NFL: Week 2 recap 

With week two ending, it is safe to say that the only word to describe the games so far is “interesting.” After this weekend, there are many fans who are happy, shocked or disappointed with the outcomes of games. 

To start off, the Kansas City Chiefs had another big rivalry game against the Cincinnati Bengals, and every time these teams face each other, they do not disappoint. One of the biggest takeaways from that game was that both teams looked sloppy. 

KC and the Bengals have recently begun a rivalry, going back to the 2021-2022 season. The Chiefs played Cincinnati in the regular season and in the AFC championship game, where Kansas City lost both. 

This sparked a conversation about Joe Burrow owning Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, with Arrowhead Stadium being dubbed “Burrowhead Stadium.” Moreover, the season after there was a rematch which the Chiefs lost again, but that same year defeated the Bengals, clashing once again in the AFC championship game. 

In week two’s game, Mahomes threw 18/25 for 151 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. In this game KC was hurting themselves. On the Chiefs second offensive possession of the game, the ball was intended for No. 87 Travis Kelce, but linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither read the play and picked it off. 

Throughout the entire game the offensive weapons were limited and it cost one for the Chiefs. Prior to this game, cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt was already stirring the pot talking about rookie receiver Xavier Worthy. He said that Worthy is only “Speed. That’s about it.” Taylor-Britt backed up his statement when he intercepted the pass that was intended for Worthy. On top of that, undrafted rookie Carson Steele also put the Chiefs at a disadvantage after fumbling the ball and recovered by the defense.  

Even though the Bengals played a better game, it was not perfect for them either. With wide receiver Tee Higgins out for the second straight week due to injury, this gave Kansas City an advantage. They limited key players like Ja’Marr Chase, who only had four receptions for 35 yards, but this allowed other undervalued players to get open and make big plays. 

By the end of the game, Burrow threw 23/36 for 258 yards, two touchdowns and two fumbles. The first was a bad snap, but Burrow was able to jump on it for a loss of yards. Right after Mahomes threw the second interception, the Chiefs defense came up with a big sack forcing Burrow to fumble the ball. The play was not considered dead, which allowed No. 27 Chamarri Connor for the Chiefs to get the ball and run it in for a touchdown. 

The game ended with No. 7 Harrison Butker kicking a field goal to give the Chiefs a 26-25 win. This puts the Chiefs at 2-0 and the Bengals at 0-2. Looking around the league, a lot of other things also happened. 

After the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys had a great start in week one, the Saints have started the conversation of whether they are the real deal this year. With Derek Carr leading the 44-19 blowout, running back Alvin Kamara proved that at age 29 he’s not washed yet, and wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is just getting started with his breakout year. 

Another team that surprisingly fell to 0-2 was the Baltimore Ravens after losing to the struggling Las Vegas Raiders franchise. Quarterback Gardner Minshew had a hard time at first but was able to connect with star receiver Davante Adams. 

Speaking of new quarterback and wide receiver duos, Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was able to make a massive play, throwing it up for Justin Jefferson, and scoring a 97-yard touchdown. Darnold is another player that’s in the talks about being the real deal for Minnesota. 

After only seeing the ball once last week, Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver, Marvin Harrison Jr. was able to properly introduce himself to the NFL. Harrison in the first quarter alone, had four receptions on five targets for 130 yards and two touchdowns. This should give Cardinals’ fans hope for the future and being able to see more of the Kyler Murray and Harrison connections is a good start to that. 

Going back to the east coast, Bryce Young continued to struggle to get anything going and lost to the Los Angeles Chargers in another blowout. The Carolina Panthers have made the decision to bench Young and start backup quarterback Andy Dalton for week three. 

This year’s NFL season is just getting started, so kick back and relax because things are going to continue to get even more interesting throughout, as there is a long windy road to Super Bowl LIX.