In games that were mostly based on thrill and spontaneity, the second week of the NFL season has delivered an enormous amount of interesting football. Ten matches were won on a single score, while four ended with game-winning points in the final moments. With such scenarios, it appeared nothing could be more exciting for the fans than the weekend of American football experienced last weekend. Four teams that missed out on the playoffs last season have opened the season at 2-0, which gives an indication that perhaps it might not be easy for anyone to win the league.

 

Bengals' Struggles Continue

It's become a telltale sign under coach Zac Taylor that the Cincinnati Bengals start the season with a record of 0-2 for the third consecutive year. Traditionally, the Bengals do not start well since they have lost their last seven games of Week 1 and Week 2. Having had victories propel them into the playoffs in 2021 and 2022, failing to make the playoffs this season might end for Taylor.

Mistakes and errors in addition to failure to convert on opportunities in this very tough AFC North could be a call for massive change if they do not pick up and turn their ways sooner rather than later.

 

Injuries Piling Up on the Rams

What could be viewed as an odd twist is that the Los Angeles Rams are now being seen as the NFC West's weakest link after their loss at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals. Injuries continue to be the problem plaguing the team as Puka Nacua is going to miss several weeks and Cooper Kupp has already been photographed in a walking boot. Injuries have ravaged the offense line for the Rams, crippling them to a great degree in competing.

Owing to their obvious improvement, teams like the Cardinals and Seahawks don't look so farfetched at all, making it increasingly likely that the Los Angeles team will end the season at the bottom of their division.

 

Baltimore's Playoff Hopes Dwindling?

For the first time since 2015, Baltimore Ravens are experiencing an uncharacteristic start with an 0-2 record. Such beginnings historically were what spelled trouble for their chances at the playoffs. But they have struggled in holding leads late in games in a promising total yards differential. The schedule moving forward doesn't look so easy, with teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills in their way.

However, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh as well as quarterback Lamar Jackson have space to breathe based on their previous games and will likely find a way to muscle through this tough period.

 

Geno Smith: Scoring Machine or All Hype?

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has been pretty good at coming down to crunch time, but declaring him as NFL's most clutch quarterback is too early. His performance against the New England Patriots showed that he certainly is made of stuff who can lead a rally, but it is the established stars like Patrick Mahomes who are still front-runners in this narrative. Statistics speak volumes about Smith's skills; only time will tell if he shall be able to do the same on consistent basis while under pressure against elite performers.

Saints' Offense

The New Orleans Saints have asserted themselves as one of the most potent offensive machinery in the NFC, scoring an impressive 44 points against the Dallas Cowboys. The way they scored on every possession in the first half had all the makings of a team that could mushroom into something spectacular.

With Derek Carr at the helm and Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave doing so much of the heavy lifting in playmaking, this unit is poised to contest for conference supremacy if this level of play continues.

Trevor Lawrence, the quarterback of the Jacksonville Jaguars, has been on to another disappointing outing as his team extended its losing streak to seven games. Lawrence has been struggling, and this makes one question the status quo in relation to his being the franchise quarterback, especially after there has been some quite a substantial investment into him by the organization. With only one win since last season, and such underwhelming performances, Lawrence must step it up real fast or more criticism about his future may suffocate him in discussions.

 

Marvin Harrison Jr. Rookie Implication

And just like everybody else, rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., is making early ruffles in the NFL after a notable show against the Rams, recording four catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns-all coming within the first quarter of play. That type of explosive playing suggests that he can probably go over 1,000 receiving yards this season, marking him as one who will easily eclipse franchise marks set by previous glories.

And so, finally it all boils down to the emergence of Harrison, and who will be among the biggest exciters for the fans of the Cardinals, but also sets the stages for an exciting year in which to see the growth.

As week 2 closes, unpredictability has become the theme in the NFL this year. How each team will find ways to win or cope with losing has become of paramount importance as the injury bug starts to show its head and early-season lulls in play begin to settle in, as well. The Week ahead will hold many more twists and turns as fans see how their teams will recover.