A Takeaway From Every Week 2 Matchup in the NFL

Falcons @ Eagles: Philly Cannot Close Out Games

No team in the NFL has blown more leads in the final two minutes since the start of last season than the Philadelphia Eagles. And Monday night's catastrophic choke to the Atlanta Falcons was the spitting image of last year's blown game to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football, leading to more questions about Nick Sirianni's decision-making and future. If Philly wants to return to the mountaintop, games like this cannot happen anymore.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.

Buccaneers @ Lions: Detroit's Red Zone Offense Needs Work

Speaking of outgaining opponents, the Lions more than doubled the Buccaneers' total yards on Sunday, finishing 463-216. They still suffered the outright loss after going a putrid one-for-seven on red zone trips, including a ten-second run-off to end the first half and a turnover on downs late in the game. The Lions are still among the elites in the NFC, but they'll need to clean it up inside the 20 to avoid catastrophic losses like this one.

Saints @ Cowboys: Derek Carr Is Reborn in Klint Kubiak's System

It's a far-fetched statement, but if the season were to end today, Derek Carr would be your NFL MVP. He is the only player with a 130 passer rating this season, and he's even beyond that at 142.4. The Saints' offense looks legit under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, and they could be a serious force in the NFC if they can maintain this torrid pace.

Chargers @ Panthers: The Bryce Young Era Has Come to an End

It's a sad story, but a change needed to be made. Bryce Young has been benched in Carolina in favor of 36-year-old veteran Andy Dalton, and there are mixed reviews on the decision. While it's pretty clear that first-year head coach Dave Canales is doing whatever he can to save his job, many feel that the Panthers have ruined Young's development and did not give him the proper situation to blossom in his short 18-game career. We'll see what happens next, but it's looking like the second-year signal-caller has seen his final snap under center in Carolina.

Browns @ Jaguars: Something Is Wrong in Jacksonville

Despite having plenty of potential and talent at many positions, the Jaguars are inexplicably 1-7 across their previous eight games and seem stuck in neutral as an organization. Allowing the Cleveland Browns to come into your building and walk away with a win feels like a new low, and things need to change quickly before it gets ugly down in Jacksonville.

Colts @ Packers: Pump the Brakes on AR15

After a Week 1 performance filled with highlight reels, Anthony Richardson and the Colts were immediately brought back to Earth by... Malik Willis? Head coach Matt LaFleur gets our kudos this week after putting together a masterful game plan with a limited quarterback and finding a way to get the win. Richardson regressed from his Week 1 showing and remains an inconsistent quarterback on a week-to-week basis.

Seahawks @ Patriots: The Pats Will Rely on the Run

The Patriots ran it down the throats of the Seahawks on Sunday and nearly earned themselves a win. Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson combined for an impressive 177 yards on the ground on 32 carries, helping take the onus off Jacoby Brissett in the offense. Expect more of the same on a short week against the Jets, where New England could be live to pull off the upset.

49ers @ Vikings: Sam Darnold Is Good Enough for Minnesota

When J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending injury after balling out in the preseason, it felt like the wind was out of Minnesota's sails. Journeyman Sam Darnold was in line to be the Week 1 starter, and fans couldn't be less excited. The 26-year-old has proved every doubter wrong, leading the Vikings to a 2-0 record out of the gate and looking incredibly impressive on almost every snap. If he can maintain this level of play, the Vikings will be a playoff team in the NFC.

Jets @ Titans: Will Levis Is the Next Jameis Winston

All of the talent in the world cannot make up for poor decision-making at the NFL level. We saw it with Jameis Winston throughout his stint with the Buccaneers, and we are currently seeing it with Titans QB Will Levis. In just two games, he has committed a handful of bone-headed turnovers that have cost his team victories, and he's starting to look like a mirror image of Winston on Sundays. He'll make a wow throw or two at some point in the game, but he'll also make a decision that will leave you scratching your head. Godspeed, Titans fans.

Giants @ Commanders: It Can't Get Much Worse for the Giants

Setting records is usually a good thing. Unless you're the New York Giants. On Sunday, the G-Men found themselves on the wrong side of history, becoming the first team in NFL history to score three touchdowns, hold their opponent to zero touchdowns, and still lose. They are partially to blame after adding kicker Graham Gano to the injury report on Saturday, failing to elevate a kicker from the practice squad, just for Gano to get hurt during the game. It left them without a kicker and just 18 points on three touchdowns after failing a PAT and a pair of two-point conversions. Seven field goals from Washington's Austin Seibert later, and the Giants invent a new way to lose in the National Football League. Go figure.

Rams @ Cardinals: Arizona Has a Powerhouse Offense

The Cardinals are one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 season so far. While we expected their offense to be exciting with a fully healthy Kyler Murray, a new shiny toy in Marvin Harrison Jr., and an elite tight end in Trey McBride, nobody expected 69 points in two games to kick off the year. Murray looks like his best version, while the pass-catchers and running back James Conner are operating at full throttle. Watch out for Arizona.

Bengals @ Chiefs: The Chiefs Know How to Win Close Games

While the Bengals and Chiefs were neck-and-neck for over three quarters on Sunday, one thing came to fruition at the end: The Chiefs just know how to win close games. Time and time again, Kansas City proves its composure in high-leverage situations and reared its head again on the final drive in Arrowhead. Yes, it was pass interference, and yes, they should be the Super Bowl favorites, whether you like it or not.

Steelers @ Broncos: It May Be Over for Sean Payton in Denver

With how poor Bo Nix has looked to start the year, there may be no saving Sean Payton in 2024. His rookie quarterback has looked like perhaps the worst starter from the class in the opening two weeks. To put a final nail in the coffin, Payton displayed pitiful clock management in the final minutes by kicking the ball away down six with under two minutes left and just one timeout. He may be our favorite to get fired first during the season.

Bears @ Texans: Caleb Williams Needs Time

The overreactions to Caleb Williams's opening two performances are getting out of control. While the weapons are there in the passing game, Williams was hindered by a poor offensive line that decimated the offense in penalties and a non-existent running game. His talent will shine through eventually; it will just take patience for him to get comfortable and the offense to gel.

Falcons @ Eagles: Philly Cannot Close Out Games

No team in the NFL has blown more leads in the final two minutes since the start of last season than the Philadelphia Eagles. And Monday night's catastrophic choke to the Atlanta Falcons was the spitting image of last year's blown game to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football, leading to more questions about Nick Sirianni's decision-making and future. If Philly wants to return to the mountaintop, games like this cannot happen anymore.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.