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What happened in the NFL? Week Two Recap

Week one was defined by upsets and chaos. Week two… well there was still chaos, but the status quo returned for the most part. With everything that happened, here’s five of the biggest storylines from week two.

Injuries Galore

After the lack of OTA’s and preseason, some media members questioned if the preseason would be wiped completely from the NFL calendar. Unfortunately a massive wave of injuries struck the NFL in week two after the rapid increase in intensity and duration from the weeks prior.

While big names like Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley will be missed, the “next man up” mentality will have to be taken in what continues to be the most unique NFL season ever.

Drew Brees looked 41

The Las Vegas Raiders opened up their new Allegiant Stadium on Monday Night Football with a win over Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. While the Raiders duo of tight end Darren Waller and quarterback Derek Carr worked their magic, Brees began to show his age for the Saints.

Brees average depth of target was a meager 5.3 yards per pass and he also added an interception to close out the first half on a poor decision.

The real issue comes when the Saints were down. Brees struggled to push the ball down field and gain chunk yardage whenever his team needed to make up a deficit.

Herbert for Starter

When the Los Angeles Chargers kicked off their home opener at SoFi Stadium, the number six overall pick Justin Herbert was thrusted into the spotlight against the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs.

Minutes before kick off starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor had some complications from a pain killing injection for his ribs causing the rookie Herbert to command the offence. In his NFL debut Herbert threw for 311 yards, a touchdown, and added another touchdown on the ground. All this while leading his team down the field in key moments allowing for the Chargers to force the Chiefs into overtime.

While Herbert’s poise was amazing to see from a rookie who took no first team reps all week in practice, Head Coach Anthony Lynn stated multiple times the team would go back to Taylor when he is healthy. 

Let the campaign start here however for Herbert to take over as starting quarterback. The team looked more electric on offence with Herbert at the helm. The future is now.

Tom Brady is just fine in Tampa

After the week one loss to the New Orleans Saints, Brady rebounded in his home opener leading the Bucs to their first win of the season.

With top receiver Mike Evans making his debut, Brady found his new target for a touchdown and over 100 yards. Evans missed week one with a hamstring injury. Brady showed much better chemistry with his new teammates as they continue to gel.

While Tampa sits at 1-1 watch carefully as this team begins to click and Brady learns more of the nuances of Bruce Arians’ system.

Russell Wilson works his magic

Outside of a dropped pass that would end up being an interception, Russell Wilson was flawless against the New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football.

Throwing five touchdowns to five different receivers, including multiple deep passes, Wilson reminded the league why he is one of the best in the game and is making an early case for his first MVP award. While the game still came down to a goal line stand by the defence, Wilson’s ability to shred teams with ease is on full display as the Seattle Seahawks have finally let their star control games from the beginning.