It started off with a tight match. It ended with two tight matches.
Here we go football fans! The overview of Week 2. And what a week it was.
Niners Win in Levi South
My San Francisco 49ers played in Levi South, a.k.a Sofi Stadium, and squeaked out a win against a division rival. Kyle Shanahan continues to maintain the In Season win streak against Sean McVay. It wasn’t as dominant of a win as it was in Week 1 for SF, but a win is a win.
The Niners were still productive on the offense and I was pleased that there were no turnovers. I was cringing and holding my breath half the game after Brandon Aiyuk was slow to get up after his first reception in the game. Deebo Samuel always seems to have a game against the Rams with at least one statement highlight play. And Christian McCaffrey is STILL a beast.
I was secretly hoping to see another pass TD from him, but I’ll take his consistent ground work.
The score should have been higher with the two over-passes Purdy missed to connect with Deebo and Aiyuk. Purdy still stayed composed the entire game and did not let his mishaps affect his overall performance or deflate the Niners production through the game.
Remember, he’s still a youngin’. You can’t teach experience. The bright side? Purdy has such a swagger and confidence, he will continue to elevate with each game he plays.
Play Better Defense
I know everyone raves about the elite defense of the San Francisco 49ers. And don’t get me wrong, I still believe they are still the number one defense in the NFL. But there was no reason a division rival with a vintage quarterback should have been able to pick the secondary apart.
There was a lack of wrap ups in open field tackles, almost as if the secondary assumed that they were so dominant the young Rams offense squad would just fall down to avoid a hit.
NEVER assume! C’mon man! They are rivals, defense.
They will look for any way to poke holes in a veteran power defense.
Defensive secondary better shore up before Thursday against the New York Giants. I will not be pleased with another laissez-faire performance against an offense that deserves no yards against a superior defense.
Slightly Surprised
Props to the Rams up front with Aaron Donald that made the run game difficult for San Francisco. The Rams still have weaknesses in their secondary as they lost a lot of their veterans from last season. If they play a high scoring offense that likes to pass, expect more chunk yards taken away from their secondary defense.
McVay did well with his restructure in the offense after a disastrous post SuperBowl season last year. The young receiving core has been playing lights out. Special shout out to Puka Nacua for taking advantage of the absence of Cooper Kupp and making a statement. Always great to see a Polynesian, especially one from Western Samoa, making a name in their breakout year.
Okay, I’m done soap boxing for my boys and their game. Now for the quick breakdown of the rest of the NFL.
Buffalo Bills vs. Las Vegas Raiders
There isn’t much to say about the Bills and the Raiders. I think this was definitely an expected outcome for the score and Josh Allen needed a win and a confidence booster. I have always had Allen as a fantasy option for the past few seasons. But his lack of utilizing his running back has put him at risk for all the injuries and redzone interceptions that should never happen.
In regards to the Raiders, I am still not speaking to Jimmy G. I still hate looking at him in those colors. Gold is ALWAYS better than silver. If he stays healthy and the offensive line protects him, he will be productive though. I was expecting the Raiders to have a better run defense against the Bills, but James Cook powered his way through and exposed their weakness.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
All I have to say about the Ravens and the Bengals is, I hope Cincinnati still remains confident paying $275 million for Burrow. Seriously, this is why you don’t name a flashy hot shot guy “Joe Cool” when what should be another power start of a season for the Bengals is turning out to be the “Joe Fool” show.
Also just for history sake. The original “Joe Cool” actually has SuperBowl titles and rings with a dynasty after his name. So save your nicknames for someone who actually produces a Lombardi, not loses to a celebrity built Rams team.
Lamar Jackson is now questionably healthy in fantasy. So again we are awaiting to see if he can sustain staying healthy all season and be better at managing the ball now that he has so many dynamic receiving weapons in Nelson Agholor and OBJ.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Chiefs are still lackluster in my opinion. Per my fantasy results, they are still not using a run game to open up their passing options for Mahomes. Even with Kelce back, 17 points? That’s it? Against an okayish Jags team. Play better KC.
Tennesse Titans vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The Titans and the Chargers was definitely an interesting showdown. I was expecting way more from Ryan Tannehill. And not just so he would throw to Deandre Hopkins to fluff my fantasy points.
Derrick Henry is still a powerhouse runner, but if a defense shuts down their running game, does their QB know how to utilize their receiving core?
I’m hoping the Chargers can improve on their defense. I know Kendricks is out, but their secondary really needs to shut down their opponents passing game. Or at least make it more of a challenge.
Green Bay Packers vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Packers and the Falcons pretty much came down to a battle between which baby QB would mess up the least. Desmond Ridder came out on top of this week against Jordan Love. Personally I could see this game going either way. Neither team has dynamic playmakers on their squad, it will be interesting to see them matchup against more veteran stacked teams.
Detroit Lions vs. Seattle Seahawks
I am sad for Detroit. I was hoping they could carry the win streak from last week, but alas, they let my other division rival squeak by with a win. However, I do appreciate Geno Smith producing better fantasy options for me. And the Seattle team that showed up this week was a remnant of the silent star squad from last year.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans
The Colts and Texans are yet another set of squads with baby quarterbacks. Both battling for their wins to set a precedent of who in their young career has the most potential.
Again, this is a game that could go either way. I did expect for Indianapolis to do better than Houston, but that is more based on the upper management and ownership that has been lackluster in the Texans franchise since J.J. Watt’s major injury a few years ago.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Chicago Bears
Everyone is saying that Baker Mayfield is going to have an outstanding year and is a silent star just waiting to surprise everyone this season. I personally say, still too early. Yes, he is still an impressive and entertaining QB to watch. However, as I have said before, the NFL season is a marathon not a sprint.
With his potential for injury, Baker’s breakout performances are still too young in the season. His receiving core is also prone to injury as well. If they can stay healthy until mid season, I might start to buy into the hype he was supposed to be in Cleveland.
In regards to Justin Fields, I still haven’t decided this year if his flops are more due to his lack experience in the NFL or ineffective coaching. Last year, Fields showed glimpses of stardom. However, a lot of that came with his ability to use his legs. Anytime you have a mobile QB, you always worry about their longevity.
I hope Chicago doesn’t try to cap his natural talent and try to push him to become solely a pocket passer. I think they just need to have a creative coaching mind that allows Justin to use his talent, but still preserve his health status.
New York Giants vs. Arizona Cardinals
Did not expect such a high scoring game between the Giants and the Cardinals. Overall, this again is a game that could have gone either way because both teams are evenly matched. Neither team is dynamic on either side of the ball.
I am happy for New York, because I always am happy when a division rival loses. But I’m hoping the Niners can dominate on TNF.
New York Jets vs. Dallas Cowboys
I’m just sad for the Jets and Robert Saleh. I think if the Jets had a composed quarterback, they could have shown up a little more against the Dallas defense. They have the offensive weapons regardless of whether Aaron Rodgers had been injured or not. They need to start getting into a flow and showing up to these games against juggernaut teams.
Denver Broncos vs. Washington Commanders
Interesting shootout between the Broncos and the Commanders. I was hoping now that Sean Payton is in Denver, he can instill a win culture back into the franchise. Especially after setting Russell Wilson’s priorities straight. They really need to show up on defense. They have been known for their defense in the past, and a reignition would be great right about now.
Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots
Cheeehooo to that Samoan quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and his Dolphins. DANG! What a squad.
They obviously showed up last season consistently once Tua could stay healthy and stop getting hit in the head. Goes to show how hard headed Polynesians really are. But that Miami team is showing up in fashion again this year. I just pray on all fronts they stay healthy and continue to dominate on the field.
I will say, the Patriots are a solid defensive team. Also makes me feel better on passing up on Mac Jones coming to the Niners. Because their offense just leaves so much to be desired. Especially because of the pedigree New England holds under the coaching staff.
New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers
Derek Carr and his guyliner pulled out another of his infamous last minute wins against Carolina. He definitely fits the system of New Orleans.
I know everyone is being a little critical on Bryce Young. But again, this is the NFL. The league is different from college. The Panthers in general have been rebuilding after losing CMC and their once elite defense. The season, like the quarterback, is young, so it might be a different narrative by mid season.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Lastly, hats off to the Steelers by coming out and continuing to battle against the Cleveland Browns.
I know a lot of people are wondering what happened to Deshaun Watson, especially after the win against Cincinnati last week.
First of all T.J. Watt and the Steelers defense are legit. Just because they lost last week, does not discount how intimidating of a squad they have. Personally I think they rival the Cowboys for #2 defense in the league.
Second, let me just be clear. I don’t approve at all of Deshaun being let back into the league. All of that is based on principle. This is what gives America such a bad name. Because you are a superstar athlete, you can get away with a slap on the wrist and continue to play and earn an outrageous amount of money and never take full responsibility for your actions.
So personally, I bathe in the glory of when Deshaun loses. He doesn’t deserve any wins.
Third, Watson has always been inconsistent. Even when he played for Houston. So it doesn’t surprise me when he is matched against a force of a defense, that he will not come out with a win.
And let’s please all take a moment to pray or wish well Nick Chubb. Another great player goes down too early in the season. Even though I won fantasy this week and Chubb was on my opponent’s team, I had such a bittersweet feeling.
With that, Week 2 is in the books. And Week 3 starts Thursday night with my San Francisco 49ers at home against the New York Giants. Let’s go, Bay Area!