Tag: NFL Week 2

Where Chargers stand in NFL power rankings after Week 2

The Los Angeles Chargers bumped up a few spots in some power rankings, despite the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chargers battled with the Chiefs in a tight matchup, but they were unable to prevail, dropping the contest by the score of 23-20.

After the loss, let’s see what the nation thinks of Los Angeles:

USA Today: 15 (Previous: 18)

“As part of his unexpected but impressive debut Sunday, rookie Justin Herbert became first Bolts QB to score a rushing TD since 2011.”

Touchdown Wire: 13 (Previous: 13)

“The Chargers lost 23-20 in overtime, but Herbert completed 22 of 33 passes for 311 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also ran for a touchdown, becoming the first rookie to throw and run for a touchdown in the first half of his first NFL game since Bob Clatterbuck of the Giants did it in 1954. His interception was a horrid throw into triple coverage, but regardless of Herbert’s growing pains, kudos to Lynn for handling the situation with aplomb, as seems to be his way.”

NFL: 18 (Previous: 20)

“That’s why you always stay ready, kids. Justin Herbert didn’t know he was making his NFL debut until right before kickoff on Sunday, which made the resulting performance against the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs all the more impressive. Herbert kept his poise and made a number of quality throws, giving the offense a spark it didn’t have under Tyrod Taylor in Week 1. Taylor spent part of his Sunday in a hospital dealing with chest pains, but head coach Anthony Lynn said the veteran will remain the starter if healthy. To which we ask … why? Herbert is the future of the franchise, and he’s now proved he can learn on the job while keeping the Chargers competitive. Tyrod Taylor is a good man, but he’s not the right man for these Chargers at QB1.”

ESPN: 18 (Previous: 22)

“Ekeler was targeted just once against Cincinnati a week ago. Coach Anthony Lynn realized Ekeler needed to be more involved against the Chiefs, and he was electric. Ekeler had four catches for 55 yards and ran the ball 16 times for 93 yards. He got the extra yard where none was expected. The undrafted and little-known 5-foot-10 back out of Western Colorado figures to be important down the road. He should, as he signed a four-year $24.5 million contract extension in March.”

CBS Sports: 15 (Previous: 15)

“It looks like Tyrod Taylor is back in at quarterback after missing last week, but they have to feel good about the way rookie Justin Herbert played. He is the future.”

Sports Illustrated: 15

“One whiffed coaching decision from being 2-0 with a win over the Chiefs and an ascending rookie quarterback. Kudos to Anthony Lynn for not abandoning Tyrod Taylor yet, but also nice work in getting Justin Herbert ready with almost zero practice reps during a pandemic.”

Sporting News: 16 (Previous: 13)

“Justin Herbert may not have the starting gig for good, Anthony Lynn says? What the? Going back to Tyrod Taylor, even if healthy, would not make any sense. Plus, it’s the Panthers in Week 3, a great game for Herbert to keep building confidence. The rookie leaning so well on running game, defense and good receivers had to be inspiring, right?”

Is Mitchell Trubisky…improving?

The Chicago Bears are 2-0 and heavily-debated quarterback Mitchell Trubisky is showing signs of life. Is the embattled QB…improving?

Do not look now but embattled and beleagured quarterback Mitchell Trubisky has the Chicago Bears at 2-0 and the QB himself has turned in two solid starts. After leading the Bears to a comeback victory against the Detroit Lions, Trubisky and Chicago got out to a hot start against the visiting New York Giants and held on for their second win of the season. All of this begs the question, is Mitchell Trubisky improving?

Studying Trubisky’s game against the Giants, there are some signs of improvement. As this video breakdown will illustrate, Trubisky is showing the ability to move defenders more with his eyes and get them out of position, as well as the ability to read and decipher some more complex coverage rotations:

Of course, his two wins have come against teams with a combined 0-4 record. The Bears will need to see more like this from Trubisky – and against higher-level competition – to feel better about their quarterback situation. Yet, this is a start.

For Bears fans, they’ll take it.

NFL power rankings: Ravens claim top spot in TD Wire’s power rankings after Week 2

The Ravens were thoroughly tested by the Texans in Week 2 but answered their biggest question of the season to bump up the power rankings

The Baltimore Ravens Week 2 win over the Houston Texans wasn’t perfect. But it was that lack of perfection that actually helps them claim the No. 1 spot on Touchdown Wire’s latest power rankings.

Even though Baltimore was tested early by Houston, the Ravens still managed to win by an impressive margin, 33-16. However, we saw quarterback Lamar Jackson hit frequently and a defense that at times struggled to get Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson on the turf. But for the second-consecutive week, and indeed the last 14 regular-season games, Baltimore withstood the best shots its opponents could throw and bludgeoned them into submission.

The Ravens’ offense has been nearly unstoppable under Jackson. Over their 14-game winning streak, Baltimore’s offense has put up at least 28 points 10 times. Meanwhile, the defense has been no slouch either, holding opponents to 21 or fewer points 13 times. Currently this season, the Ravens hold the highest point differential, winning games by an average of 24.5 points — leaps and bounds above the second-place Green Bay Packers, who have a 15-point-differential-per-game average.

Baltimore proved their mettle in this game. They were tested by a quality team and responded well, even without Jackson having a monster game. Considering that was the team’s biggest question mark coming into this season, passing the test with flying colors helps them supplant the rest of the NFL in the power rankings for at least this week.

Week 3 brings the Kansas City Chiefs — who took a tumble down to No. 3 — in what will likely decide who claims the No. 1 spot on the power rankings next week.

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NFL Predictions, Schedule, Game Previews, Lines, TV: Week 3

The Week 3 NFL predictions, TV schedules, game previews, fantasy players to watch, and game times.

The Week 3 NFL predictions, TV schedules, game previews, fantasy players to watch, and game times.

All Listed Gametimes EST

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All previews to come this week

Thursday, September 24

Miami at Jacksonville

– Miami at Jacksonville Prediction, Preview
8:20 NFL Network
Line: Jacksonville -2.5, o/u: 47.5
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Saturday, September 27

Chicago at Atlanta

– Chicago at Atlanta Prediction, Preview
1:00 FOX
Line: Atlanta -3.5, o/u: 47.5
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Los Angeles Rams at Buffalo

– Los Angeles Rams at Buffalo Prediction, Preview
1:00 FOX
Line: Buffalo -2.5, o/u: 47.5
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Washington at Cleveland

– Washington at Cleveland Prediction, Preview
1:00 FOX
Line: Cleveland -7, o/u: 44
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Tennessee at Minnesota

– Tennessee at Minnesota Prediction, Preview
1:00 CBS
Line: Tennessee -2.5, o/u: 47.5
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Las Vegas at New England

– Las Vegas at New England Prediction, Preview
1:00 CBS
Line: New England -6, o/u: 46.5
– Bet on this at BetMGM

San Francisco at New York Giants

– San Francisco at New York Giants Prediction, Preview
1:00 CBS
Line: San Francisco -4.5, o/u: 41
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Cincinnati at Philadelphia

1:00 CBS
– Cincinnati at Philadelphia Prediction, Preview
Line: Philadelphia -6.5, o/u: 46.5
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Houston at Pittsburgh

– Houston at Pittsburgh Prediction, Preview
1:00 CBS
Line: Pittsburgh -3.5, o/u: 45
– Bet on this at BetMGM

New York Jets at Indianapolis

– New York Jets at Indianapolis Prediction, Preview
4:05 CBS
Line: Indianapolis -10.5, o/u: 43.5
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Carolina at Los Angeles Chargers

– Carolina at Los Angeles Chargers Prediction, Preview
4:05 CBS
Line: LA Chargers -7.5, o/u: 44
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Tampa Bay at Denver

4:25 FOX
– Tampa Bay at Denver Prediction, Preview
Line: Tampa Bay -6, o/u: 43.5
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Detroit at Arizona

– Detroit at Arizona Prediction, Preview
4:25 FOX
Line: Arizona -5.5, o/u: 54.5
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Dallas at Seattle

– Dallas at Seattle Prediction, Preview
4:25 FOX
Line: Seattle -4.5, o/u: 55.5
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Green Bay at New Orleans

– Green Bay at New Orleans Prediction, Preview
8:20 NBC
Line:  New Orleans -4, o/u: 52
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Monday, September 28

Kansas City at Baltimore

– Kansas City at Baltimores Prediction, Preview
8:15 ESPN
Line: Kansas City -3, o/u: 53.5
– Bet on this at BetMGM

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Texans sign receivers Dwayne Harris, Devin Smith to practice squad

The Houston Texans have signed receivers Dwayne Harris and Devin Smith to the practice squad.

The Houston Texans are adding to their receiving corps, at least through the practice squad.

The team announced Monday they have signed veteran wideouts Dwayne Harris and Devin Smith to the practice squad.

Smith was last seen with the Dallas Cowboys in 2019. The former 2015 New York Jets second-round pick caught five passes for 113 yards and a touchdown. However, the renaissance was not to be as Smith was limited to four games, two of which he started.

Harris played with the Oakland Raiders for the past two seasons. The former 2011 Dallas Cowboys sixth-round pick played in three games for the Raiders last year. A special teams ace and returner, Harris has a 10.1 punt return average for his career and a 25.8 kickoff return average. Harris has also caught 77 passes for 874 yards and eight touchdowns in his 106 career games with the Cowboys, Raiders, and New York Giants.

Receiver Will Fuller was limited with a hamstring issue in the 33-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. That the Texans are signing receivers indicates there could be a situation brewing that will be clearer when the injury report releases on Wednesday.

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Injury updates on Chargers’ Bryan Bulaga, Rayshawn Jenkins, Justin Jones

Chargers coach Anthony Lynn gave injury updates for three players that left Sunday’s contest with an injury.

Throughout the course of the Chargers’ Week 2 loss to the Chiefs, they lost a few players due to their perspective injuries.

Offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga was the first to go down, with a knee injury. Bulaga didn’t return to the action and was replaced by Trey Pipkins.

Coach Anthony Lynn said that Bulaga is day-to-day.

Another player that is day-to-day is safety Rayshawn Jenkins, who suffered a groin injury. Jenkins was replaced by Desmond King.

Those two will likely be back in action very soon, but that may not be the case for defensive tackle Justin Jones.

Jones left the game with a shoulder injury, and Lynn said that it could be worst one out of the bunch. If Jones is unable to go, Tillery’s playing time will increase.

We will monitor these injuries as the Chargers start their preparation on Wednesday for the Week 3 matchup with the Panthers.

Texans DE J.J. Watt hates seeing rash of injuries hitting the NFL

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt doesn’t like seeing the injuries that hit the NFL in Week 2, and hopes for speedy recoveries across the league.

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt has had a hard season with his club 0-2 after the first two weeks, but it could be worse.

Across the NFL in Week 2 Sunday, there were a rash of injuries that claimed the seasons of catalytic players from New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, who tore his ACL, to Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr, who tore his pectoral muscle.

“Very tough day around the league for injuries yesterday,” Watt tweeted Monday. “Hate to see it, never wish injury on anyone. Hoping for successful and speedy recoveries for everyone.” Watt then added two praying hands emojis.

The Texans didn’t sustain any significant injuries in the 33-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Receiver Will Fuller was limited with a hamstring issue, but it was not reported as an injury by the team. Houston also had two players out Sunday with RB Duke Johnson (ankle) and inside linebacker Peter Kalambayi (hamstring).

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Browns Week 2 win snapped a long string of high-scoring losses

It’s something that has happened just twice since 2008

The Cleveland Browns snapped out of a long-running string with their 35-30 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. It was the first time Cleveland picked up a victory when allowing at least 30 points since the 2015 season.

The Browns hadn’t allowed 30 points or more and come out with a W since October 11, 2015. In Week 5 of that season, the Browns vanquished the Baltimore Ravens in overtime, 33-30 when Travis Coons nailed a 32-yard game-winner in a matchup where Cleveland QB Josh McCown passed for 457 yards.

It’s an exceedingly rare accomplishment for the Browns offense to come up with more points than the foe when the Cleveland defense surrenders at least 30. Prior to 2015, it hadn’t happened since Week 15 of the 2009 season. That 41-34 win over the Kansas City Chiefs by Eric Mangini’s Browns required two kickoff returns for touchdowns by Josh Cribbs.

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Texans coach Bill O’Brien says official told him Ross Blacklock threw a punch

Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien says an official on Tony Corrente’s crew told him DT Ross Blacklock threw a punch to get disqualified in Week 2.

Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien provided more details as to why rookie defensive tackle Ross Blacklock was disqualified from Sunday’s 33-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium.

With 4:42 to go in the fourth quarter, Blacklock was disqualified for unnecessary roughness. There wasn’t a discernable reason, and after the game O’Brien said he didn’t get to talk to Blacklock about it as he was escorted to the locker room upon disqualification.

O’Brien told reporters Monday that he has spoken to Blacklock about the ejection.

“Yeah, I have spoken to him,” O’Brien said. “I didn’t see it on the tape, but I know that it happened. So, yeah, I’ve spoken to him.”

According to NFL on CBS color commentator Trent Green, Blacklock appeared to shove a Ravens offensive player after running back Mark Ingram rushed for three yards.

O’Brien elaborated on what that shove may have entailed.

“I just know what the official told me so I’m not trying to — I didn’t see it either, but the official told me that he threw a punch which I think you probably already know that,” said O’Brien. “I’m just saying that’s what the official told me, and we’ve addressed it and we’ll continue to address it today.”

Defensive end J.J. Watt referred to Blacklock’s disqualification as “selfish,” but similarly did not explain what the 2020 second-round pick from TCU did to get thrown out of the game.

Friday is when the league office sends their fines to NFL players. It is not known yet if Blacklock will get fined. The defensive tackle should be able to play against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3 at Heinz Field.

How worried should the Texans be with 0-2?

The Houston Texans are 0-2, but Peter King from NBC Sports doesn’t believe the defending AFC South champions should be worried yet.

The Houston Texans are 0-2 on the season for the third time in the Bill O’Brien era, and the second time in three years.

After the first two games of the season and being unable to get a win, or even a turnover, it may be time to hit the panic button.

According to Peter King from NBC Sports, the Texans shouldn’t get too concerned with the goose egg that remains in the win column.

2. I think I wouldn’t fret too much about being 0-2 if I were a Texan. It’s a hole, of course, But honestly: Did you think the Texans would win at Kansas City? No one did. Did you think they’d beat a powerhouse Baltimore team, the same team that slapped them around 41-7 last year? Maybe a few thought they’d win, but that was a long shot too. Houston has played, possibly, its two toughest games of the season in the first two weeks, and now, after a sobering but understandable start, they head into three reasonable games: at Pittsburgh, then Minnesota and Jacksonville at home. If they’re 1-4 in three weeks, then it’s time to worry. But not yet.

What’s interesting about King writing the Texans should be worried if they are 1-4 three weeks from now is that was their exact record in 2015 after the first five games. Houston even fell down as far as 2-5 before igniting a four-game winning streak to finally put them over .500. And this was in the season where the Texans started Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett, T.J. Yates, and Brandon Weeden at quarterback.

However, Jake Asman from SportsMap Radio makes a very compelling point. The fact that the Texans’ losses to the Chiefs and Ravens are simply discounted because they aren’t in the same tier is actually concerning, because it means the organization entrusted O’Brien with more responsibilities yet unable to get into the NFL’s final four.

Why the Texans should be worried is Tennessee is running away with the AFC South. If the rest of the division is pedestrian while the Texans are collecting their composure to compete for the AFC South, then Houston has a chance. If one team stays atop the division and keeps winning, Houston’s 0-2 start will be the reason they couldn’t get into the playoffs.