Week 1 was full of excitement, that fans had been craving since Super Bowl 58 concluded. Now, Week Two has already brought its own chaos. With upsets, blowouts, and some long-term notes, here are 4 takeaways from the 1:00 slate of games.
1. The Saints Offense is back
The Saints have begun the season by hanging up 45 points a game through their first two contests. Many, including myself, wanted to see the Saints do it against a better squad before acknowledging the explosion offensively. After a 47-point outing against Carolina, the Saints dropped 45 on a Cowboy defense that looked dominant in Week One. Derek Carr has thrown 5 touchdowns, as Alvin Kamara and Rasheed Shaheed have made major contributions the first two weeks for new OC Klint Kubiak. New Orleans returns home next week to host the Philadelphia Eagles, seeking a 3-0 start.
2. The Bucs are a true NFC contender
After a stellar opening for Baker Mayfield and Co., the Bucs headed to Detroit this week for an early season road test in Detroit. The Lions, coming fresh off of an OT thriller victory to open the season against the Rams in a playoff rematch, were seeking an early 2-0 start. Instead, the Bucs defense frustrated Jared Goff and confused him all afternoon, with Baker Mayfield making enough plays to walk out with the win. The Bucs, who have won the NFC South three straight years, are looking strong on both sides as they gun for a fourth straight.
3. The Ravens are in trouble, and miss Mike Macdonald
The Ravens dropped Week One’s primetime matchup in Kansas City, which was always going to be a tough contest. Following this loss, many expected the team to bounce back against the Las Vegas Raiders for their first win of 2024. Instead, Gardner Minshew and the Raiders battled late and kicked what proved to be a game-winning Field Goal to knock Baltimore off in M&T Bank Stadium. Mike Macdonald, the Ravens DC in 2023, has departed and started 2-0 with Seattle following a 23-20 OT win in New England. His defenses have allowed 20 points in both games, while Baltimore has allowed just under 27 a game, sitting at 0-2. The AFC North favorites, and the Super Bowl pick for some, the Ravens are going to have to get rolling.
4. Anthony Richardson has work to do
As we all know, Anthony Richardson has all the tools needed to be great. He is huge, has a crazy arm and can run. But coming in, the knock-on AR was always his accuracy and consistent ability to make throws. As we saw today, those concerns may be valid. Richardson struggled all afternoon against a Packer Defense that allowed 34 points in Week One. Richardson was intercepted three times and was lucky not to have more as he was missing all afternoon. When the 2023 #4 pick combines accuracy with his abilities, it will be a sight to see. But for now, things are a work in progress.