough performs, but the game enjoying gave us ample and the guys kept grinding out."
The schedule lightens up a little bit from here, with the Seahawks and Browns subsequent up on the slate. but if the Falcons cannot notch a win or two there earlier than three straight in opposition t 2021 playoff teams, or not it's reasonable to wonder if Smith's Falcons are improving after a 7-10 list final 12 months, or just getting worse.
30. Seattle Seahawks (1-1)3 of 32
Rashaad Penny and Geno Smith (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty photographs)remaining Week: 27
Week 2 outcomes: lost at San Francisco 27-7
So, um, about all that "momentum" the Seahawks developed up with their Week 1 win over the Denver Broncos?
Yeah, that's long past. It went up in smoke Sunday in San Francisco. The Seahawks had been drilled with the aid of the rival 49ers, with head educate Pete Carroll admitting the team become pummeled in every element of the online game.
"fairly a distance from one week to the next," Carroll referred to. "This league just reminds you how you get humbled. We didn't do anything like we desired to these days on the line of scrimmage, on either aspect of the ball."
Carroll might also actually have understated just how absolutely the Seahawks have been beaten Sunday. The Seahawks managed simply 216 yards of offense and were outgained by way of over 150 yards. One week after playing neatly towards the Broncos, Geno Smith didn't hit 200 passing yards. The Seahawks run video game turned into fully shut down, tallying just 36 yards on 14 includes.
It changed into a painful reminder that the 2022 Seahawks just aren't an exceptionally first rate football crew. And it's plenty extra probably than no longer going to be an extended season within the Emerald city.
29. Chicago Bears (1-1)4 of 32
David Montgomery (Michael Reaves/Getty photographs)remaining Week: 28
Week 2 outcome: lost at eco-friendly Bay 27-10
In Week 1, the Bears pulled off one of the crucial week's greater mind-blowing wins, taking down the San Francisco 49ers in Chicago.
That momentum didn't carry over to Week 2.
Granted, there were things the team did well in opposition t the Packers. David 1st viscount montgomery of alamein had a fine online game working the ball, collecting 122 dashing yards and averaging over eight yards a lift. however Bears quarterback Justin Fields threw for simply 70 yards, and the Bears defense allowed a whopping 203 yards on the ground.
For Sobleski, the efficiency highlighted Chicago's barriers and shined a harsh easy on a group with some big problems.
"What had been all the concerns all the way through the offseason about how Chicago's roster is constructed? Oh, yeah. The Bears won't have ample weapons on offense," he stated. "The group's offensive line is marginal at most advantageous. Fields hasn't been positioned able to be triumphant.
"a week 1 win in a rain-soaked contest mustn't fool anybody. To make matters worse, the Bears coaching doesn't actively look like it even trusts Fields to shoulder the offense. The season has disaster written all over the place it if Chicago does not find a means to increase without delay on offense."
28. big apple Jets (1-1)5 of 32
Joe Flacco (Nick Cammett/Getty photos)final Week: 32
Week 2 result: won at Cleveland 31-30
credit score where it be due: The manhattan Jets won't have any quit in them.
One week after getting waxed at domestic via the Baltimore Ravens, the Jets found themselves down 13 with 1:fifty five to move in Cleveland. but instead of pack it in and resign themselves to one more defeat, the Jets kept scrapping. And after a wild finish that protected a protracted touchdown strike to Corey Davis, a successful onside kick and Garrett Wilson's 2d touchdown of the afternoon, the Jets have been capable of stun the Browns on the road to notch their first victory of 2022.
there have been positives in the online game that went past the closing rating. Joe Flacco performed his top-rated video game in years, topping 300 passing yards with four ratings. Wilson's second NFL game featured eight catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns.
"This ranking doubtless says more in regards to the Browns being dangerous than it says in regards to the Jets being decent," Davenport pointed out. "long island allowed over four hundred yards of offense, including 184 on the ground. And the Jets can't retain placing the video game in Flacco's hands and expect to have sustained success. however instruct Robert Saleh's bunch showed some durability in Week 2, and for a fanbase that has had precious little to be chuffed about in fresh years, this wild win needed to consider first rate."
27. Carolina Panthers (0-2)6 of 32
Baker Mayfield (rich Schultz/Getty images)ultimate Week: 26
Week 2 influence: lost at ny Giants 19-16
The Carolina Panthers have featured a carousel of quarterbacks in contemporary years. but even if it has been Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold or now Baker Mayfield, one thing has remained the same:
The Panthers aren't winning.
After suffering a two-aspect setback against Cleveland in Week 1, the Panthers got here up three facets short on the highway in big apple.
although, regardless of the inability of success on the scoreboard. Mayfield advised newshounds after the video game that he is assured the crew is close to turning the nook.
"it's not overcomplicated, to be sincere with you," Mayfield talked about. "We just have to come out and play. it be the mental hump of the 0-2 listing, however realizing there may be loads of ball left, and also you feel about it, we're 6-6 at halftime once we should were losing, if you appear on the stats and cases. but we're very shut; we'll suitable our errors, and go play. We put within the work; we should have a good time on Sundays and go execute."
That self belief of Mayfield's is probably going to be tested within the weeks to return. After next week's matchup in opposition t the Saints, the Panthers play four video games in a row towards groups that made the postseason final 12 months.
26. Indianapolis Colts (0-1-1)7 of 32
Matt Ryan and Jonathan Taylor (Courtney Culbreath/Getty photographs)final Week: 15
Week 2 result: lost at Jacksonville Jaguars 24-0
Two video games into a season is quite early to hit the panic button...until you are the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts opened the season with what seemed to be a pair of winnable games in the AFC South towards two teams that combined to head 7-27 remaining 12 months. In Week 1, the Colts vital a frenetic comeback simply to tie the Texans in Houston. In Week 2, the Colts received waxed in Jacksonville by means of the equal Jaguars team that knocked them out of the playoffs in Week 18 last yr.
conveniently put, this become an embarrassing loss. The Colts were a multitude offensively, managing just 218 yards. Jonathan Taylor carried the ball just 9 times. The Colts transformed just two of 10 third-down tries and grew to become it over 3 times.
This marked the eighth straight time the Colts have come up short in opposition t the Jaguars in Jacksonville.
sure, the Colts were shorthanded on either side of the ball in Week 2. however after gazing Indy get pushed around in successive games through two groups precisely no person anticipated to do the rest in 2022, its popularity as a preseason contender seems pretty much laughably incorrect.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1)8 of 32
Trevor Lawrence (Courtney Culbreath/Getty photos)ultimate Week: 31
Week 2 influence: won vs. Indianapolis 24-0
The Jacksonville Jaguars simply can be a good soccer crew.
One week after pretty much pulling out a win at Washington, the Jaguars decided to dispense with the drama in Week 2—by using beating the brakes off their AFC South rivals in Jacksonville.
This become a game the Jaguars dominated in each approach possible. Offensively, Trevor Lawrence changed into very productive, lacking on simply five of his 30 circulate makes an attempt and posting a passer ranking of 121.5. Defensively, the Jaguars held the Colts to just 218 yards of offense, limited Indianapolis to fifty four yards on the floor, caused three turnovers and sacked Matt Ryan five times.
prior this week, head teach Doug Pederson informed newshounds that this young Jaguars crew become researching what it takes to win on Sundays.
"If we manage what we will handle internally, I believe respectable things can ensue for this team," he talked about. "Are you going to win all of them? No, however you're going to provide yourself a chance to win them."
One online game doesn't a turnaround make. but since the Jaguars received just 4 video games in 2020 and 2021 combined, from what we've viewed of the Jags beneath Pederson, here is a vastly stronger team.
24. Tennessee Titans (0-2)9 of 32
Malik Willis (Cooper Neill/Getty images)closing Week: 19
Week 2 outcome: lost at Buffalo forty one-7
After getting bowled over at home by using the Giants in Week 1, the Tennessee Titans crucial to make a press release in Week 2. To demonstrate that they remained a legitimate contender in the AFC. They obligatory to go into Buffalo and at the least give the bills a game.
in its place, the simplest remark came from head instruct Mike Vrabel at the conclusion of a forty one-7 humiliation by the hands of the expenses.
"We got our (expletive) kicked," Vrabel observed. "undeniable and easy. They outcoached us; they outplayed us."
long story brief: Nothing went correct for the Titans. operating returned Derrick Henry carried the ball 13 times—for 25 yards. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw two picks and become benched in prefer of rookie Malik Willis. The Titans were outgained by a ratio of more than 2-to-1 and allowed almost twice as many first downs as they gained.
The simplest thing that Tennessee has going for it is playing in an AFC South that reputedly no one wants to win. but except Tennessee can flip things around right now, the 2022 season is going to spiral far from them.
And this week's tilt with the in a similar fashion reeling Raiders is a need to-win to preserve that from going on.
23. Washington Commanders (1-1)10 of 32
Ron Rivera (Rey Del Rio/Getty photos)last Week: 22
Week 2 outcome: misplaced at Detroit 36-27
it be some thing of a twist of fate that the Commanders had been ranked twenty second in remaining week's NFL energy rankings right here at Bleacher file. as it happens, it is additionally what number of features the group allowed within the first half.
The issue is that Washington did so devoid of scoring a single element of its own.
After the loss, Washington head teach Ron Rivera applauded his squad's fight within the second half towards the Lions whereas bemoaning the reality the group all started so slowly.
"We begun making plays within the 2nd half," Rivera stated. "If we might have finished that within the 2nd quarter, this total day might have been diverse. At halftime, we talked concerning the fact that we don't have a 22-point play.
"We have been going to must take our time and begin making performs. I'm very, very proud of the way we spoke back—we know that we're capable of playing that way—however we need to be constant. This league is complicated and we were horrible in the first half."
The truth is that the Commanders very virtually misplaced to the Jaguars in Week 1—a loss that could have made the team 0-2 in opposition t teams that had been 6-27-1 closing year.
With the Giants finding the way to shut out wins whereas the Commanders retain digging holes, it's no longer unreasonable to slot the Commanders within the lower back of the NFC East.
22. Cleveland Browns (1-1)11 of 32
Amari Cooper (Nick Cammett/Getty pictures)closing Week: 17
Week 2 outcomes: misplaced vs. long island Jets 31-30
here's a game a good way to haunt the Cleveland Browns for a while.
The Browns did every little thing they necessary to do to win Sunday towards the ny Jets—at least for many of the game. Cleveland's run game topped a hundred and eighty yards on the ground. Jacoby Brissett was efficient passing, missing on simply 5 of 27 throws. Amari Cooper had his first one hundred-yard video game as a member of the Browns.
And none of it mattered.
Late within the online game, the defense collapsed, enabling a protracted landing circulate and a desperation force for the go-ahead ranking. Brissett's one precise mistake on the day changed into an interception that sealed the game. And lest they be left out of the crumple, Cleveland's special groups allowed an onside kick recuperation.
After the online game, head train Kevin Stefanski was evidently upset whereas speaking to journalists.
"really frustrating to me," Stefanski talked about. "not how we play. ... we will't let this linger."
"a definite sentiment exists within NFL fandom of the Browns being the Browns, which capacity Cleveland will find a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory," Sobleski referred to. "In Sunday's 31-30 loss to the Joe Flacco-led Jets, the Browns grew to be the first group considering that 2001 to blow a lead regardless of a 13-factor knowledge with below two minutes left to play, per ESPN Stats & data. The closing group to achieve this? The Browns.
"an ideal storm of shielding breakdowns, poor communication, a scarcity of situational recognition on offense after which asking a confined backup quarterback to win the game resulted within the ancient loss. Cleveland is simply attempting to keep its proverbial head above water until Deshaun Watson joins the lineup. The group can not give away video games find it irresistible did this previous weekend and are expecting a favorable effect for the season."
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1)12 of 32
Najee Harris (Shelley Lipton/Icon Sportswire by the use of Getty photos)ultimate Week: sixteen
Week 2 influence: lost vs. New England 17-14
The Pittsburgh Steelers have complications.
For the second time in as many weeks, the Steelers struggled to generate offense. Pittsburgh received simply 243 complete yards towards the Patriots. The ground online game barely cleared ninety yards. Mitchell Trubisky became mediocre beneath core, throwing for 168 yards with a passer ranking of 73.eight. And Pittsburgh's beleaguered offensive line struggled once more.
whereas talking to reporters after the online game, Trubisky admitted the offense has to improve.
"We may also be more suitable at every thing," Trubisky talked about. "I can also be more suitable at decision-making. We had some missed alternatives. I had some missed throws. ... final analysis, we've bought to ranking more elements."
The Steelers have lengthy been a group that has earned the improvement of the doubt; after all, Pittsburgh has yet to record a dropping season with Mike Tomlin as head teach. The crew has talent on either side of the ball. And or not it's now not like anybody squad is operating away with the AFC North after two weeks. At 1-1, Pittsburgh is in a three-way tie for first region.
however with winnable video games in opposition t the Browns and Jets up subsequent, the Steelers should get it together before a four-week gauntlet that includes trips to Buffalo, Miami and Philadelphia and a home date with the Buccaneers.
20. Detroit Lions (1-1)13 of 32
Amon-Ra St. Brown (Gregory Shamus/Getty photos)closing Week: 25
Week 2 outcomes: received vs. Washington 36-27
do not seem to be now, but the Detroit Lions offense looks fairly dang first rate.
Keyed through an immense online game from Lions extensive receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit poured on the aspects against the Commanders in Week 2. Detroit piled up 425 yards of offense in opposition t Washington, with St. Brown surroundings a brand new NFL list by means of recording eight or more catches and a landing in six straight games.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff gushed about his proper receiver whereas speakme to reporters after the video game.
"he is a very pleasant target," Goff pointed out. "this is the most effective method to explain it. He always comes returned to the ball. all the time catches the ball faraway from his body. Is at all times where he must be. understands insurance. knows what i am taking a look at and what i am attempting to find. always asking questions. Comes downhill when he is breaking out. he's a guy i am fortunate to play with and the sky is the limit for him."
St. Brown wasn't the only younger Lion who had an immense showing. in barely his 2nd NFL online game, rookie facet-rusher Aidan Hutchinson spent most of his time in the Washington backfield, notching three sacks of Carson Wentz.
The Lions may also no longer be respectable yet, however looking at that young talent pile up stats, it's it seems that evident the group is getting enhanced.
19. Dallas Cowboys (1-1)14 of 32
Micah Parsons (Richard Rodriguez/Getty images)closing Week: 24
Week 2 effect: gained vs. Cincinnati 20-17
reports of the Dallas Cowboys' demise may also had been exaggerated.
After Dak Prescott went down with an injured hand, many wrote off the Cowboys. but for one week at the least, the crew remains afloat, and backup quarterback Cooper Rush deserves reasonably a little of the credit score for the win.
Rush's 235 passing yards and one touchdown don't seem to be jaw-losing numbers, but he outperformed Joe Burrow, incomes postgame accolades from head train Mike McCarthy.
"or not it's basically unique to look him be excited after he received a online game," McCarthy observed. "To get a can charge out of it as a result of he is so, so constant."
"One win over a reeling Bengals team doesn't mean the Cowboys are 'lower back' any more than a loss would have caught a fork in Dallas' season," Davenport observed. "but it turned into nonetheless surprising to look Rush play so conveniently in Prescott's stead. He had assist too, even if it turned into from Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard and the ground video game or Micah Parsons and a Cowboys defense that sacked Burrow six instances and restrained Cincinnati to 254 yards of offense.
"Three of Dallas' next four video games are inner the NFC East, and if the Cowboys continue playing like they did in Week 2, the group may nonetheless be in the thick of the playoff hunt when Prescott returns."
18. Las Vegas Raiders (0-2)15 of 32
Davante Adams (Jeff Bottari/Getty images)closing Week: 13
Week 2 influence: misplaced vs. Arizona 29-23 (OT)
The Las Vegas Raiders want a hug.
One week after losing a nail-biter to the rival Chargers, the Raiders held a 16-aspect lead in opposition t the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth quarter. however as soon as once more, the Raiders could not cling on. After allowing a pair of late touchdown drives and two two-point conversions, a Hunter Renfrow fumble again for a ranking dropped the Raiders to 0-2 and into remaining location in the AFC West.
After the defeat, a bowled over Josh McDaniels advised newshounds the Raiders need to learn to climate the storm more desirable.
"[Arizona] did a number of things differently within the 2nd half, I feel," the top instruct said. "at the conclusion of the day, I suppose you have to learn how to deal with success like we had within the first half, and/or failure if that's you on the different end of the spectrum, in case you're at the back of."
despite the fact, Moton thinks the crew's concerns may additionally go deeper than that.
"The Raiders had arguably probably the most troubling loss amongst groups that squandered double-digit fourth-quarter leads Sunday," he stated. "they had a 20-0 capabilities headed into halftime and misplaced 29-23 in extra time, enabling 22 unanswered features between the fourth quarter and the additional period. On correct of that, the Raiders may additionally have overcorrected their reliance on wideout Davante Adams, who converted 17 targets into 10 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. He only saw seven objectives and comprehensive with two receptions for 12 yards and a score in Week 2."
"much more troubling, McDaniels emphasized clean football and the avoidance of penalties over the summer," Moton endured. "neatly, the Raiders committed 10 infractions, which cost them sixty eight yards Sunday. After a crushing loss, Vegas ought to find an offensive stability that includes more of the run game to use up the clock with positive online game scripts and as soon as once again handle bad habits that result in penalties."
17. New England Patriots (1-1)sixteen of 32
Nelson Agholor (Justin okay. Aller/Getty pictures)final Week: 21
Week 2 outcome: received at Pittsburgh 17-14
After a dispiriting offensive performance in Miami in Week 1, the brand new England Patriots desperately essential to get the offense again on course in Week 2. The Pats didn't gentle the world on hearth against the Pittsburgh Steelers, however there have been advancements.
Mac Jones wasn't flawless, however he threw for 252 yards and a ranking. running backs Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson mixed for 118 yards on 24 consists of. large receiver Nelson Agholor had a huge online game, catching six passes for a hundred and ten yards and a touchdown.
The Patriots protection held up their end as well, enabling just 243 yards of offense, forcing a pair of turnovers and sacking Mitchell Trubisky 3 times.
nevertheless, as a minimum one in all our analysts remains doubtful that the Patriots can also be a legitimate threat within the AFC East this season.
"The Patriots aren't a foul crew," Davenport said. "And any crew with a protection run with the aid of invoice Belichick goes to be strong on that side of the ball. but I don't have any self belief that the brand new England offense can hang with the likes of the expenses and Chiefs. As a count number of truth, we noticed in Week 1 that they could not cling with Miami. or not it's much more doubtless this crew misses the postseason than makes any form of noise in the playoffs."
sixteen. ny Giants (2-0)17 of 32
Brian Daboll and Daniel Jones (wealthy Schultz/Getty photos)last Week: 23
Week 2 result: gained vs. Carolina 19-16
The ny Giants entered Week 2 above .500 for the first time since all the approach lower back in 2016. That changed into also the closing time the Giants started a season 2-0.
The Giants don't seem to be precisely piling up vogue features; on Sunday in opposition t the Carolina Panthers, the Giants tallied just 265 yards of offense. but the G-guys additionally most effective gave up 275 yards and received the turnover battle, and long island turned into in a position to make simply ample plays to eke out an in depth one for the 2nd week in a row.
For Moton, how the group is successful isn't as critical as the wins themselves.
"Off to their first 2-0 birth considering that 2016, the Giants have edged the Tennessee Titans (21-20) and Carolina Panthers (19-sixteen) in shut victories," he talked about. "even though they haven't scored lots of facets, massive Blue has found the way to win beneath new head educate Brian Daboll, which helps change the club's dropping lifestyle and boosts its standing in the energy rankings.
"furthermore, operating again Saquon Barkley appears like a robust candidate for Comeback player of the yr after racking up 282 yards and a landing from scrimmage in two outings. If in shape, he'll stay the key to the Giants offense as quarterback Daniel Jones manages the unit from the pocket. The fourth-year signal-caller hasn't eclipsed 188 passing yards in both of the group's wins."
15. Cincinnati Bengals (0-2)18 of 32
Joe Burrow (Cooper Neill/Getty photographs)remaining Week: 7
Week 2 effect: misplaced at Dallas 20-17
The Cincinnati Bengals are in predicament.
After losing in Dallas on Sunday, the Bengals are the first reigning AFC champion to delivery the season 0-2 in view that the Denver Broncos in 1999. After signing three new veteran starters on the offensive line following a season through which Joe Burrow become sacked a whopping 70 instances (including the postseason), Cincinnati has surrendered a mind-blowing 13 sacks via two games, a number that left head teach Zac Taylor pissed off after the loss.
"I think we've got given up too many sacks, absolutely," Taylor referred to. "it be all frustrating. we've got given ourselves an opportunity to win these games in opposition t decent groups, so once issues calm down, i do know that we're going to be a very good football team."
Sobleski isn't bound that turnaround is coming, mostly as a result of he doesn't understand how a great deal longer Burrow can preserve taking this kind of weekly punishment.
"Offseason investments within the offensive line this offseason have not been enough to trade the Bengals' approach," he spoke of. "Joe Burrow continues to be the league's most sacked quarterback via two video games. the new Orleans Saints' Jameis Winston is the best other quarterback to attain double digits so far.
"maybe essentially the most disappointing factor is how poorly left handle Jonah Williams, who's the road's lone holdover, has played up to now. Ted Karras, Alex Cappa and La'el Collins fully rebuilt the appropriate aspect of the front, whereas rookie Cordell Volson earned the job at left safeguard. Williams has been invariably crushed by way of his assignments through two games, which makes Burrow's blind facet normally vulnerable. possibly this community jells over time. Burrow could not live to tell the tale the event intact, notwithstanding."
14. New Orleans Saints (1-1)19 of 32
Jameis Winston (Chris Graythen/Getty photographs)closing Week: 10
Week 2 outcomes: lost vs. Tampa Bay 20-10
Sunday's assembly with the rival Buccaneers was whatever thing of a measuring stick for the new Orleans Saints—a chance to gauge if the team changed into in reality ready to problem Tampa in the NFC South.
interestingly, no longer fairly yet.
To be fair, this video game became closer than the last rating suggests. for most of the afternoon, the Saints held Tom Brady and the Buccaneers offense in assess earlier than a late decide upon-six blew things open. however New Orleans additionally had all types of situation moving the ball, grew to become it over a returned-breaking five times, transformed just four of 13 third downs and surrendered six sacks.
Saints quarterback Jameis Winston, who changed into nursing a returned injury coming into the video game, allowed to reporters that he has to do an improved job taking care of the ball.
"all and sundry in that locker room is playing with a banged-up some thing," Winston referred to. "what's most crucial is offensively I should do a much better job of executing on third downs and i can not give them the soccer."
"The Saints have lots of the components to be a contender," Davenport observed, "in particular as soon as they get running lower back Alvin Kamara lower back. however they completely cannot have enough money for Winston to revert to the participant he was in Tampa, the one who threw 30 interceptions in 2019. if you flip it over five times, it doesn't remember how decent you are—you are going to lose."
13. Arizona Cardinals (1-1)20 of 32
Kyler Murray (Michael Owens/Getty images)ultimate Week: 18
Week 2 outcome: gained at Las Vegas 29-23 (OT)
for most of Sunday's matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders, it appeared the Arizona Cardinals have been headed for the spot no group wants to be in: a 0-2 gap. With about nine minutes left within the online game, the Cardinals trailed 23-7.
however it really is when Kyler Murray strapped on his cape and saved the day. The Cardinals quarterback led the team on two late touchdown drives that blanketed two two-aspect conversions before Byron Murphy's fumble return for a touchdown in time beyond regulation secured Arizona's first win of the season.
Cardinals head instruct Kliff Kingsbury touted his quarterback's heroics while chatting with newshounds after the game.
"he is a special ability," Kingsbury observed. "you could see when he is capable of do his element, it really is what he does, and he had some significant performs, and the numbers might also now not be remarkable, [but] we don't care about numbers."
The Cardinals now have renewed existence, however the celebration in the wasteland can be short-lived. Arizona's tricky early-season schedule rolls on subsequent week with a third straight matchup in opposition t a 2021 playoff crew when the Cardinals host the l. a. Rams.
12. Denver Broncos (1-1)21 of 32
Russell Wilson (RJ Sangosti/MediaNews neighborhood/The Denver publish by the use of Getty photographs)ultimate Week: 14
Week 2 effect: gained vs. Houston 16-9
in the NFL, profitable is all that concerns. And in that regard, the Broncos were successful in Week 2, incomes the primary victory of the Nathaniel Hackett period in opposition t the Houston Texans. however the means the Broncos won is greater than a little concerning.
to assert they gained ugly in Week 2 is an understatement. Russell Wilson completed less than half of his passes and posted a passer rating of just 66.5. After distinct clock administration gaffes in a season-opening loss to Seattle, the Broncos again had issues with getting plays off on time. Denver was lousy once more on third down and committed a whopping 13 penalties for a hundred yards.
All in all, it changed into an effort that makes it very complicated for Moton to take the group significantly as a contender.
"besides the fact that the Broncos received on Sunday, how can any one feel excited about them after a 16-9 victory over the Texans? They trailed 9-6 originally of the fourth quarter," he talked about. "sure, Russell Wilson misplaced wideout Jerry Jeudy (rib) early in the video game, however Denver's offense transformed on simply three of 12 third-down instances and settled for two box goals in the pink zone to mark one other inefficient outing.
"in all probability teach Hackett and his group of workers want time to get the offense on the right music, however the Broncos have underwhelmed with a precise-tier quarterback in Wilson and a proficient neighborhood of ability gamers that contains Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon III."
eleven. San Francisco 49ers (1-1)22 of 32
Jimmy Garoppolo(Thearon W. Henderson/Getty pictures)closing Week: 20
Week 2 influence: won vs. Seattle 27-7
The 49ers notched their first victory of 2022 in emphatic style Sunday, however that win came at a value. With quarterback Trey Lance out for the season after fracturing his ankle, the previous is the latest once more in San Francisco.
The Jimmy Garoppolo reveal is returned on the town.
After throwing for 154 yards and a ranking and running for one other in relief of Lance, Garoppolo told reporters he feels for the crew's younger signal-caller, but he liked being again under middle.
"similar to riding a bike," Garoppolo spoke of. "It felt good to be lower back obtainable. suppose bad for Trey. i have been on that facet of it. This league is difficult. That sucks for him."
youngsters, whereas Lance's harm changed into a blow, Moton believes that in the brief time period, at least, the 49ers may additionally really be with Jimmy G.
"On one hand, the 49ers must pause the on-container development of Lance," he observed. "Yet San Francisco may well be a much better contender with Garoppolo returned in the huddle. This 12 months, the 49ers would've had to take the first rate with the unhealthy as Lance went through transforming into pains in his first season as a full-time starter. Now, the team can select up the place it left off as one of the vital appropriate NFC teams with Garoppolo returned below center. as a result of he's led San Francisco to the playoffs in two of the last three seasons, this membership belongs in the good 10 of these vigour rankings."
10. Baltimore Ravens (1-1)23 of 32
Lamar Jackson(Rob Carr/Getty images)closing Week: 6
Week 2 influence: misplaced vs. Miami forty two-38
The Baltimore Ravens are probably nonetheless attempting to figure out what happened in Week 2.
in opposition t the Miami Dolphins, the Ravens logged a 103-yard kick return on the outlet kickoff. Lamar Jackson grew to be the first participant in NFL background to throw a seventy five-yard landing move and log a seventy five-yard TD run in the same video game. Jackson peeled off 119 yards on the ground on just nine incorporates, topped 300 passing yards, threw for three scores and posted a passer score of over 140. coming into the last quarter, the Ravens have been up three touchdowns.
And Baltimore misplaced the video game.
There are distinctive reasons for the magnificent setback—the largest being a circulate defense that surrendered 461 yards and six touchdowns. Davenport sees some scary similarities between the 2022 Ravens and the 2021 new release that neglected the playoffs.
"The Ravens don't seem to be decimated by means of injuries this yr as they have been in 2021, but the ones they do have are having an impact," Davenport pointed out. "Baltimore's banged-up secondary become obliterated by using Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, and outside of Jackson, the crew's main rusher had all of 16 yards Sunday. As striking as Jackson is, he cannot be expected to throw for 300 yards and rush for one hundred every week—and even that wasn't adequate against the Dolphins."
9. green Bay Packers (1-1)24 of 32
Aaron Jones(Stacy Revere/Getty photos)closing Week: 12
Week 2 outcome: won vs. Chicago 27-10
After an unpleasant Week 1 loss in Minnesota, the eco-friendly Bay Packers acquired returned on track Sunday evening within the most contemporary chapter of what has turn into a one-sided contention with the Chicago Bears. And as Sobleski wrote, eco-friendly Bay got untracked in whatever thing of an uncharacteristic manner.
"a captivating changing of the preserve appears to be going on in green Bay," he noted. "The NFL's returned-to-again MVP is no longer the focal factor of the offense. Aaron Rodgers hasn't taken a enormous step lower back or the rest. however the crew's current roster building advantages vastly from running backs Aaron Jones and AJ Dillion because the primary threats. eco-friendly Bay's a lot-maligned large receiver corps needs time to develop and get on the same web page with Rodgers. newbies Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs could be labored into online game plans, but they are no longer able to fill the fundamental void left with the aid of Davante Adams. in its place, Jones and Dillion are interchangeable chess pieces that head coach/play-caller Matt LaFleur can use together on the container, line them up as receivers or just impose green Bay's will onto opponents. both have combined to gain 404 yards from scrimmage through the first two games."
green Bay's new-look offense is about to get put to its stiffest verify of the younger season. On Sunday, the Packers travel to face a Tampa Bay Buccaneers crew that has been one of the vital hardest to run towards in recent seasons.
eight. Minnesota Vikings (1-1)25 of 32
Kirk Cousins (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty photographs)ultimate Week: 9
Week 2 outcome: lost at Philadelphia 24-7
Monday's matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles marked the 12th time in Kirk Cousins' career that he has began a online game on Monday evening. In his old eleven starts, Cousins had received twice. No quarterback in NFL heritage with 10 Monday evening begins has a worse record.
You could make it 2-10 now.
To be reasonable, it be no longer completely Cousins' fault that the Vikings have been blasted on the highway through the Eagles. He didn't permit just about 500 yards of offense or quit an important video game to Eagles sign-caller Jalen Hurts. but Cousins became abysmal, throwing three interceptions.
or not it's an act that has become all too usual with the Cousins-led Vikings. They beat up on bad groups. once in a while peel off a big win against a pretty good group, ala Minnesota's large Week 1 win towards the rival Packers. however just if you happen to delivery buying into the Vikings, they lay an egg.
Minnesota will probably rebound this week in opposition t the Lions as a result of that's what it does. The Vikings do not play another 2021 playoff crew except a home date with the Cardinals on October 30.
but the self belief level in these Vikings acquired a great deal shakier in Week 2.
7. Miami Dolphins (2-0)26 of 32
Tua Tagovailoa (Rob Carr/Getty pictures)last Week: eleven
Week 2 influence: won at Baltimore forty two-38
If the Miami Dolphins go on to make a playoff run in 2022, we'll look again at Week 2 as the date when things really obtained rolling.
for many of Sunday's matchup in Baltimore, it seemed the only factor getting rolled become the Dolphins. Miami gave up a 103-yard kickoff return to beginning the video game, allowed a massive game from Lamar Jackson and trailed 35-14 on the outset of the fourth quarter.
but the Dolphins established a frenzied comeback because of an ever larger game from Tua Tagovailoa, who exploded for 469 passing yards and 6 rankings.
sure, you study that right.
In news that may still shock precisely zero americans, Dolphins head teach Mike McDaniel turned into blissful along with his younger quarterback whereas speaking to reporters after the win.
"I feel it was a second he'll under no circumstances neglect and can use it moving ahead," McDaniel said. "I couldn't be happier for him. His teammates learned a whole lot about him, and that i think he discovered anything about himself."
Moton is buying the Dolphins.
"The Dolphins made a press release with their outstanding comeback. They grew to be the first team to erase a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit and win considering the fact that the Philadelphia Eagles beat the manhattan Giants in Week 15 of the 2010 time period, per ESPN Stats & info, which tells you what their offense can do with wideouts Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle on the perimeter," Moton referred to. "On Sunday, Hill and Waddle combined for 22 receptions, 361 receiving yards and four touchdowns, splitting these catches and rankings in half. Tua Tagovailoa threw for 469 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions in his superior professional performance. We may still admire the Dolphins as some of the AFC's heavyweights because of their explosive offensive assault."
6. Philadelphia Eagles (2-0)27 of 32
Jalen Hurts (Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire by means of Getty photos)remaining Week: eight
Week 2 effect: gained vs. Minnesota 24-7
it be just two weeks into the 2022 season, but the Philadelphia Eagles seem like the class of the NFC East.
And quarterback Jalen Hurts looks like an evolving player.
it's now not simply that Hurts broken the Vikings operating the ball, scrambling for fifty seven yards and two scores on 11 consists of. we have now become familiar with considering from the third-year pro. however Hurts also carved up the Vikings during the air, finishing 26 of 31 passes for 333 yards with a passer rating of 108.7. All instructed, the Eagles racked up a whopping 486 yards of offense.
They additionally posted an unbelievable defensive effort towards a Minnesota offense that rolled the green Bay Packers in Week 1. The Eagles allowed just 264 yards of offense, held the Vikings to four third-down conversions on 12 attempts and picked off Kirk Cousins three times.
"The Cowboys may no longer be useless with out Dak Prescott, however they are not the equal team," Davenport mentioned. "The Giants don't seem to be pretty much as good as their record. And the Commanders are, smartly, the Commanders. The Eagles seem like the group to beat in the NFC East—and it is rarely mainly shut."
5. los angeles Chargers (1-1)28 of 32
Justin Herbert (Icon Sportswire)final Week: four
Week 2 outcome: lost at Kansas city Chiefs 27-24
or not it's unhealthy adequate that after 5 of the Chargers' eight losses in 2021 were by seven elements or fewer the Bolts suffered another close defeat on Thursday—this one a three-factor setback in Kansas city against the rival Chiefs.
but in defeat, the Bolts additionally suffered a major injury. After taking a number of challenging shots in the 2d half, quarterback Justin Herbert suffered fractured cartilage in his ribs. Head instruct Brandon Staley expressed aid that the injury wasn't greater severe but allowed that he wasn't certain about Herbert's reputation for Week 3's domestic date with the Jaguars.
"I consider we got respectable news when it comes to what the CT scan expressed," Staley observed. "I suppose enjoying quarterback, you don't want it to be the bones. The undeniable fact that it's cartilage is an outstanding sign. It's simply going to return right down to comfort. We're simply gonna must make certain that he's relaxed. We're no longer going to understand greater about how he feels except later on within the week."
The Chargers as a minimum caught a damage with the schedule should Herbert omit time—la does not play an additional crew that made the playoffs in 2021 except facing the 49ers in San Francisco in Week 10.
however in an AFC West the place no group has a whole lot margin for error, losing Herbert for any size of time can be a massive blow.
four. l. a. Rams (1-1)29 of 32
Cooper Kupp (Wally Skalij/los angeles times via Getty photos)remaining Week: 5
Week 2 outcome: received vs. Atlanta 31-27
The decent information for the l. a. Rams is that they rebounded from their blowout loss to the Buffalo bills with a win over the Atlanta Falcons in a game where Cooper Kupp exploded (once again) to the tune of 11 catches for 108 yards and two touchdowns.
The unhealthy news is…every thing else.
The Rams raced out to a 31-10 lead handiest to should dangle on for pricey existence to beat a bad Falcons team. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw three landing passes, but he also tossed two greater interceptions. The Rams ground video game was a non-factor, managing just sixty five yards on 26 includes. la also had a different teams meltdown within the variety of a blocked punt that became again for a touchdown.
"or not it's infrequently time to panic for the defending super Bowl champions," Davenport wrote. "The rest of the NFC West has been in a similar fashion uneven thus far this season. but the Rams are taking part in sloppy soccer, Stafford keeps turning the ball over, the offensive line is getting pushed around and the run online game is usually invisible. The Rams' subsequent three games are against 2021 playoff teams, including two NFC West tilts with the Cardinals and Niners. Play against those groups like they did towards the Falcons, and the Rams are going to be in predicament."
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)30 of 32
Tom Brady (Chris Graythen/Getty pictures}ultimate Week: three
Week 2 result: gained at New Orleans 20-10
at the end of the day, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers obtained what they needed in New Orleans on Sunday. For the primary time in the regular season with Tom Brady at quarterback, the Buccaneers defeated the Saints to flow to 2-0 and declare sole possession of first region in the NFC South.
however as become the case the week before in Dallas, the Buccaneers did not win fairly. With the huge receiver corps depleted through accidents (and the ejection of Mike Evans after a dust-up with Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore), the Tampa offense struggled, with a visibly upset Tom Brady failing to throw for 200 yards again.
After the video game, Brady downplayed his frustrations whereas chatting with newshounds.
"or not it's an emotional game," Brady told newshounds. "a bit bit of execution helps all of the manner around. i thought the protection played well once more and the offensive line fought difficult. tough online game all around. it truly is a very respectable team, definitely neatly-coached—a team we really battle with. So, it feels decent to win."
The Buccaneers as a minimum get to go domestic subsequent week, however things aren't going to get any simpler for ages—the Bucs play host to the Packers and Chiefs over the next two weeks.
2. Kansas city Chiefs (2-0)31 of 32
Jaylen Watson (David Eulitt/Getty images)final Week: 2
Week 2 influence: received vs. l. a. Chargers 27-24
Heading into the 2022 season, there changed into reasonably just a little of handwringing the place the Kansas city Chiefs were involved. There turned into no more Tyreek Hill on offense. No greater Tyrann Mathieu on defense.
Patrick Mahomes' response to that? No issue.
One week after spanking the Cardinals in Arizona, the Chiefs rode an efficient effort from Mahomes and a huge play on defense from rookie cornerback Jaylen Watson to a three-aspect win that gives Kansas city the early side in the league's toughest division.
It turned into a hard-fought combat right through, and Chiefs safeguard Justin Reid pointed out in a while that the crew expects that most weeks should be in a similar fashion elaborate.
"this is what it be going to be. We understand we're taking part in in the toughest division," Reid said. "We be aware of we're going to get every person's optimum shot. We have to come out and we must operate."
"The Chiefs may also not have a celebrity wide receiver anymore," Davenport spoke of. "Or arguably the league's optimum deep protection. but Kansas metropolis has no scarcity of talent on each side of the ball, and the crew remains led with the aid of the gold usual on the online game's most vital position in Mahomes. Personnel losses or no, the Chiefs have not missed a beat. And whereas it's nevertheless early, it's clear that the Chiefs don't seem to be giving up their six-yr stranglehold on the AFC West and not using a combat."
1. Buffalo expenses (2-0)32 of 32
Stefon Diggs (Joshua Bessex/Getty photos)closing Week: 1
Week 2 outcomes: won vs. Tennessee forty one-7
If there became any doubt that the Buffalo bills belonged within the right spot in these energy rankings, those doubts were pounded into goo Monday evening—appropriate along with the Tennessee Titans.
intellect you, this wasn't some beatdown of an overmatched tomato can—or at least it wasn't imagined to be. final 12 months, the Tennessee Titans won 12 games and were the AFC's No. 1 seed.
They were no healthy for Buffalo's juggernaut.
Offensively, the expenses piled up 414 yards of offense, with 317 of those coming courtesy of Josh Allen's right arm. Allen threw 4 touchdown passes, including three to big name wideout Stefon Diggs.
Defensively, the expenses surrendered just 187 yards of offense and 12 first downs. Derrick Henry turned into restricted to less than two yards per carry. Buffalo sacked Ryan Tannehill twice, picked him off twice and just failed to enable anything else throughout the air or on the floor.
"i am not going to take a seat right here and say the expenses are unbeatable," Davenport said. "but i'm not now not saying it either. The expenses have played two teams that each made the playoffs closing season (together with the defending tremendous Bowl champions) and beat these groups with the aid of a mixed ranking of seventy two-17. decent success Miami—you're going to want it."
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