Week 2 NFL takeaways: Huge days for Patriots, 49ers, Cowboys

Next game: vs. Denver (Sunday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m. ET)

Hindsight is always 20/20, especially when it comes to play calling. Should Minnesota have called a run on first down from the 8-yard line in the fourth quarter after six previous runs set up a potential go-ahead score on the Vikings’ second to last drive? Sure, but while the run game was effective and wearing down the Packers defense, Kirk Cousins has to make a smarter decision than the throw that cost the Vikings their chance at beating the Packers. The biggest knock on Cousins throughout his career has been an inability to consistently come through in big moments, and this giant red flag from this Vikings’ loss in Green Bay could rightfully hinder the confidence Minnesota has in its quarterback. Cousins needed to throw that ball away instead of trying to fit a tight-window throw to Stefon Diggs in double coverage. The decision-making on his part was inexcusable and cannot happen again. — Courtney Cronin

Next game: vs. Oakland (Sunday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m. ET)

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The Colts can’t sugarcoat things anymore: they have a legitimate kicking problem. Veteran Adam Vinatieri missed two more extra points Sunday against the Titans. He has now missed an extra point in three consecutive regular-season games going back to last season. That’s the longest streak of his 24-year NFL career. He has also missed an extra point in four of the last five games, which includes the playoffs, and he has missed a total of seven kicks in the past three games. Vinatieri left the locker room without speaking to the media. “You’ll hear from me (Monday on the players’ day off),” he said. — Mike Wells

Next game: vs. Atlanta (Sunday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m. ET)

The Titans were given taste of their own medicine by a physical Colts defense complemented by potent rushing attack that produced 167 yards. The Titans struggled on third down (1 of 10) despite having Adam Humphries, a free-agent addition that was supposed to help in that area. Marcus Mariota said he has to get the ball to Humphries, so expect him to be a factor against Jacksonville. The defense allowed the Colts to convert on 7-of-14 third-down opportunities and gave up a touchdown on the first possession for the second consecutive week. They’ll need to get off to a better start against Jacksonville. — Turron Davenport

Next game: at Jacksonville (Thursday, Sept. 19, 8:20 p.m. ET)

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How the Lions got back on track. It was a performance many Lions players said was not their best, but after a tie last week against the Cardinals in which they squandered an 18-point lead, Detroit will take this win. Offensively, there was a flow to things for the Lions. Receiver Marvin Jones said formations they saw from the Chargers on Sunday were worked on during the week, giving them comfort in situations when they have to have it. “It’s like that through the whole week,” Jones said. — Michael Rothstein

Next game: at Philadelphia (Sunday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m. ET)

Why L.A. could be in further trouble. The Chargers’ injury woes did not affect the outcome of this loss, but they could have an impact moving forward. They are already playing without foundational players in safety Derwin James (foot), tight end Hunter Henry (knee), left tackle Russell Okung (pulmonary embolism) and Melvin Gordon (holdout). They lost another key player on Sunday in defensive playcaller Adrian Phillips, who’s out indefinitely with a forearm injury. Facing AFC playoff contender Houston Texans in Week 3, the Chargers will have to figure out how to patch things up and get healthy enough to get back in the win column next week. — Eric D. Williams

Next game: vs. Houston (Sunday, Sept. 22, 4:25 p.m. ET)

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The Seahawks are 2-0 for the first time since their 2013 Super Bowl season. That matters much more than how ugly both of those victories were at times over Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. They beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh on Sunday despite 10 penalties, four first-half sacks of Russell Wilson and two lost fumbles, one of which set up an easy touchdown. No team should make a habit of trying to win games like that, but it’s a good sign the Seahawks have been able to pull out two victories without anything close to their “A” game. — Brady Henderson

Next game: vs. New Orleans (Sunday, Sept. 22, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Big Ben, Conner go down for Pittsburgh. The Steelers lost more than the game against Seattle on Sunday afternoon — they also lost two offensive starters and two defensive starters to injury. Pittsburgh finished with five injured players, including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and running back James Conner. Though the holes created by the injured players were significant, especially on offense, coach Mike Tomlin didn’t blame the loss on the health of his team. “We lost a number of guys in this game, but that wasn’t the reason why we didn’t win this game,” Tomlin said. “We were fully capable with the guys that were on the field. We didn’t make enough plays, to be quite honest with you. We didn’t play clean enough, particularly in some moments. We’ve got to get better. We accept responsibility. We’re not looking to make excuses.” — Jeremy Fowler

Next game: at San Francisco (Sunday, Sept. 22, 4:25 p.m. ET)

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Houston’s offense isn’t cruising … yet. The Texans only scored 13 points Sunday, and quarterback Deshaun Watson said the offense is “still putting pieces together” after acquiring left tackle Laremy Tunsil, wide receiver Kenny Stills and running back Carlos Hyde before the start of the season. “It’s going to take a little time, Watson said. “The whole offseason we’ve been working with other guys. … Things are still clicking, and it’s going to hit once the timing is right.” The Texans’ next chance to have a more cohesive offense will come next week against the Chargers, who allowed just 13 points on Sunday in their loss to the Lions. — Sarah Barshop

Next game: at L.A. Chargers (Sunday, Sept. 22, 4:25 p.m. ET)

If you thought Gardner Minshew Mania was nuts last week, wait until this week. The rookie quarterback led the Jaguars on a late touchdown drive, and though the Jaguars’ two-point try came up just short, the franchise has to be ecstatic about what Minshew showed Sunday at NRG Stadium. After an up-and-down performance through the first 3-and-a-half quarters, Minshew got hot late in the fourth and led the Jaguars on a 68-yard touchdown drive that included an 18-yard scramble on fourth-and-10. The Jaguars won’t have Nick Foles until Nov. 17 at the earliest because of a broken collarbone, but Minshew (23-of-33, 213 yards) showed that he’s more than capable of not only keeping the Jaguars’ division hopes afloat but potentially stealing a few games. — Michael DiRocco

Next game: vs. Tennessee (Thursday, Sept. 19, 8:20 p.m. ET)

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The Ravens have the good kind of “conundrum.” In the words of coach John Harbaugh, Lamar Jackson‘s ability to produce big plays with his arm and legs presents a “conundrum” for defenses. Jackson set a new standard for dual-threat quarterbacks, producing the most rushing yards (120) for a player who threw for more than 250 yards in the same game. He finished 24-of-37 for 272 yards passing and two touchdowns against, including a 41-yard strike to Marquise “Hollywood” Brown in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Asked how he prefers his success, Jackson said, “I’d rather throw than run. I’d rather win, too.” Jackson became only the 12th quarterback in the Super Bowl era to begin a career 8-1 or better through nine starts. Jackson returns to Kansas City in Week 3, the site of his only regular-season loss. — Jamison Hensley

Next game: at Kansas City (Sunday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m. ET)

Like Week 1, the Cardinals’ offense didn’t find its rhythm until the fourth quarter. This time, however, it was too little, too late. On Sunday, the magic Kyler Murray showed a week ago didn’t work against the Ravens. Arizona couldn’t find the end zone for the first three quarters despite three trips inside the 5-yard-line, all of which produced three field goals. An aerial offense led to Murray throwing for 349 yards and included 100-yard games for wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk, which kept the Cardinals in a game they could’ve won until the final minutes. — Josh Weinfuss

Next game: vs. Carolina (Sunday, Sept. 22, 4:05 p.m. ET)

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Through two games, Jerry Jones said he has not seen Dak Prescott play better. The Cowboys quarterback has seven touchdown passes and has completed 82.2% of his passes in the Cowboys’ first 2-0 start since 2015. “He’s playing at a very high level right now,” coach Jason Garrett said. “He’s got a really good command of what we’re trying to do and I think he’s comfortable. And I think the guys are playing well around him. The offensive line has been outstanding the first couple of weeks, very comfortable in the pocket. And the guys around him are making plays. I think he and (Kellen Moore) are absolutely on the same page as to what we want to get to and how we want to get there.” Up next is a Miami defense that has allowed an 80% completion rate with eight touchdown passes and no picks. Prescott’s fast start might not slow down next week, either. — Todd Archer

Next game: vs. Miami (Sunday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m. ET)

The pressure is mounting on defensive coordinator Greg Manusky. The Redskins nearly fired him after last season and, through two games, his group has allowed 63 points and 911 yards. If things don’t get better for his defense, it’s easy to wonder about his future. Washington has a lot of youth on its defense and was missing two of its top three corners, plus end Jonathan Allen on Sunday. But as linebacker Jon Bostic said, “We’ll never use that as an excuse. … Everyone is in this league for a reason.” The Redskins have not had a defense finish in the top 10 in yards or points allowed since 2009. You can blame Manusky or the players; but the organization has failed in its part, too. — John Keim

Next game: vs. Chicago (Monday, Sept. 23, 8:15 p.m. ET)

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The New England defense has dominated so far. The majority of the spotlight will go to Antonio Brown‘s Patriots debut, but that shouldn’t undersell how the team’s defense continues to build in a way that could make it a challenger for the best unit in Bill Belichick’s 20 years as coach. One week after stifling the Steelers and holding them to three points, the defense shut out the Dolphins while returning two interceptions for touchdowns. While the Dolphins aren’t an offensive powerhouse, it is impressive nonetheless how quickly the Patriots’ defensive script has been flipped. All offseason, the question was which coach would call the plays after Greg Schiano unexpectedly resigned in March. Now that seems like an afterthought as they shift their focus to next week’s game against the Sam Darnold-less Jets. “They were spectacular. They have been playing great all preseason,” quarterback Tom Brady said. “It takes some pressure off the offense.” — Mike Reiss

Next game: vs. New York Jets (Sunday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m. ET)

The Dolphins offense was on pace for its worst statistical performance in franchise history before garbage time stats helped it avoid the record. There’s not a lot of hope going forward that the offense can turn it around, but after three Ryan Fitzpatrick interceptions (including two pick-sixes), it’s worth wondering if the team should make a quarterback change to Josh Rosen. Coach Brian Flores said Fitzpatrick is still the starter “right now,” but Miami’s offense has been bad and needs a spark from someone. — Cameron Wolfe

Next game: at Dallas (Sunday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m. ET)

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Cautious optimism for San Francisco. For the first time since 2012, the 49ers are 2-0, and they did it by going on the road to the Eastern Time Zone and winning by a combined 38 points. It’s too early to start trumpeting these Niners as a playoff contender but they were always going to need a quick start if they wanted to be one. Since the current playoff format began in 1990, teams that start 2-0 make the playoffs 61.3% of the time. That drops to 41.4% for 1-1 teams. “I felt like we really needed to start this season on a hot start,” fullback Kyle Juszczyk said. “If we can go get another one next week, go into the bye week 3-0, there’s really no words for that. That’s such a huge thing.” If the Niners can beat banged-up Pittsburgh, they’ll be 3-0 for the first time since 1998. — Nick Wagoner

Next game: vs. Pittsburgh (Sunday, Sept. 22, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Bengals defense can’t “stop the bleeding.” One week after a strong debut, Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will understandably be the target of scrutiny after a historically bad outing as the Bengals surrendered 572 yards of total offense, the fifth-highest amount in franchise history. Poor tackling and execution were two of the defense’s major problems. Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap said the defense struggled with the amount of motion and misdirection the 49ers used and failed to create the necessary leverage at the line of scrimmage. It was one of the factors that led to the lopsided 24-point loss. “We played to their game plan and we didn’t stop the bleeding — ever,” Dunlap said. — Ben Baby

Next game: at Buffalo (Sunday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m. ET)

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Bills’ road wins set them up for a run. The first team in NFL history to play the Jets and Giants on the road in consecutive weeks to start a season is now the first team to beat the Jets and Giants on the road in consecutive weeks to start a season, as the Bills have officially matched their road win total from last season. Buffalo scored on three consecutive drives of 75, 74 and 98 yards to give its defense an insurmountable lead. Most importantly, the Bills came out of an adverse situation unscathed leading to a favorable month-and-a-half stretch. They draw the Bengals in Week 3, kicking off a string of five home games and a bye in the next seven weeks. “It’s special because we have a young team and it’s hard to win in this league,” linebacker Lorenzo Alexander said. “I think we’re in a season where we can sustain some adversity.” — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Next game: vs. Cincinnati (Sunday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m. ET)

Frustration is starting to build for the Giants after their sixth 0-2 start in seven seasons. The defense has allowed nine touchdowns in two games, including three in the first half Sunday. “When you got time and get no pressure, I can’t cover nobody for 10 seconds,” cornerback Janoris Jenkins said. “Who can cover somebody for 10 seconds?” When outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter was asked about opposing quarterbacks having too much time and making it hard for the secondary, he responded: “Sh–, it’s true. It takes all 11 [players].” Some players mentioned it’s still early, but star running back Saquon Barkley isn’t a big believer in that. He wants the problems addressed immediately. — Jordan Raanan

Next game: at Tampa Bay (Sunday, Sept. 22, 4:05 p.m. ET)

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Sigh of relief for Tampa. The Bucs snapped a seven-game road-losing streak with this win, and they managed to do something they haven’t done much of in the last 10 years: come back from a deficit. From 2009 through Week 1 of 2019, they were 36-105 when trailing at any point in a game. Granted, they only trailed by three points — when the Panthers hit their second field goal to make it 6-3 in the second quarter — but for a team that has struggled to get out of its own way, this was an important step. And the Bucs needed a win with road games at the Rams and Saints looming after their Week 3 home against the Giants. — Jenna Laine

Next game: vs. New York Giants (Sunday, Sept. 22, 4:05 p.m. ET)

Carolina has big issues. The Bucs came up with a defensive game plan that worked to perfection: Pressure Cam Newton with blitzes, and shut down Christian McCaffrey knowing Newton no longer is a threat to run out of the zone-read. Newton was 0-for-10 passing under duress with three sacks. McCaffrey had 53 yards from scrimmage a week after having 209. He couldn’t pick up a yard out of the Wildcat on the trick play from the 2-yard line that could have won it. Carolina has a lot of problems heading into road games against Arizona and Houston. Look for some shake-ups Monday. — David Newton

Next game: at Arizona (Sunday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m. ET)

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