NFL 2023 Week 2 Recap
Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles was the Thursday night game. After an opening touchback, the Eagles moved 69 yards and held the ball for over 5 minutes. Yet on 3rd and goal at the 8, Jalen Hurts gained only 2 yards. Jake Elliott hit the 24 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Eagles. Late in the opening quarter Elliott missed from 55. The miss gave the Vikings excellent field position at their own 45. On 3rd and 3 to start the second quarter, Kirk Cousins hit Osborn for 6. On 3rd and 9 from the Philadelphia 41, Cousins hit TJ Hockenson for 24. Cousins connected with Hockenson again for a 5 yard touchdown to make it 7-3 Vikings.
After a touchback, Swift ran for 7 and 3. On 3rd and 3 from their own 42, Swift gained 4. On 3rd and 1 from the Minnesota 45, Boston Scott gained 4. Nick Sirianni was running pure ground and pound. Swift gained 7, 5 and 4 down to the one. Hurts got in for the touchdown to cap the staggering 16 play, 75 yard, 8 minute drive and make it 10-7 Eagles. After a touchback, the Vikings quickly moved to the Philadelphia 31. Cousins went deep to Justin Jefferson for what appeared to be a 30 yard gain, with Jefferson fumbling the ball out of bounds at the one yard line. With only 41 seconds left in the half, the official booth review ruled that Jefferson fumbled the ball threw the end zone, resulting in a touchback.
The Eagles from their own 20 were just trying to run out the half. Scott gained 7 and 18. On 3rd and 6 just shy of midfield, Hurts gained 8. With 4 seconds still left on the clock, Nick Sirianni gave Elliott a shot at a 61 yard field goal try. Elliott delivered as the home crowd erupted with the Eagles up 13-7 at the break. After a second half touchback, the Vikings on the second play from scrimmage saw Cousins get sacked and fumble the ball away. Fletcher Cox picked it up at the Minnesota 15 and take it 8 yards down to the 7. Two plays later Hurts ran for a one yard touchdown to make it 20-7 Eagles. The Eagles got the ball back and soon faced 3rd and 4 at their own 37. Hurts went deep to Smith for a 63 yard touchdown. The Eagles were winning a laugher 27-7. Yet just like the previous week, the Eagles let a big lead dwindle. Against New England, they led 16-0 early and 25-14 late before barely surviving by 5 points.
This time a 20 point lead was not safe. After a touchback, Cousins hit Jefferson for 13. On 3rd and 10 from his own 38, Cousins went deep to Addison for a 62 yard touchdown to get the Vikings within 27-14. In the fourth quarter the Vikings faced 3rd and 3 from their own 21. Cousins hit Jefferson for 23 and again for 22. On 3rd and 6 from the Philly 24, Cousins hit Jefferson for 14 and Osborn for the 10 yard touchdown. Midway through the fourth quarter, the Vikings were within 27-21. Nick Sirianni went to the ground game as swift gained 7, 4, 3 and 2. On 3rd and 5 from his own 41, Hurts hit Brown for 12. Swift then ripped off a 43 yard gain. Swift then gained 2 and again ran for a 2 yard touchdown. With 4:13 to play, the Eagles led 34-21.
Cousins led a furious rally as the Vikings went 75 yards. Cousins hit Hockenson for a 10 yard touchdown with 1:10 to play to get the Vikings within 6 points. The onside kick failed but the Vikings still had 2 timeouts left on defense. The defense held, but by the time the Vikings got the ball back at their own 17, only 7 seconds remained. Rather than try and throw a 20 yard pass to the sideline to set up a more realistic Hail Mary, Cousins just went deep right away. He has a decent enough arm, but not one that can throw an 83 yard pass. The ball fell incomplete well short of the end zone as the clock ran out. The Vikings fell to 0-2 while the 2-0 Eagles escaped with another win that somehow became too close for comfort. 34-28 Eagles
Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons — Both teams won their openers over bad teams. In the first quarter the Falcons moved methodically from their own 27 to a 1st and goal at the one. Yet Arthur Hill chose finesse over smash mouth, a football sin. Desmond Ridder threw a pair of incompletions sandwiched around a run that went nowhere. Hill decided to go for it on 4th and goal, but a false start killed the attempt. The Falcons settled for a 24 yard Younghoe Koo field goal to lead 3-0.
The Packers took over at their own 16. Jordan Love hit Doubs for 15. On 3rd and 1 from their own 40, Love hit Musgrave for 17. On 3rd and 10 from the Atlanta 43, Love ran for 24. On 3rd and 2 from the Atlanta 11, Dillon gained just enough. Love then hit Reed for a 9 yard touchdown to cap the 11 play, 84 yard, 5 minute drive and make it 7-3 Packers early in the second quarter. The Falcons moved from their own 17 backward to their own 8 and then forward to a 4th and 4 at the Green Bay 41. Arthur Hill opted to go for it and Ridder threw incomplete. A short field led to Carlson hitting a 33 yard field goal to make it 10-3 Packers with 3 minutes left in the half.
After a touchback, Robinson ripped off gains of 9 and 13. Runs and short passes moved the Falcons to a 3rd and 1 at the Green Bay 26. Ridder got stopped cold as the Falcons called timeout with 30 seconds left. Hill passed up a field goal try and went for it on 4th and 1. Robinson gained 13 yards. Ridder hit Smith for 10 and Drake London for a 3 yard touchdown with 12 seconds left. Koo missed the extra point as the Falcons trailed 10-9 at the break.
Early in the third quarter, the Packers took over at their own 35. From their own 47, Love hit Doubs for 15. Love then went to Wicks for a 32 yard touchdown to make it 17-9 Packers. After a touchback the Falcons moved 60 yards in 13 plays and 7 1/2 minutes. On 1st and 10 from the Green Bay 12, Ridder went to Hollins for the touchdown. Yet on further review, the play was reversed to an incompletion. A run lost a yard and Ridder was then sacked. Koo hit a 33 yard field goal to get the Falcons within 17-12. The Packers took over at their own 22. Defensive pass interference on a deep ball meant a 43 yard gain. Love hit Reed for 8, 10, and then a 10 yard touchdown as the Packers had a solid 24-12 lead after three quarters.
After a touchback, the Falcons soon faced 3rd and 3 at their own 43 to start the fourth quarter. Ridder went deep to Hollins for a 45 yard gain. On 4th and 4 from the Green Bay 6 with 12 minutes left in regulation, Arthur Hill went for it again. Ridder got around the end and got in to get the Falcons within 24-19. The Falcons got the ball back and faced 3rd and 2 at their own 43 with 9 1/2 minutes left. On 3rd and 7 from the Green Bay 21, Ridder threw incomplete. This time Hill decided not to chance it. Koo hit the 39 yard field goal to get the Falcons within 24-22 midway through the fourth quarter.
The Atlanta defense forced a second consecutive 3 and out and got the ball back at their own 27 with 6 minutes left. With 2:07 to play, The Falcons faced a 4th and 1 at the Green Bay 23. A 41 yard field goal would give them the lead but still give the Packers plenty of time to win. Hill gambled. Robinson gained 7 yards. With one minute left and the Packers out of timeouts, the Falcons again faced 4th and 1, this time from the Green Bay 7. A 25 yard chip shot field goal would give the Falcons the lead, but a first down would let the Falcons take the clock all the way down. This time Hill was not going to risk losing by getting greedy. Koo made the field goal. After a touchback, Love had time but no timeouts. It didn’t matter. Love threw 4 straight incompletions as the Falcons with a dominant fourth quarter were the surprise 2-0 team. 25-24 Falcons
Las Vegas Raiders at Buffalo Bills — The Bills blew a 13-3 lead on Monday Night Football in a surprising overtime loss to the Jets. The Raiders briefly papered over their many deficiencies by eking out a one point win at Denver. The Raiders were the only AFC West team to win their opener, making them the division leader. This game was expected to be the reality check. Rather than just lineup and play normal smash mouth, Josh McDaniels loves his shotgun formations that fool nobody. Out of the shotgun, Josh Jacobs began the game by losing 4 yards. Jimmy Garoppolo did complete passes of 12 yards to Jacobs and on 3rd and 2 hit Davante Adams for 17. Tucker got around the end for a 34 yard gain. Garoppolo then went to Adams for a 16 yard touchdown. For the second straight week on the road, the Raiders led 7-0 on their first drive. It almost seemed too easy. For the second straight week, that first drive was a large chunk of the Raiders total offense.
The Raiders defense even forced a 3 and out. The Raiders got the ball back at their own 16. From their own 30, a West Coast Offense dink and dunk pass that Josh McDaniels and Jimmy Garoppolo love was intercepted. The Bills had gift field position at the Raiders 28. On 4th and 1 from the Raiders 6, Sean McDermott went for it and Josh Allen gained 2. Former Raiders running back Latavius Murray ran for a 4 yard touchdown against his former team for a 7-7 game.
The Raiders got the ball back in good field position at their own 31. Naturally, Josh McDaniels refused to run the ball at all. 3 straight passes saw 2 straight Garoppolo incompletions. The Bills got the ball back and soon faced 3rd and 6 from their own 20. Allen hit Dawson Knox for 7, Gabriel Davis for 7 more, and Davis again for 19. The Bills began the second quarter facing 3rd and 3 from the Raiders 37. Harris gained 11. Defensive pass interference on Nate Hobbs meant a 25 yard gain down to the one. Allen hit Knox for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 14-7 Bills. After a touchback the Raiders did respond with a 47 yard Daniel Carlson field goal to get within 14-10.
A 41 yard kickoff return set up the Bills at their own 47. The Bills moved to a 3rd and goal at the one. Murray got stopped. Sean McDermott went for it on 4th and goal. Allen threw incomplete. The Raiders much maligned defense had an inspired goal line stand. The offense wasted the effort by going 3 and out and giving the Bills the ball back at their own 43. On 3rd and 8, Allen hit Stefan Diggs for 17. Jared Cook ran for 9 and Allen added 15. Allen hit Davis for 15. With only 18 seconds left in the half, the Raiders defense finally broke. Allen hit Khalil Shakir for an 11 yard touchdown as the Bills led 21-10.
In the third quarter the Bills moved to turn out the lights. A 15 play, 75 yard, 9 minute drive steamrolled the Raiders defense that has been awful for at least a decade. Allen had a pair of incompletions and Cook had runs of 16 and 5. On 3rd and 2 from the Raiders 21, Allen hit Diggs for 10. On 4th and 1 from the Raiders 12, Sean McDermott went for the kill and Allen gained 2. On 4th and goal at the 2, McDermott again saw no reason to respect the Raiders defense. Allen hit Davis for the touchdown to make it 28-10 Bills. 4 plays later Garoppolo was intercepted again to set up a 29 yard Tyler Bass field goal to make it 31-10 Bills. The Bills added one more humiliation, gashing the Raiders defense on a 14 play, 95 yard, 7 1/2 minute drive. On 3rd and goal at the one, Harris got in to complete the blowout. Even in garbage time, the Raiders could only reach the Buffalo 15 before fumbling the ball away. 38-10 Bills
Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals — Both teams were expected to be good, but the Bengals got blasted by 21 points at Cleveland last week. After an opening touchback, Lamar Jackson went right to work. Runs and short passes led to a 3rd and 2 for Jackson from his own 44. Jackson hit Mark Andrews for 9. More runs and short passes led to a 3rd and 4 at the Cincinnati 10. Jackson hit O’Dell Beckham Jr. for 9. Edwards got the last yard to cap the 13 play, 75 yard, 8 minute drive and make it 7-0 Ravens. Late in the first quarter, John Harbaugh had Justin Tucker try a 59 yard field goal to extend the lead. The greatest kicker in the history of the NFL missed this one. It was the Cincinnati special teams that came through in a big way early in the second quarter as Charlie Jones returned a punt 81 yards for a Bengals touchdown and a 7-7 game.
The rest of the half belonged to the kickers. Tucker hit from 44, Evan McPherson answered from 27, and Tucker countered from 40 as the Ravens took a 13-10 lead to the locker rooms. In the third quarter an interception of Joe Burrow had the Ravens taking over at their own 38. Jackson immediately went deep to Zee Flowers for a 52 yard gain. On 3rd and goal at the 3, Jackson hit Andrew for the touchdown to make it 20-10 Ravens. The Bengals soon face 3rd and 3 at their own 32. Burrow hit Jamarr Chase for 13. On 3rd and 4 just past midfield, Burrow hit Boyd for 12 and Tee Higgins for 18. On 3rd and 3 from the Baltimore 12, Burrow hit Chase for 4 with roughing the passer adding 4 more. On 3rd and goal at the 3, Burrow hit Higgins for the touchdown. The 13 play, 75 yard, 6 minute drive had the Bengals within 20-17 late in the third quarter.
After a touchback, Edwards broke off a 20 yard run. Jackson ran for gains of 8. Penalties had the Ravens facing 2nd and 23 at their own 43 to start the fourth quarter. Jackson hit Andrews for 20 to set up 3rd and 3. Out of the shotgun with the defense expecting a pass, Edwards ran for a 4 yard gain. On 3rd and 2 from the Cincy 25, Edwards gained 3. On 3rd and 5 from the Cincy 17, Jackson hit Nelson Agholor for the touchdown. The 12 play, 75 yard, 6 minute drive had the Ravens up 27-17. The Bengals after one change of punts took over at their own 20. They needed 16 plays but got it done. Burrow hit Boyd for 13. On 3rd and 10 from his own 33, Burrow found Higgins for 16. On 4th and 4 from the Baltimore 45, Burrow hit Boyd for 9. Burrow then went to Higgins for 20. On 3rd and 1 from the Baltimore 7, Joe Mixon gained 3. On 3rd and goal at the 4, Burrow hit Higgins for the touchdown.
The Bengals were within 3, and there was still 3 1/2 minutes left in the game. With 2 1/2 minutes left, the Ravens faced 3rd and 3 at their own 32. Jackson gained 12 as the Bengals took their last timeout on defense. With 1:15 to play, the Ravens faced 3rd and 1 at the Cincy 47. Edwards gained 5 and Jackson took a knee. The Bengals fell to 0-2 for the second straight year. Last year they still rallied to reach the AFC Title Game. Meanwhile, the Ravens are 2-0 and looking like they did for several years before injuries last year derailed them. The rematch of these teams will be eagerly anticipated. 27-24 Ravens
Seattle Seahawks at Detroit Lions — The Seahawks looked awful in a home loss last week. The Lions shocked the football world by winning at the defending champions in Kansas City in the opener. This set up the most anticipated home game for the Lions in 30 years, perhaps since Bobby Layne and Tobin Rote in the 1950s. An emotional letdown for the Lions was a big possibility, and the Seahawks came out on fire. After an opening touchback, Kemba Walker ran for a 14 yard gain. On 3rd and 2 from their own 47, the Seahawks caught a break when the Lions were penalized for having 12 men on the field. Geno Smith hit Walker for 11 and DK Metcalf for 18. On 3rd and 9 from the Detroit 17, Smith hit Metcalf for 16. Walker got the last yard to culminate the 12 play, 75 yard, 8 minute drive and make it 7-0 Seahawks.
The Lions after a touchbacks David Montgomery run for 8 and Jared Goff hit Laporta for 11. From the Seattle 42, Goff hit Reynolds for 20 and again for the 22 yard touchdown to make it 7-7. The Lions got it back at their own 12 and moved to a 3rd and 1 at the Seattle 28. A run by Montgomery was blown up for a 3 yard loss. Dan Campbell is willing to take risks, but passing up a 49 yard field goal try for a 4th and 4 gamble was a big risk. Goff threw incomplete. The Seahawks failed to capitalize when Jason Myers missed a 45 yard field goal try. The Lions took over at their own 35. On 3rd and 5 from the Seattle 47, defensive pass interference meant an 11 yard gain. On the next play Goff went deep to Raymond for a 36 yard touchdown and a 14-7 Lions lead with 5 minutes left in the half.
The final 7 seconds of the half featured plenty of drama. Myers missed another field goal try from 58 yards out. That left the Lions with 2 seconds and one try from their own 46. Goff connected with St Brown for a 39 yard gain, but Brown fumbled the ball away to end the half. After a second half touchback, the Lions fumbled the ball away on their second consecutive play from scrimmage. This one was costly as the Seahawks took over at the Detroit 23. Smith hit Parkinson for 20. Walker ran for a 3 yard touchdown and a 14-14 tie. After a touchback, Goff went deep to St. Brown for 27. Montgomery ran for 15 with a defensive facemark adding 15 more. On 4th and 3 from the Seattle 11, Dan Campbell passed up an easy 29 yard field goal for the lead and went for it. Goff hit St. Brown for 5. On 3rd and goal at the 4 and the defense expecting pass, Montgomery ran it up the middle for the touchdown and a 21-14 Lions lead.
The Seahawks soon faced 4th and 1 from their own 41. This time it was Pete Carroll’s turn to gamble. Walker gained 3. The Seahawks moved to a 1st and goal at the 7. The drive died when a run went nowhere and Smith threw incomplete twice. Myers hit from 25 to get the Seahawks within 21-17. After a touchback the Lions faced 4th and 2 from their own 45. At this point Dan Campbell’s risk-taking went from bold to reckless. Goff threw deep incomplete and the Seahawks had a short field. Smith went to Charbonnet for 9 to end the third quarter and began the fourth quarter by hitting Dissly for 13. On 3rd and 10 from the Detroit 17, Smith hit Tyler Lockett for 12. Smith hit Lockett for the 3 yard touchdown to give the Seahawks the 24-21 lead. After a touchback, the Lions soon faced 2nd and 15 from their own 35. Goff’s pass was intercepted by Brown, who raced 40 yards for a defensive touchdown to put the Seahawks up 31-21 with only 6 minutes left in the game.
After a touchback, Goff hit Raymond for 10 with roughing the passer adding 15 more. On 3rd and 12 from their own 48, Goff hit Laporta for just enough. On 3rd and a7 from the Seattle 37, a great play call by Dan Campbell out of the shotgun had Gibbs running for 8. Goff hit Laporta for 23. Goff hit Reynolds for a 4 yard touchdown to get the Lions within 31-28 with 3 minutes left. The Seahawks self-destructed on offense. on 3rd and 8 from their own 20, offensive pass interference was followed by a 17 yard sack of Smith. The Seahawks punted on 4th and 35 from their own 3 yard line. A 17 yard punt return gave the Lions the ball at midfield at the 2 minute warning.
The Lions had all of their timeouts, but Dan Campbell seemed to be content playing for the tie and overtime. On 3rd and 6 from the Seattle 23, a short pass gained only 3 yards. This time on 4th and 3, Campbell was taking on chances. He let the clock run down to 3 seconds and brought in Riley Patterson for a 38 yard field goal try. The kick was good and this topsy-turvy game was tied 31-31 and headed to overtime. The Seahawks got the ball first after a touchback. Smith hit Fant for 17. On 3rd and 6 from his own 46, Smith found Metcalf for 16. Smith then went to Parkinson for 21. Everything came down to 3rd and 2 from the Detroit 6 nearly halfway through overtime. Rather than a safe run, Pete Carroll called a pass play. Smith found Lockett for the touchdown. The game was over. The Lions have come down to earth. 37-31 Seahawks, OT
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans — This was the first matchup between rookie quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and CJ Stroud. Richardson went right to work. On 3rd and 3 from his own 44, Richardson hit Granson for 11. On 3rd and 5 from the Houston 40, Richardson hit Downs for just enough. Richardson then hit Mo Alie-Cox for 15. Richardson ran for an 18 yard touchdown as the dual threat quarterback made it 7-0 Colts. Stroud had a tougher start. on 3rd and 5 from his own 23, Stroud was sacked and fumbled. The colts recovered at the Houston 15. One play later, Richardson was in the end zone again with another electric rushing touchdown to make it 14-0 Colts.
The Texans tried to make a game of it. On 3rd and 4 from their own 38, Stroud hit Collins for 28 and Dell for 9. On 3rd and 1 from the Indianapolis 25, Beck gained 2. On 4th and 1 from the indy 14, Demeco Ryans gambled. Ogunbowale gained 2. On 3rd and 6 from the Indy 8, Stroud hit Collins for the touchdown to get the Texans within 14-7. In the second quarter the Colts took over at their own 24. Richardson was out injured and in the concussion tent. It was time for the mustache. Minshew Mania was back, with Gardner Minshew playing the rest of the way. was From their own 39, Minshew went deep to Mallory for a 43 yard gain. Moss ran for 7 and then for an 11 yard touchdown to make it 21-7 Colts.
The Texans did manage another field goal before the half, but the Colts soon turned out the lights. On 3rd and 4 from their own 31, Minshew hit Downs for 12. On 3rd and 3 from midfield, Minshew hit Pittman for 8. On 3rd and 3 from the Houston 35, Minshew hit Mallory for 6. On 3rd and 7 from the Houston 15, Minshew hit Downs for 11. Minshew went to Kylen Granson for the 4 yard touchdown with 10 seconds left in the half to have the Colts cruising 28-10. Matt Gay tacked on a 42 yard third quarter field goal to make it 31-10 Colts. From there, the Colts just coasted. The Texans did manage a field goal and another touchdown in the fourth quarter, but got no closer. Kaimi Fairbairn’s 51 yard field goal try with 2:44 left to get the Texans within 8 was no good. The Colts won, but their big concern is Richardson’s reckless style of play leaves him open to serious injuries. 31-20 Colts
Kansas City Chiefs at Jacksonville Jaguars — The Jaguars are on the rise, while the Chiefs despite losing their home opener are still the defending champions. Patrick Mahomes and Trevor Lawrence are both every bit as good as advertised. Walrus Andy Reid is an offensive genius, and his former protege Doug Pederson learned very well. Yet this game was a surprising defensive slugfest rather than a shootout. The first quarter was scoreless. Early in the second quarter, the Chiefs fumbled a punt and the Jaguars recovered at the Kansas City 17. The Jaguars had to settle for a 32 yard Brandon McManus field goal and a 3-0 lead. Then came 4 straight turnovers and each team fumbled, Patrick Mahomes was intercepted, and the Jaguars turned it over on downs.
At the 2 minute warning the Chiefs faced 4th and 2 at the Jacksonville 42. Doug Pederson’s prior gambled failed but Walrus Andy Reid’s succeeded. Mahomes hit Clyde Edwards-Helaire for 10. Mahomes then went to Travis Kelce for 7, Gray for 16, and Skyy Moore for a 9 yard touchdown. With 27 seconds left in the half, the Chiefs had the 7-3 lead. After a touchback, Lawrence quickly hit Kirk for 11 and Ridley for 26. McManus nailed a 49 yard field goal to end the half with the Jaguars within 7-6.
The Chiefs began the third quarter at their own 19. Isaiah Pacheco ran for a 31 yard gain. On 3rd and 10 from midfield, Mahomes went deep to Watson for 34. On 3rd and 3 from the Jacksonville 9, Mahomes hit Taylor Swift’s future ex-boyfriend Travis Kelce for the touchdown and the 14-6 Chiefs lead. The Jaguars moved from their own 23 to a 1st and goal at the one to start the fourth quarter. Lawrence went around the end and lost 3 yards. Lawrence then threw incomplete twice. Doug Pederson was not in a gambling mood with most if the entire fourth quarter to play. McManus hit the 22 yard field goal to get the Jaguars within 14-9.
The Chiefs after a touchback moved 65 yards in 13 plays and 5 1/2 minutes. On 4th and 1 from the Jags 30, Andy Reid went for it with 10 1/2 minutes left. Pacheco gained 2. Yet on 1st and goal at the 10, a pair of false starts along with 3 incompletions killed the drive. Harrison Butker hit the 38 yard field goal to put the Chiefs back up by 8 midway through the fourth quarter. After a touchback the Jaguars moved to a 1st and 10 at the Kansas City 14. Yet a pair of incompletions and a sack meant 4th and 12. With 4 1/2 minutes left, Doug Pederson went for it rather than kick another field goal. Lawrence threw incomplete.
Mahomes ran for 14 as the clock ticked down. On 3rd and 6 from his own 34 just before the 2 minute warning, Andy Reid went high risk, high reward. Mahomes went deep to Moore for a 54 yard gain. On 2nd and 4 from the Jags 6 with the Jaguars out of timeouts, Pacheco gained 5. Despite 1st and goal at the one, a very classy Andy Reid decided not to run up the score. Mahomes took 3 knees for the tough defensive win. 17-9 Chiefs
Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Both teams were expected to be bad, but the Buccaneers went into Minnesota and got an upset win last week. They had to avoid a letdown at home against the lowly Bears. After an opening touchback, the Buccaneers moved 67 yards in 12 plays and 6 minutes. On 1st and 10 from the Chicago 13, a run lost yards to kill the drive. Chase McLaughlin hit the 26 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Buccaneers. After a touchback, the Bears responded quickly. Justin Fields went deep to Moore for 33. On 3rd and 5 from the Tampa Bay 37, Fields hit Moore again for 31 more. Fields ran for a one yard touchdown to make it 7-3 Bears.
The Buccaneers after a touchback moved 63 yards in 11 plays and 6 1/2 minutes. The second quarter began with the Buccaneers facing 3rd and 6 at the Chicago 22. Baker Mayfield threw incomplete. McLaughlin’s 40 yard field goal try was blocked. The Buccaneers got the ball back at their own 23 and this time struck quickly.Mayfield went bombs away to Mike Evans for a 70 yard gain. On 3rd and goal at the 4, Rachaad White ran it in to put the Buccaneers in front 10-7. The Bears moved from their own 20 to a 1st and 10 at the Tampa Bay 24. Fields was sacked and then on 3rd and 13 sacked again. Cairo Santos bailed the Bears out with a 52 yard field goal for a 10-10 game with 1:55 left in the half.
The Buccaneers rapidly moved after a touchback to a 1st and goal at the 7 with 9 seconds left. A pointless scramble by Mayfield gained one yard. Then he threw incomplete. McLaughlin hit the 25 yard field goal as the Buccaneers took a 13-10 lead to the locker rooms. The Buccaneers began their first drive of the third quarter at their own 11. Mayfield went to Evans for a 36 yard gain. On 3rd and 1 from the Chicago 42, Mayfield hit Wells for just enough. On 4th and 1 from the Chicago 32, Todd Bowles decided to go for it. White gained 4. On 3rd and 14 from the Chicago 32, Mayfield went deep to Evans for another touchdown and a 20-10 Buccaneers lead with 4 minutes left in the third quarter.
With 10 minutes left in regulation, the Bears took over at their own 10. From their 23, Fields hit Kenneth Herbert for 23. On 3rd and 10, Fields went to Moore for big gains of 22 and 12 and to Chase Claypool for a 20 yard touchdown. With 6 1/2 minutes left in regulation, the Bears were right back in it down 20-17. With 2:24 to play, the Bears got the ball back at their own 7 yard line as Fields had a chance to be the hero. A short pass was complete to Barrett, who plays defense for Tampa Bay. He took the interception and strolled 4 yards into the end zone for the dagger. Fields threw in another interception for good measure. The Buccaneers are 2-0 and surprising everyone. Yet Baker Mayfield, who is on his 4th team in 2 years, is a good quarterback. The Bears are 0-2 and surprising nobody. Fields is not playing well and the Matt exchange of a Nagy for an Eberflus is not improving things. 27-17 Buccaneers
Los Angeles Chargers at Tennessee Titans — Both teams lost their opener in heartbreaking fashion. Nobody squanders talent and loses close games like the Chargers, especially in the Brandon Staley era. Early on Mike Vrabel gambled on 4th and 4 from the Chargers 46. Ryan Tannehill was sacked to give the Chargers gift field position at the Tennessee 48. On 3rd and 2, Kelley gained 5. On 4th and 2 from the Tennessee 27, Justin Herbert hit Mike Williams for 20. Yet 1st and goal at the 7 saw a pair of Herbert incompletions sandwiched around a run that lost 2 yards. Cameron Dicker hit the 27 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Chargers.
The Titans had to punt the ball on 4th and 22 from their own 3 yard line. A 19 yard punt return gave the Chargers another short field at the Tennessee 47. On 3rd and 1, Herbert got stopped. Brandon staley went for it on 4th and 1 rather than try a 56 yard field goal. Davis got around the end for a 10 yard gain with a horse collar tackle penalty adding 14 more. Staley gambled again on 4th and 4 from the Tennessee 6, a reckless move that frequently backfires on him. Yet this time Herbert hit Keenan Allen for the touchdown. Staley also went for a pointless 2 point conversion. Herbert hit Trey Pipkins successfully as the Chargers led 11-0 midway through the second quarter.
After a touchback, Tannehill went bombs away to Burks for a 70 yard gain. Derrick Henry ran for 4 and then for the one yard touchdown to get the Titans within 11-7. After a touchback, the Chargers moved to a 3rd and 7 at the Tennessee 12. Herbert threw incomplete. Dicker hit the 30 yard field goal to put the Chargers up 14-7 the hard way. After a touchback, the Titans moved to a 3rd and 4 at the Chargers 16. A run only gained one yard as both teams let the clock tick down to 4 seconds. Nick Folk hit the 33 yard field goal to get the Titans within 14-10.
Early in the third quarter the Titans faced 3rd and 4 at their own 31. Tannehill hit Deandre Hopkins for 9. On 3rd and 13 from the Chargers 43, Tannehill threw incomplete but defensive unnecessary roughness meant 15 yards and a new set of downs. On 3rd and 6 from the Chargers 24, Tannehill threw incomplete again but roughing the passer meant 12 yards and another first down. On the next play Tannehill ran for a 12 yard touchdown. Imbecilic mistakes by the Chargers defense had the Titans up 17-14.
Late in the third quarter the Chargers took over at their own 20. On 2nd and 10m Herbert went to Williams for 11, to Smartt for 24, and to Everett for 29. The Chargers began the fourth quarter facing 2nd and 6 at the Tennessee 12. Herbert hit Allen for the touchdown as the Chargers retook the lead 21-17. With 6 minutes left in regulation the Titans took over at their own 18. Tannehill went deep to Moore for 49 yards. On 3rd and 4 from the Chargers 27, Tannehill hit Hopkins for 14 with another roughing the passer call adding 7 more. On 3rd and goal at the 4, Tannehill hit Westbrook-Ikhine for the touchdown. With 2:22 to play, the Titans led this see-saw game 24-21.
After a touchback, Herbert hit Williams for gains of 15 and 9 and Donald Parham for 7. Herbert went to Allen for 14 and 11. With 20 seconds left, the Chargers had a chance to win facing 3rd and 3 at the Tennessee 7. With everything on the line, Herbert was sacked. Dicker hit the 33 yard field goal to send this game into overtime tied 24-24. The Chargers got the ball first in overtime after a touchback but Herbert threw 3 straight incompletions. The Titans took over at their own 39. Spears gained 14. On 3rd and 2 from the Chargers 39, Henry got just enough. Tannehill then hit Hopkins for 14. Midway through overtime, the Titans faced 3rd and 10 at the Chargers 23. Mike Vrabel was not taking any chances. Folk came in for the 41 yard try to win it. His kick was good as the Chargers suffered another brutal loss. At 0-2, fans know Brandon Staley is wasting the potential of his team. 27-24 Titans, OT
New York Giants at Arizona Cardinals — The Cardinals blew a fourth quarter lead last week while the Giants suffered a humiliating 40-0 home loss to Dallas. Early on the Cardinals had a chance to strike first but Matt Prater missed a 55 yard field goal try. The Cardinals got the ball back at their own 14. Joshua Dobbs ran for 13, with defensive unnecessary roughness adding 15 more. On 3rd and 7 from the Giants 39, Dobbs hit Wilson for 21. James Conner ran for a 4 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Cardinals. The Cardinals got it back at their own 20. Dobbs hit McBride for 23 and Zac Ertz for 14. On 3rd and 5 from the Giants 37, Dobbs hit Moore for 14. On the first play of the second quarter, Dobbs scrambled for a 23 yard touchdown and a 14-0 Cardinals lead.
Matt Prater tacked on field goals of 44 and 37, the latter one being set up by a Daniel Jones interception. The Cardinals led 20-0 at halftime. The Giants had been outscored 60-0 on the season. Would the Giants be the first team in NFL history to go the entire season without scoring a single point? No. After a touchback, Jones went deep on the very first play from scrimmage to Hyatt for 58 yards. Two plays later Jones ran for a 14 yard touchdown to get the Giants their first points of the season. Yet after a touchback the Cardinals kept rolling. Conner ran for 22 and again for 10. An interception of Dobbs was wiped away by a 10 yard defensive pass interference penalty. Conner ran for 21 more. Dobbs hit Malcolm Hollywood Brown for a 3 yard touchdown. Jonathan Gannon called for a 2 point conversion try. Dobbs ran it in himself to give the Cardinals a 28-7 lead.
After a touchback, Jones went to Darren Waller for 9 and to Darrius Slayton for 29. On 3rd and 12 from the Arizona 34, Jones scrambled for 13. A sack of Jones was wiped out by defensive unnecessary roughness. On 3rd and goal at the one, Saquon Barkley got in for the touchdown as the Giants trailed 28-14. The Giants got the ball back to start the fourth quarter at their own 20. Jones went to Slayton for 15 and Waller for 25. Jones ran for 9 and on 3rd and 1 from the Arizona 31 gained 2. Jones hit Waller for 14. On 4th and 1 from the Arizona 6, Brian Daboll went for it 10 minutes left. Jones gained 2. On 3rd and goal from the 9, Jones went to Barkley for the touchdown. The Giants were now within 28-21.
Midway through the fourth quarter, the Giants got the ball back at their own 36. Jones scrambled for 15. Jones then went deep to Hyatt for 31. Jones went to Waller for 13. Jones hit Hodhins for an 11 yard touchdown. With 4 1/2 minutes left, the Giants came all the way back to tie the game 28-28. With 2 1/2 minutes left the Giants got the ball back again at their own 28. Barkley caught a pass from Jones for 8 and ran for 10. Jones went to Clayton for 18. Barkley then gained 16. With 19 seconds left in the game, Graham Gano came in for a 34 yard field goal try for the win. The kick was good as 24 unanswered points gave the Giants a stunning comeback win. Last year in Week 2 the Cardinals overcame a 20-0 halftime deficit at home to win in overtime. This year in Week 2 they blew a 20-0 halftime lead and lost on the final play. 31-28 Giants
San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams — The Rams looked impressive in getting a road win at Seattle last week, but the 49ers presented a far sterner test. After a touchback, runs and short passes had the 49ers at midfield. Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy hit Brandon Aiyuk for 12. On 3rd and 7 from the Rams 35, Purdy went to Aiyuk for 13. Christian McCaffrey ran for a 14 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 49ers. After a touchback, the Rams moved 50 yards in 11 plays and 6 1/2 minutes. On 1st and 10 from the San Francisco 27, an 11 yard completion was wiped out by offensive holding. The Rams settled for a 43 yard field goal to trail 7-3.
The 49ers after a touchback soon faced 1st and 10 from their own 36. McCaffrey got around the end for a 51 yard gain. On 3rd and 6 from the Rams 9, Purdy threw incomplete. Moody hit a 27 yard field goal to make it 10-3 49ers early in the second quarter. Moody hit the ensuing kickoff out of bounds to set up the Rams at their own 40. On 3rd and 4, Matthew Stafford hit Nacua for 20, Williams for 10, and Nacua for 9. Stafford hit Williams for a 6 yard touchdown for a 10-10 game.
The Rams got the ball back at their own 12. Stafford hit Nacua for 8, Atwell for 11 and 18, and Nacua for 13. Williams did the rest, gashing the defense for gains of 6, 4, 7, 2, and on 3rd and 1 from the Frisco 4, the touchdown. With 1:45 left in the half, the Rams had a 17-10 lead. After a touchback, Purdy went to Deebo Samuel for 23, McCaffrey for 9, and Jennings for 20. Defensive pass interference added 19 yards down to the one. Purdy threw incomplete twice, leaving one second. Kyle Shanahan gambled. Purdy kept the ball on the quarterback sneak and got in the end zone for a 17-17 tie at the half.
In the third quarter the Rams moved from their own 28 to a 1st and 10 at the San Francisco 25. Offensive holding was followed by Stafford getting interception. The 49ers took over at their own 28. Purdy hit Aiyuk for 18 and George Kittle for 12. On 3rd and 7 from the Rams 39, Purdy threw incomplete. Kyle Shanahan trusted Moody with a 57 yard field goal try. Moody delivered as the 49ers led 20-17 after three quarters. The 49ers began the fourth quarter at their own 26. Purdy went to Samuel for 16 and Jennings for 31. On 3rd and 1 from the Rams 15, Purdy gained 4. Samuel ran for an 11 yard touchdown as 17 unanswered points had the 49ers up 27-17 with 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation.
The Rams after a touchback moved to a 1st and 10 at the San Franciscon19. An intentional grounding penalty on Stafford meant an 11 yard loss and killed the drive. Maher hit a 48 yard field goal to get the Rams within 27-20. The Rams got the ball back with a chance to tie the game. Yet on 3rd and 5 from his own 25, Stafford was intercepted. The 49ers took over at the Rams 15. They settled for a 26 yard Moody field goal but led comfortably 30-20 with 3 minutes left. With 2 1/2 minutes left on 4th and 1 from their own 39, Williams got stopped for a one yard loss. The Rams got it back again with 90 seconds left at their own 30. Sean McVay wanted to kick a field goal, get an onside kick, and have a shot at a Hail Mary. The drive took too long. By the time Maher hit the 38 yard field goal, the clock was at zeroes. The outcome was not affected, but the gamblers were angry that a pointless field goal defeated a 7 1/2 point spread. Meanwhile, the 49ers are 2-0 after a pair of convincing road wins. 30-23 49ers
New York Jets at Dallas Cowboys — The Jets won an overtime thriller in the opener over Buffalo but lost Aaron Rodgers for the year. The Cowboys went on the road and obliterated the Giants 40-0. After an opening touchback, the Cowboys soon faced 3rd and 2 at their own 45. Dak Prescott hit CeeDee Lamb for 6 and then again for 25. On 3rd and 6 from the Giants 20, Prescott gained 15. On 3rd and goal at the 4, Prescott hit Ferguson for the touchdown. The 12 play, 75 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive made it 7-0 Cowboys. In the second quarter the Cowboys faced 2nd and 12 from their own 3 yard line. Prescott went to Lamb for a 33 yard gain. The Cowboys moved to a 3rd and 7 at the Jets 20. A completion gained only 3 yards. Aubrey hit a 35 yard field goal to make it 10-0 Cowboys.
Midway through the second quarter the Jets took over at their own 32. One play was all Zach Wilson needed to connect with his non-relative Wilson for a 68 yard touchdown to get the Jets within 10-7. After a touchback, Prescott hit Lamb for 20. On 3rd and 3 from the Jets 47, Prescott hit Turpin for 9. Prescott then hit Vaughn for 11. Vaughn then ran for 13 and 3. On 3rd and 7 from the Jets 11, Prescott threw incomplete but roughing the passer kept the drive going. On 3rd and goal from the 13, Prescott threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant 1st and goal at the one. Prescott hit Shoonmaker for the touchdown. Defensive holding and roughing the passer put the ball on the one for the conversion, so Mike McCarthy went for 2. Tony Pollard got in to make it 18-7 Cowboys.
The Jets did get a 34 yard field goal from Siebert to end the half, but nothing else. The second half belonged to the Dallas defense and their kicker. Aubrey connected from 21 and 55 in the third quarter, the latter one set up by a Jets fumble. In the fourth quarter. Aubrey hit from 26 and 30. Wilson threw interceptions on 3 straight fourth quarter drives to end the game. 30-10 Cowboys
Washington Commanders at Denver Broncos — The Commanders mounted a fourth quarter comeback win last week after trailing 16-10 while the Broncos blew a 16-10 fourth quarter lead at home in a loss to the Raiders. In the first quarter the Broncos took over at their own 39. Russell Wilson went to Jerry Jeudy for 11. Williams gained 15. On 3rd and 2 from the Washington 27, Wilson ran for 14. McLaughlin ran for 5 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Broncos. The Commanders did get a 44 yard Joey Slye field goal to almost end the first quarter. Yet after a touchback and a roughing the passer penalty, Wilson went deep to Mims for a 60 yard touchdown. The Broncos led 14-3 after the first quarter. The Broncos in the second quarter soon faced 3rd and 4 at their own 16. Wilson went deep to Mims for a 53 yard gain. On 4th and 1 from the Washington 22, Sean Payton went for it. Wilson gained 2. Wilson hit Johnson for a 16 yard touchdown to have the Broncos cruising up 21-3.
The Broncos were in total control midway through the second quarter and had the ball again at the Washington 45. Then Wilson was sacked and fumbled. The Commanders recovered just past midfield. A defensive facemark penalty added 15 yards. With 1:47 left in the half after a pair of incompletions, the Commanders faced 4th and goal at the 4. Riverboat Ron Rivera needed to spark his team. Sam Howell found Logan Thomas for the touchdown. Rivera went for 2 and Robinson ran it in to get the Commanders within 21-11. The Commanders got it back with 1:20 left at their own 23. Howell hit Curtis Samuel for 14. On 3rd and 13 from their own 34, Howell hit Bates for 35 yards. Slye ended the half with a 49 yard field goal as the Commanders only trailed 21-14.
The Commanders began their first drive of the third quarter at their own 43. On 3rd and 10, Howell ran for 11 with defensive holding adding 5 more. Robinson ran for 11. Howell then went deep to Terry McLaurin for a 30 yard touchdown. 18 unanswered points tied the game 21-21. Wilson was then intercepted. The Commanders had a golden opportunity to take the lead with a 3rd and 3 at the Denver 24. Howell was sacked and fumbled. The Commanders retained possession after a 17 yard loss. Ron Rivera brought in Slye for a 59 yard field goal try for the lead. The kick was no good.
The great field position had the Broncos facing 4th and 2 at the Washington 43. Wilson hit Cortland Sutton for 13 and Perine for 9. On 3rd and 2 from the Washington 10, Wilson was sacked. Wil Lutz hit a 31 yard field goal to put the Broncos back in front 24-21. The Commanders soon faced 2nd and 15 at their own 20. Howell threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant a 7 yard gain and a 1st down. Robinson then ripped off a 27 yard gain. The fourth quarter began with the Commanders facing 2nd and 14 at midfield. Howell connected with Gibson for 36 yards and Turner for 14 more. Robinson ran for a 2 yard touchdown to give the Commanders their first lead 28-24.
The Commanders got it back and soon faced 3rd and 8 from their own 38. Howell was sacked but defensive holding meant another automatic first down. Howell hit Robinson for 21. Robinson ran for a 15 yard touchdown. A 28-3 scoreboard run had the Commanders up 35-24 midway through the fourth quarter. Then the game changed again. After a touchback, the Broncos moved 61 yards in 15 plays and 5 1/2 minutes. With 2:07 to play, the Broncos faced 1st and goal at the one. Wilson was sacked twice. With 1:50 left and needing 2 scores, Sean Payton went with the field goal. Lutz hit from 32 to get the Broncos within 35-27.
The onside kick, just like in the opener, was a good one. Just like in the opener, it still failed. Yet the Broncos took their timeouts on defense and held. The Broncos took over at their own 13 with 48 seconds left and 0 timeouts. With 28 seconds left on 4th and 3 from their own 20, Wilson gained 14. With 9 seconds left from his own 34, Wilson hit Sutton for 15. From midfield, 3 seconds remained. It was Hail Mary time. Wilson heaved it short of the end zone. It was batted up in the air a first time, a second time, and then a third time. Brandon Johnson caught it for the miracle touchdown. The Broncos were a 2 point conversion away from forcing overtime. Yet this time, Wilson’s 2 yard pass was incomplete. The Commanders survive to get to 2-0 while the Broncos in the Sean Payton era are 0-2. They lost both games by a combined 3 points, but both losses were at home. 35-33 Commanders
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots was the Sunday night game. For the first time in forever, the Dolphins were favored on the road against the Patriots. The Dolphins in the first quarter took over at their own 15. They moved 81 yards in 13 plays and 7 1/2 minutes. On 2nd and goal at the 3, a run lost a yard. Then Tua Tagovailoa threw incomplete. Jason Sanders hit a 23 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Dolphins.
After a touchback the Patriots moved to a 3rd and 6 at the Miami 39. Mac Jones hit Douglas for 10, but Douglas fumbled the ball away. The Dolphins took over at their own 27 to start the second quarter. On 3rd and 7, Tua Tagovailoa hit Tyreek Hill for 8. Ahmed ran for 10. Tagovailoa hit Jalen waddle for 15. On 2nd and 19, Tagovailoa went back to Waddle for 28. Raheem Mostert ran for an 8 yard touchdown to cap the 11 play, 73 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive and make it 10-0 Dolphins.
The Patriots finally got on the scoreboard with 1:49 left in the half on a 49 yard Ryland field goal, but Dolphins kept coming. On 3rd and 1 from their own 34, Mostert gained 6. Tagovailoa hit Cracraft for 22, Smythe for 6, Cracraft again for 12, Berrios for 18, and Hill for a 2 yard touchdown with 11 seconds left in the half for a 17-3 Dolphins lead. The Dolphins moved from their own 6 to the New England 31 in the third quarter, but a 49 yard field goal try by Sanders was blocked. The Patriots moved from the Miami 49 to the Miami 22 but then Mac Jones was intercepted. The third quarter was scoreless.
A field position game had the Patriots getting the ball back at their own 42 to start the fourth quarter. Jones hit Hunter Henry for 13 and Juju Smith-Schuster for 12. On 3rd and 15 from the Miami 35, Jones scrambled for 18, with defensive holding adding 5 more. Jones hit Henry for a 6 yard touchdown to get the Patriots within 17-10 with 11 1/2 minutes left. Tagovailoa was intercepted, but the Patriots could not capitalize. The Patriots punted on 4th and 20 from their own 4. The Dolphins got the ball back at the New England 43. One play later, Mostert was running the ball into the end zone for a 24-10 Dolphins lead.
In desperation mode after a touchback, Jones got a pair of breaks with 2 defensive pass interference penalties. On 3rd and 7 just shy of midfield, Jones hit Parker for 14. aimondre Stevenson gained 12 and 5. Jones hit Smith-Schuster for 11. Stevenson got the last 2 yards. With 5 1/2 minutes left, the Patriots were within 7 points. After a touchback, the Dolphins ground up the clock and moved to a 3rd and 1 at the New England 35. Tagovailoa fumbled the snap and recovered with a 2 yard loss. Mike Mcdaniel gambled on a 55 yard field goal try to ice the game, but Sanders was no good.
The Patriots had 2:14 to work with from their own 45 to tie the game. With one minute left the Patriots had 4th and 4 at the Miami 35. A hook and lateral appeared to gain a first down, but officials reviewed the spot and reversed the call to short of the first down. The Patriots fell to 0-2 for the first time since 2001, when an unheralded 6th round pick helped start a dynasty. He’s retired. The Patriots fought back in both losses to erase double digit deficits, but fell short. Both losses were at home. The Dolphins are 2-0, with both wins coming on the road. 24-17 Dolphins
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers was the first Monday night game. Derek Carr helped the Saints eke out a one point win in their opener while the Bryce Young era in Carolina began with a loss. The first half was a slog. Eddie Pineiro hit a 52 yard field goal for the Panthers in the first quarter. Grupe answered from 28 and in the second quarter hit from 23 as the Saints led 6-3 at the break. Pineiro hit again from 54 for a 6-6 deadlock in the third quarter.
The Saints soon faced 3rd and 7 from their own 28. Carr went deep to Chris Olave for a 42 yard gain. On 3rd and 2 from the Carolina 22, Jones gained 6. On 3rd and 1 from the Carolina 7, Jones gained 5 and then ran for the 2 yard touchdown. With 3 minutes left in the third quarter, the game’s first touchdown capped the 10 play, 75 yard, 6 minute drive and had the Saints up 13-6. In the fourth quarter the Panthers took over at their own 20 and moved 62 yards in 11 plays and nearly 6 1/2 minutes. On 3rd and 3 from the New Orleans 13, Young was sacked. Pineiro hit from 36 but the Panthers trailed 13-9.
The Saints took over at their ow 21 with 5 1/2 minutes left in the game. Carr went deep to Shaheed for a 45 yard gain. Taysom Hill came in and got around the end for a 19 yard gain. Jones ran for a 2 yard touchdown to give the Saints breathing room up 20-9 with 3:14 to play. The Panthers quickly moved 75 yards 11 plays. Young went to Adam Thielen for a 3 yard touchdown with 1:16 to play. Young went to Thielen again for the 2 point conversion. The onside kick failed and Carr took 3 knees to get the Saints to 2-0 on the year. The Panthers are winless. 20-17 Saints
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers was the second Monday night game. The Browns last week at home belted Cincinnati while the Steelers at home were belted by San Francisco. On the first play from scrimmage after a touchback, Deshaun Watson was immediately intercepted. Alex Highsmith returned the pick 30 yards for a defensive touchdown and a 7-0 Steelers lead. After another touchback, the Browns offense rebounded and moved 50 yards in 12 plays and 6 minutes. On 3rd and 8 from the Pittsburgh 25, Watson threw incomplete. Dustin Hopkins hit a 43 yard field goal to get the Browns on the scoreboard. Kenny Pickett was then quickly intercepted to set up the Browns at the Pittsburgh 19. Yet all the Browns did was move backward and see another 43 yard field goal try by Hopkins miss the mark.
The teams exchanged fumbles to set up the Browns at the Pittsburgh 23. Watson hit Amari Cooper for 12 and Ford for a 3 yard touchdown. Ford ran in a 2 point conversion try that seemed unnecessary. Kevin Stefanski’s gamble paid off as the Browns led 11-7 early in the second quarter. Yet the drive came at a cost as Nick Chubb suffered an injured knee and is now out for the year.
A 14 yard punt return had the Steelers with a short field goal at the Cleveland 39. Yet on 3rd and 5, Pickett threw incomplete. Chris Boswell hit from 52 to get the Steelers within 11-10. The Steelers got it back and faced 3rd and 10 from their own 18. Pickett went to Warren for 11. Pickett then connected with George Pickens for a 71 yard touchdown. Mike Tomlin’s 2 point conversion try failed but the Steelers led 16-11. Hopkins nailed a 55 yard field goal for the Browns to end the half, but Boswell countered from 50 in the third quarter to make it 19-14 Steelers.
After a touchback, the Browns struck quickly. Ford ripped off a 69 yard run down to the one yard line. Strong got in for the touchdown. Kevin Stefansky again went for 2 and Watson ran it in himself. The Browns led 22-19. The Browns got it back and had an impressive drive from their own one yard line to a 3rd and 2 at the Pittsburgh 35. Offensive holding was followed by a rare offensive facemark penalty. Even more rare was that it was committed by Watson, who grabbed at the defender trying to tackle him. On 3rd and 28, a completion’s fumbled.
Then things got even stranger. The Browns got the ball back at their own 6. From their own 20, Watson was sacked, resulting in another fumble. This time TJ Watt picked it up and rumbled 16 yards for the score. The defensive touchdown had the Steelers up by 4 points midway through the fourth quarter. The Browns began their last drive with 3 minutes left at their own 25. At the 2 minute warning the Browns were very much alive, facing 2nd and 7 at the Pittsburgh 47. Then came a Watson incompletion, a sack, and another Watson incompletion. 26-22 Steelers