Tag: NFL Week 2

NFL power rankings roundup: Where Patriots landed going into Week 2

Where did the Patriots land in Week 2?

The New England Patriots were expected to be sitting dead last in most NFL power rankings heading into Week 2.

Yet, under first-year head coach Jerod Mayo, they shockingly knocked off the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 and started their season with a 1-0 record. Make no mistake, the Patriots are still a flawed team, but they look much improved from the 2023 season.

The offense still looks sluggish and lacking in firepower, but it’s no longer a train wreck and an accident waiting to happen.

Perhaps the best thing they managed to keep from the previous regime is the shutdown defense that terrorized opponents last season. They also got back to making impact plays on special teams.

Let’s take a look at the power rankings roundup for the Patriots heading into Week 2:

ESPN: 24th (last week: 30th)

NFL.com: 27th (last week: 31st)

Pro Football Focus: 25th (last week: 28th)

CBS Sports: 24th (last week: 30th)

Bleacher Report: 29th (last week: 32nd)

ProFootballTalk: 25th (last week: 31st)

Yahoo Sports: 30th (last week: 32nd)

The Athletic: 15th (last week: 32nd)

FOX Sports: 27th

The Ringer: 27th

Patriots Wire: 21st

The Patriots face another stiff test in Week 2 with the Seattle Seahawks coming to town to visit. It’ll be New England’s home opener and a real opportunity to defeat a 2023 playoff contender.

Can the Patriots pull off back-to-back upsets and regain relevance in the AFC East? A win on Sunday could silence skeptics and change the grim narrative surrounding the team.

NFL assigns Shawn Smith to referee Week 2’s Saints-Cowboys game

The NFL assigned Shawn Smith to referee Week 2’s Saints-Cowboys game. New Orleans hasn’t seen Smith since 2021, but they’re 3-0 with him on the field:

The NFL assigned Shawn Smith to referee Week 2’s New Orleans Saints vs. Dallas Cowboys game, per Football Zebras. While they haven’t seen him since 2021, the Saints are 3-0 in games with Smith on the field as a referee. They also won a game in 2017 when Smith was working as an umpire. If you’re curious, the Cowboys’ record with Smith as a referee is 2-1. They went 1-1 in two games with him as an umpire.

Smith began his NFL officiating career as an umpire from 2015 to 2017 before getting bumped up to referee in 2018. In Week 1, his crew ranked sixth in flags thrown (17), but just 15 penalties stood — 7 on the home team (for 55 yards) and 8 on the visitors (for 50 yards). However, their 105 penalty yards assessed ranked eighth.

New Orleans and Dallas were two of the most-penalized teams last week so both squads must play with greater discipline in Week 2. Especially along the offensive line. Smith’s crew called more fouls for false starts (4) and offensive holding (4) than anything else, but they were also vigilant for illegal blocks above the waist (2). Those are the kinds of self-inflicted wounds the Saints can’t afford against a team with playoff ambitions like the Cowboys.

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Announcers set for Patriots vs. Seahawks Week 2 game

The announcers are set for the Patriots-Seahawks game

The announcers have been set for Sunday’s Week 2 contest between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks.

Kenny Albert will take on the play-by-play role, while Jonathan Vilma will have the analysis role. Megan Olivi will be on the sideline, as the game will be televised on Fox.

The Patriots are looking to win their second game in a row after upsetting the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. Seattle is coming off a tough 26-20 victory over the Denver Broncos.

This will be the home opener for the Patriots, who dropped a 17-3 loss to the New York Jets in their last outing last season at Gillette Stadium.

https://twitter.com/MikeReiss/status/1833124047913132158/

A stout running game and solid defensive play proved to be the difference for New England in the opening game of the season. One has to wonder if we’ll see more of the same on Sunday against an opponent that made the playoffs last year.

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NFL power rankings roundup: Where do Saints stand entering Week 2?

Where do the New Orleans Saints stand entering Week 2? Week 1’s biggest win wasn’t enough to lift them into the top-15 for these NFL power rankings:

Slowly moving up the charts.

With the New Orleans Saints’ impressive 47-10 victory against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, most major outlets have the team inching just a little bit closer to the top-20 mark in their NFL power rankings. It seems as though even playing the most complete game of all teams in Week 1, many are still hesitant to push them further up the board. This is mainly due to their opponent being the Panthers who finished 2-15 just a year ago.

The team’s highest ranking this week is at No. 14, where Pro Football Focus has them. CBS Sports as well as The Ringer each has them at No. 25 marking their lowest ranking:

It’s understandable for most to keep the team hovering around where they were previously due to the reasons mentioned above. However, the team has a great opportunity this week against the Dallas Cowboys, who are traditionally one of the leagues top teams year in and year out. If Klint Kubiak and the offense are able to put together another efficient afternoon against Micah Parsons and Co., they should be able to match up well against this team. There’s confidence that Dennis Allen will put the team in the best position defensively to win the game, even if they have to do that without their top corner in Marshon Lattimore.

With a win in Dallas, this team would almost certainly put the league on notice, and likely mark their biggest win in Allen’s tenure. Let’s see if they can rise to the challenge.

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Lions-Buccaneers initial injury report medical analysis

Lions-Buccaneers initial injury report medical analysis, including info on Penei Sewell, Jameson Williams, Ifeatu Melifonwu and more

A minuscule Week 1 injury report has ballooned in Week 2. Overall, most of the injuries are likely mild, which is good news.

Penei Sewell NO PRACTICE ankle, OT

Obscured video suggests Sewell had a right high ankle injury. He didn’t miss any plays.

High ankle injuries can be tricky as they can cause instability. Even mild ones can result in missed time, like we saw last year with Taylor Decker and Jonah Jackson, who both finished games but then missed two and three games, respectively.

 

Jameson Williams LIMITED PRACTICE ankle, WR

Williams was down for a bit after a tweak to the left high ankle. Players can play through them but still end up missing future games.

I expected that he may get some precautionary rest this week. The LP vs an NP is an excellent sign that he will be available with minimal to no limitations vs the Bucs.

DJ Reader FULL PRACTICE quad, DT

Our most prized free agent signing is expected to make his debut almost exactly nine months from his quad tendon tear on December 16, 2023.

Expect Reader’s snaps to be limited as he has only been practicing for three weeks. Easing him into the season would be a prudent move to try to avoid any further injury.

Kerby Joseph NO PRACTICE hamstring, S

Joseph was in until the final defensive play so hopefully this means it’s nothing serious.

Marcus Davenport NO PRACTICE groin, DE

Davenport was in on the penultimate defensive play vs the Rams. No signs of injury, so severity is uncertain. After only playing four games last year, he needs to prove he can stay healthy.

Carlton Davis FULL PRACTICE chest, CB

Landing on his elbow could have caused the wind to get knocked out of him or a slightly more serious rib cartilage or abdominal injury. The fact that he was listed with a chest means it was a bit more than just wind. The FP suggests he is good and it was probably just a mild bruise.

Ifeatu Melifonwu NO PRACTICE ankle, S

With a possible ankle sprain suffered in the 2nd preseason game, Melifonwu is still not practicing — not a good sign for this weekend.

Loren Strickland FULL PRACTICE thumb, S

This undrafted rookie looks to be ready for this weekend. He may end up making his debut, depending on the health of Melifonwu and Kerby Joseph.

NOTABLES UNLISTED

Terrion Arnold

Against the Rams, Arnold laid down briefly for unknown reasons as nothing showed up on video. He appeared to be reaching for the left hip and upper leg area but this was inconclusive.

Brian Branch

Branch stayed down for an extra second this past Sunday after what appeared to be a hard hit to the side of the head which was worrisome for a concussion. There were no external signs of a concussion on the limited video.

Being unlisted is a reassuring sign that he avoided a concussion although it doesn’t rule out an undiagnosed concussion. Without external signs, a doctor can not diagnose a concussion unless the patient self-reports symptoms. Either way, he should be available on Sunday.

Alex Anzalone

Anzalone was sandwiched awkwardly while making a tackle on Sunday night. The video was benign and it’s good to see nothing came of it.

Dan Campbell Wednesday Press Conference Notes

No injuries were discussed at all. James Houston‘s preseason bone bruise injury was not brought up as a factor when Campbell discussed his inactivation in week one.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Calijah Kancey NO PRACTICE calf, DT

Kancey missed week one with this calf injury.

Last year, he had a calf strain in training camp that took four weeks to recover from. Then in his first game back on week one, he aggravated it and missed the next three games.

With this kind of directly relevant personal history, I expect the Bucs to play it very safe and not even consider playing him this weekend.

Antoine Winfield Jr NO PRACTICE ankle, S

This important starter will miss the game on Sunday due to an ankle injury.

Zyon McCollom LIMITED PRACTICE concussion, CB

An LP means that he will likely pass through the concussion protocol and be ready for Sunday.

Josh Hayes NO PRACTICE ankle, DB

Hayes left last game with an ankle injury and was later seen in a boot which is not a good sign for availability this weekend.

KJ Britt LIMITED PRACTICE illness, LB

William Gholston LIMITED PRACTICE elbow, DT

Luke Goedeke LIMITED PRACTICE concussion, OT

Logan Hall LIMITED PRACTICE foot, DE

NOTABLES UNLISTED

Bryce Hall CB fractured his ankle this past weekend and was placed on IR.

FANTASY IMPACT

The Bucs have major secondary issues as four defensive backs were injured in their last game. At least two will not play (Hall, Winfield) and likely three (Hayes). Also likely out is Calijah Kancey, a good pass rushing DT.

This could open the door for Williams to have another big game or for St. Brown to make his typical impact. Kalif Raymond and Sam LaPorta likely will benefit also.

Last year in the playoff game vs the Bucs, St. Brown had 8 receptions for 77 yards, LaPorta had nine for 65, and Williams two for 35. Raymond did not play due to a right knee injury.

If the Bucs decide to drop more players back to protect the secondary, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery could capitalize in the running game. Last year in the playoffs, Gibbs had a big day with nine rushes for 74 yards and four receptions for 40 yards while Montgomery had ten rushes for 33 yards and three receptions for 14 yards.

Regardless of who gets the yards, the offense is primed to bounce back after gaining only 293 yards in regulation against the Rams.

5 DNP’s listed on initial Saints-Cowboys injury report heading into Week 2

Tyrann Mathieu and Marshon Lattimore are listed as DNP’s, but Willie Gay Jr. and Foster Moreau return on Week 2’s initial Saints injury report:

For the second year in a row, the New Orleans Saints have nearly double the amount of players on the injury report as their opponents. This week it’s the Dallas Cowboys

The Saints had a couple of starters go out during the Week 1 romp of the Carolina Panthers. Willie Gay Jr. (undisclosed), Marshon Lattimore (hamstring), Foster Moreau (concussion) and Lucas Patrick (toe) all exited the game due to injury.

Of the three, only Gay and Moreau returned to practice on Wednesday. Gay wasn’t even on the injury report and Moreau was a limited participant. The Saints are likely to stay patient with Moreau because he left last week’s game with a concussion.

Tyrann Mathieu is another veteran who joined the injury report with a heel injury and didn’t participate. Other contributors Rashid Shaheed (finger) and Jamaal Williams (shoulder) were full participants despite being listed with an injury designation.

Tight end Dallin Holker (ankle) along with A.T. Perry (hand) and Jaylan Ford (hamstring) all returned to practice after not participating in any practice leading into Week 1.

Here’s the initial injury report from both teams for Wednesday Sept. 11:

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Bengals get Tony Romo on the call again for showdown vs. Chiefs

The Bengals and Chiefs again get Tony Romo in the booth.

When the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Kansas City Chiefs for their Week 2 matchup of the 2024 regular season, fans will hear a familiar voice on the call for the 4:25 p.m. kickoff on CBS.

Yet again, the Bengals game against the Chiefs will feature Jim Nantz and Tony Romo in the booth along with Tracy Wolfson, and Bengals fans are growing even more tired of hearing Romo call their games, especially big ones against Kansas City.

The last time the two teams matched up late last season, the same broadcast crew called it. Romo and Nantz have also been in the booth for both of the AFC Championship games the two teams played against each other, as well as a game on Jan. 2, 2022, when Ja’Marr Chase had 11 catches for 266 yards and three touchdowns.

The Bengals are coming off of an ugly Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots, and with Ja’Marr Chase still without a new contract and Tee Higgins out with an injury last week, fans of the team likely have more important things they are worried about than who will be the voice they hear during that game, but it still wasn’t welcome information when Jay Morrison revealed it on Twitter.

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Saints release unofficial depth chart for Week 2 at Cowboys

The Saints released their unofficial depth chart for Week 2’s game with the Cowboys, and there’s one big change from the roster they shared one week ago:

The New Orleans Saints released their unofficial depth chart for Week 2’s road game with the Dallas Cowboys, and there’s one notable change from the initial roster they shared one week ago.

It’s Will Harris starting at strong safety next too Tyrann Matheiu, not Jordan Howden. That lines up with what we saw in their season-opening in over the Carolina Panthers. Harris didn’t just open the game as a starter and intercept Bryce Young on the game’s first play from scrimmage. He was the only Saints defender to stay on the field for every defensive snap.

Beyond that, things are largely the same. The Saints are still using the “or” designation at backup quarterback for Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler, though it was Rattler relegated to the NFL-mandated role as their emergency quarterback in Week 1. After the game head coach Dennis Allen said that role could change from week to week as both young passers compete for the job as QB2.

There’s one other position where the Saints are using the “or” designation. Carl Granderson and Chase Young are listed as co-starters at right defensive end. What’s interesting is we didn’t see that reflected in Week 1. Granderson lined up on the right side for just 11 of his 40 defensive snaps, per Pro Football Focus charting. It was Young dominating snaps on the right side, where he played all 37 snaps. That’s a reversal from last season when Granderson played 846 of his 870 defensive snaps on the right side of the line. Cameron Jordan is the listed starter at the left defensive end spot but he only took 22 of his 27 snaps there.

So this is a good reminder that this is very much an unofficial depth chart for reference purposes, not a set-in-stone pecking order. The Saints will continue to move players around so they can put guys in what they feel is the best position to make a play. Here’s the full thing:

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Penalties might be the Saints’ biggest blemish from Week 1’s big win

Penalties might be the Saints’ biggest blemish from Week 1’s big win. Dennis Allen’s team can’t afford so many mistakes against the Cowboys:

It’s tough to find much to complain about after the New Orleans Saints’ dominant win over the Carolina Panthers. A 47-10 landslide is a heck of a way to make a statement in Week 1. The offense was nearly unstoppable and the defense was locked in. But it wasn’t a perfect game.

As head coach Dennis Allen acknowledged afterwards, they can’t afford so many penalties and unforced errors against a better opponent — especially a Super Bowl contender like the Dallas Cowboys, who will play host in Week 2. So just how bad was it, really?

The Saints go into Week 2 with the second-most penalty yards (95) from the third-most fouls (10) among the league’s 32 teams. The offense was flagged five times for 45 yards while the defense drew 3 penalties for another 25 yards; the special teams units were also hit with 25 yards from a couple of infractions.

Here’s the full breakdown:

  • S J.T. Gray: kick catch interference (15 yards)
  • C Erik McCoy: unnecessary roughness (15 yards)
  • DE Payton Turner: unnecessary roughness (15 yards)
  • RT Trevor Penning: offensive holding (10 yards)
  • LT Taliese Fuaga: offensive holding (10 yards)
  • WR Bub Means: offensive holding (10 yards)
  • CB Paulson Adebo: defensive pass interference (5 yards)
  • DE Chase Young: defensive offsides (5 yards)
  • TE Foster Moreau: illegal shift (5 yards)
  • QB Derek Carr: delay of game (5 yards)

That’s three pre-snap penalties (two on offense, one on defense). If there’s a silver lining — there are actually two — this is something the Saints can control. We’ve seen them play disciplined football before. At the same time, their next matchup is with the league leader in penalties. The Cowboys were fouled 11 times last Sunday, costing them 85 yards, which was the fourth-most yardage total of the weekend.

So be prepared for more penalty flags to fly on both teams this Sunday. Cleaning up bad habits doesn’t happen overnight. So long as the Saints put in the work this week and players do a better job keeping their heads, it could be enough to tip the scales in their favor. But you have to think the Cowboys coaches are thinking the exact same thing.

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Tom Brady on the call for FOX broadcast of Saints-Cowboys

Tom Brady is on the call for Saints-Cowboys. His FOX broadcasting debut drew mixed debuts, but Brady should have a lot to talk about come Sunday:

Tom Brady will be headed to AT&T Stadium with the FOX Sports broadcast team to announce this week’s New Orleans Saints matchup against the  Dallas Cowboys, per Saints News Network’s John Hendrix. He’ll be joined in the booth by Kevin Burkhardt on play-by-play with Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi reporting from the sidelines.

This will be Brady’s first coverage of a Saints game. It will be very interesting to see how much insight Brady can provide especially with the intricacies of Klint Kubiak’s scheme. Kickoff is scheduled for Noon CT/1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 15. Brady’s debut in last week’s Cowboys game drew mixed reviews.

The Saints and Brady have a unique history with each other that was only amplified when he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. All-time, Brady is 7-5 against the Saints marking his third-lowest win percentage amongst all teams. Four of these five losses came within his last three seasons. This had much to do with Dennis Allen always coming up with an excellent defensive game plan to try to limit one of the best the league has seen.

Brady should have a lot to talk about come Sunday.

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