The breakthrough excitement that started last week continues in NFL Week 2. So far, we have been treated to riveting finishes and historic milestones across the league. From Thursday through both Monday Night games, there’s been records set, streaks broken, and rare feats achieved. Join me for a recap of every major highlight from NFL Week 2!!!
Thursday Night: Packers Dominate Commanders
Green Bay opened NFL Week 2 with a 27–18 win over Washington, jumping out ahead as the leading team in the NFC North… and even the NFC as a whole.
- Jordan Love looks to be in operating at full force, with 292 passing yards, 2 TDs including a strike to Tucker Craft who had 6 catches, 124 yards, and his first career touchdown.
- This just adds more fuel to an already burning hot offense that produced 404 total yards of offense compared to Washington’s 230.
- The Commanders especially struggled in the run game, with only 51 yards on the ground. To make it worse, it looks like Austin Eckler will be out for the season with a torn Achilles.
It’s early in the season, but this NFL Week 2 win, which also dealt a blow to a promising NFC team helps the Packers jump out as one of the top prospects in the league.
The Colts Make History
- The Indianapolis Colts became the 1st team in NFL history to score on their first 10 offensive possessions.
- This means that the punter hasn’t been on the field yet in the team’s first 2–0 start since 2009.
- Jonathan Taylor had a break-out game with 215 total yards from scrimmage and a touchdown reception. Consistency is an important factor for Taylor after having a strong comeback season last year, following a pair of injury-disrupted seasons before that.
- But it’s Daniel Jones 316-yard, 1-touchdown passing performance that is capturing everyone’s attention. Is the NY Giants cast-off shaping up to be the Comeback Player of the Year?
The Ones to Watch from Sunday
- Justin Jefferson tied Larry Fitzgerald as the youngest player to reach 500 receptions.
- Ja’Marr Chase had 14 catches, 165 yards, and a TD despite Joe Burrow leaving the game. He joined Jerry Rice with 8 games (the 2nd most) at 10+ receptions, 150+ yards, and a touchdown in his first 5 seasons… The top spot belongs to All-time great, Lance Alworth.
- Despite making a radical trade, releasing their All-Pro EDGE rusher, Micah Parsons… the Cowboys produced back-to-back games with 5+ sacks and a defensive TD. That’s some sneaky points for your fantasy league.
- The Detroit running back tandem, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, matched the all-time record for the most games (10) where both rushers scored a rushing touchdown. This puts them in elite company with Hall of Famers, Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor of Green Bay, and the 49er’s Hugh McElhenny and Joe “The Jet” Perry.
- Dallas Kicker, Brandon Aubrey, captured a 64-yard field goal as time expired in regulation (tied for the 3rd longest kick of all-time) to force overtime. He then kicked the game winner, becoming the first player in NFL history to tie a game as the clock ran down to zero in regulation AND THEN win it in the same fashion as time ran out in overtime.
- Following Josh Allen’s lead on explosive late-game performances, the Baltimore Ravens scored 31 second-half points in their NFL Week 2 win over the Browns. It’s the third-most second-half points in franchise history, and the most in a second half with Lamar Jackson at quarterback.
- It hasn’t been all highlights though… a couple of lowlights that stand-out are:
- The New York Jets defense allowed 4+ passing touchdowns (in Week 1 vs. Steelers) and 200+ rushing yards (in Week 2 vs. Bills) in back-to-back home games. This is the first time that’s happened in the Super Bowl era (that’s nearly 60-years… and a historic defensive let down)
- The NY Giants set a franchise record for the most penalties in a single game. They were flagged 14 times for 160 yards in penalties. That undid a big portion of Russell Wilson’s epic 450-yard passing production.
The NFL Week 2 Monday Night Doubleheader
Buccaneer Break Through in Houston
- The Buccaneers moved to 2-0 on the season with their win over the Texans. Historically speaking, it was the first time Tampa Bay has won a game in the city of Houston. This goes all the way back to 1976 when the franchise was established, matching up against the Oilers.
- Baker Mayfield surpassed the 25,000 passing yard mark. It was a big milestone for a guy who was forced to roam the league several seasons ago. But even better was his 11-play, 80-yard drive, in which he produced 78 of those yards through 9 pass plays and a 15-yard keeper for a clutch 4th-down conversion. It was capped off by a 2-yard burst from Rachaad White in the final seconds. This makes him the only QB this season with 2 game-winning drives.
- It also makes the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the only team since the 1970 merger to win their first two games in a scenario where they were behind going into the final 2 minutes. The win brought the Buccs to their fifth consecutive 2–0 start to the season, which is a franchise record. This team, with Baker at the helm is creating a stir in the NFC South.
Chargers on a Path to the AFC Division Title
- Justin Herbert had another superb game, compiling 242 yards and 2 TDs. Overall, he’s now 3rd league-wide in Passing Yards, TDs &TD%, and is 2nd in Yards/Attempt, Passer Rating, and Adj. Net Yards/Attempt, demonstrating elite efficiency… while also being able to deliver big plays… like a 60-yard strike to Quentin Johnston, as the longest TD pass of NFL Week 2.
- But it doesn’t stop at the passing attack. The Chargers defense took in 3 INTs while not giving up a single touchdown. This forced the Raiders to settle for 3 field goals, even though Los Angeles lost All-Pro Linebacker Khalil Mack after just 11 defensive snaps.
- This team is coming together with strengths in all areas of the roster. The most interesting thing to me if the impact that Coach Harbaugh is having on Justin Herberts execution… so much so that I just has to reuse this graphic.
Why This All Matters
NFL Week 2 showcased historic performances from rookies and veterans alike. Jefferson and Chase reinforced their Hall of Fame trajectories. The Buccs and Eagles started strong, signaling playoff paths ahead. Daniel Jones led the Colts to a dominant opening to their season. Herbert and the Chargers are set to snatch the AFC West Crown from the king who wore it for the last 9 straight seasons. There has been so much to take in and enjoy so far this season, with big games, amazing performances, records falling and rookies rising. The 2025 NFL season promises to be absolutely unforgettable… says me.
