NFL WEEK 2 TALKING POINTS

Josh Hatt

Late Field Goal Drama

Week 2 kicked off with some last second dramatics as the Washington kicker Dustin Hopkins missed a field goal that appeared to give the New York Giants victory. However, Giants defender Dexter Lawrence was adjudged to be offside, giving Hopkins another chance, which he duly converted to give Washington the win. The drama continued into Sunday, as Dallas hit a game winning field goal in LA, but seconds later Minnesota missed a last second field goal in Arizona and lost as a result. And the drama was capped off as Tennessee came back from a 24-9 deficit to beat Seattle in overtime thanks to a Randy Bullock field goal.

Jackson finally beats Chiefs

Lamar Jackson had lost his first 3 games against Kansas City, and it looked like a 4^th defeat was on the cards when he threw 2 early interceptions. However Jackson recovered brilliantly, rusing for 107 yards and 2 rushing TD’s, whilst throwing for another. Odafe Oweh started on the defensive side as he forced a late fumble from Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire with the Chiefs looking to set up a game wining field goal. Ravens coach Jim Harbaugh was praised for a gutsy call on 4^th down which Jackson converted to secure his first win over the Chiefs. Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes suffered his first ever loss in the month of September. Baltimore will look to build on this big win, and it will be interesting to see what happens if these two meet again come playoff time.

Rookie QB Struggles

It was a difficult week for rookie QB’s in the NFL. Number 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence threw for 2 more interceptions as the Jaguars slumped to their 17^th straight defeat. Jets QB Zach Wilson had an even worse day, throwing for 4 interceptions against New England. His rookie counterpart Mac Jones had perhaps the best day of all the rookie signal callers, throwing for 186 yards 0 Touchdowns but also 0 interceptions as New England beat Wilson’s Jets 25-6. Bears QB Justin Fields came in for the injured Andy Dalton, and promptly threw an interception. However the Bears still managed to beat the Bengals 20-17. Texans rookie Davis Mills made his debut against Cleveland after an injury to Tyrod Taylor, and was hit hard by a blitzing Grant Delpit. Mills will make his first NFL start on Thursday as Houston hosts Carolina. 49ers QB Trey Lance didn’t play on Sunday as his San Francisco outfit won in Philadelphia.

Other Observations

The Las Vegas Raiders continued their impressive start to the season as they won in Pittsburgh. Raiders QB Derek Carr continues to impress, and the Raiders sit in first place in the AFC West along with Denver. It’s early but if the Raiders can keep this up, hey could be a threat to Kansas City.

Green Bay surged ahead in the 2^nd half to beat Detroit at Lambeau Field. Packers RB Aaron Jones scored 4 times to honour his late father.

Tom Brady continued to defy the aging process, as the 44 year old threw for five touchdown passes, including 2 to Rob Gronkowski as Tampa Bay defeated Atlanta. Tampa still looks very much the team to beat.

The LA Rams came from behind to defeat the Colts 27-24. The Rams are 2-0 and look a definite contender in the NFC. The Colts meanwhile lost QB Carson Wentz to injury, and will have to rely on Jacob Eason to dig them out of an early 0-2 hole.