Atlanta Falcons 24, NY Giants 20 - Once again, another heartbreak for the G-Men, as they snatch defeat from the jaws of victory for the second week in a row, allowing an unlikely touchdown by the opposition in the games waning seconds to allow a sure win to escape from their grasp. The Giants were essentially dominating much of the second half, and had opportunities to put the Falcons away, but they never did. Too many silly mistakes, too many penalties, too little good converted offensively, and too many lapses on defense. New York could easily be 2-0 at this point if just one or two plays in each game go the other way. Instead, they have dug themselves into an 0-2 hole, and have only a few days to recuperate before their next game at home against Washington on Thursday night. A horrible way to start the season. As for the Falcons, this is a hot start, and they are looking very solid so far!
Dallas 20, Philadelphia 10 - The Cowboys were able to grit this one out, earning a tough road win against a divisional opponent, giving them a very valuable 2-0 mark against division rivals to begin the season. That said, they now are without Romo or Bryant, and that could be trouble. Who could have guessed that they would only be one game ahead of Washington, but already two games ahead of both new York and Philadelphia at this point, so early in the season? Not time to panic just yet in Philly, but it's getting closer.
Oakland 37, Baltimore 33 - Of all the results yesterday, this was the one that shocked me the most! Who could have foreseen the Ravens, one of my picks to be a top tier team this season, starting off with a dismal 0-2 record. Yes, both games were on the road, but the Raiders are a team that the Ravens should beat. Allowing a very late rally that earned the win for Oakland was not a good sign regarding the absence of Suggs, and the defense had better tighten up. If not, the season could be slipping away from Baltimore already. As for the Raiders, this was a big win, and bodes well for the rest of the season!
Arizona 48, Chicago 23 - The Cardinals were all over the Bears from early on. This Cardinals team can score points, that's for sure! Of course, the Bears do not apparently make it all that difficult, although that is why they brought in John Fox, a two-time Super Bowl coach. Chicago needs a lot of work, and two convincing home losses in a row is never the way that you want to start the season. As for Arizona, you almost cannot praise them enough right now! Big win!
Carolina 24, Houston 17 - Another big win for Carolina, using the physical approach that has become their trademark. Another disappointing loss for the Texans, who are suddenly in trouble this season. It is still early yet, but the Panthers already look like they are locked in a battle with Atlanta for top spot in the NFC South, while the other two teams are standing by and watching. As for Houston, a team that was a playoff team and even considered a Super Bowl contender a few short seasons ago, it feels like a long time since that 12-4 season in 2012.
Pittsburgh 43, San Francisco 18 - The 49ers looked unexpectedly dominant last weekend, while the Steelers suffered a tough road loss at New England to open their season. This game went a way towards restoring the balance. Pittsburgh made short work of San Francisco, jumping ahead early and never really letting up. I can't get used to the Steelers having an explosive offense and a weak defense, but it seems to be working for them nonetheless.
New England 40, Buffalo 32 - For anyone who doubted that the Patriots are still tough and a bona fide championship contender, the first two games are proof. After all, you cannot claim that the balls were deflated, or that there was some taping controversy. New England just keeps on finding ways to win under Belichik and Brady. Buffalo and Rex Ryan won the battle of talk and hype in the week prior to the game, but the Pats earned the win when it counted the most. Depending on what the Jets do tonight, New England is already atop the AFC East, and looking to establish even more solid control.
Cleveland 28, Tennessee 14 - The Titans crashed back down to reality, losing at Cleveland, where the Browns earned their first victory of the season. After getting blown out by the Jets on opening weekend, it was as close to a must-win as you could get in week 2, but the Browns did get the victory, and can feel better for it. For Tennessee, this was not too painful of a loss, comparatively speaking. Splitting the two road games to open the season is not too bad for a team that only won two games during all of last season, and they have plenty left to hope for.
Washington 24, St. Louis 10 - Washington has been playing surprisingly well so far this season, almost beating the Dolphins in week one, and outright beating a potentially tough Rams team at home in week two. They now have a short week now before visiting the Giants on Thursday night. As for the Rams, this was a bit of a letdown after their big upset win over Seattle to start the season. They will have to step it up a bit to get back on track.
Minnesota 26, Detroit 16 - If you are a Lions fan, this is around the time that you are thinking to yourself, "Uh-oh!" They lost a tough game last week at San Diego, and then lost a divisional road game to the Vikings this weekend. the good thing is that they should play better at home, but this is obviously not a good start for them. As for Minnesota, they got the bad taste of the embarrassment at San Francisco out of their mouths, and earned a solid victory for a season where they hope to make the playoffs, as they try to keep nipping at Green Bay's heels.
Tampa Bay 26, New Orleans 19 - This is another game where fans of one team can be legitimately worried. The Saints are already all alone at the bottom of the NFC South, having lost at Arizona, and now dropping a divisional game at home to Tampa Bay. They are already two games behind both the Falcons and the Panthers, which is not a good sign. As for the Bucs, this was a nice way to bounce back from a humiliating season opener, by earning a tough road win against a divisional opponent. The Saints right now are not looking like a playoff contender at all.
Cincinnati 24, San Diego 19 - The Bengals have raced out to a 2-0 start as quietly as any team can do it, earning a road win in Oakland, and then beating the other Californian AFC team yesterday, wearing out the Chargers. San Diego earned a comeback win in week one, so should not make too much of this loss. Both of these teams could and should contend for the playoffs at the very least. But what a nice start for the Bengals!
Jacksonville 23, Miami 20 - I never seem to give the Jaguars any credit. They always seem like a struggling, 2-14 team to me in the preseason. But this was a solid win that should be a good sign for them. No waiting until the second month of the season to earn their first victory, as they beat the interstate rival Miami Dolphins, who may have reason to worry after barely earning a win at Washington, and then losing to Jacksonville.
Green Bay 27, Seattle 17 - Of all the big showdowns this week, this one was the biggest. These two teams met in that big, huge NFC Championship game just months ago, and the Seahawks rallied from behind for an improbable win, earning a second straight trip to the Super Bowl. So, you better believe that the Packers were fired up for this one. It was a tough game, with both teams earning momentum at different points. Ultimately, however, it was a little too much Aaron Rodgers for Seattle to handle, and the Seahawks are in the improbable position of being winless and alone in last place in the NFC West for two weeks running now. As for Green Bay, this is pretty much what everyone expected from them, and they are really rolling to begin the season.
Denver 31, Kansas City 24 - The Broncos earned a big win on Thursday night on the road against their division rivals, the Chiefs. Kansas City played well, and almost had Denver. In fact, they basically did have them right where they wanted them, but the Broncos, like a fighter backed into a corner, came out swinging, and delivered a stunning knockout blow to Kansas City. A huge win for Denver, because they were getting a lot of flack for barely winning against the Ravens, and looking decidedly mediocre on offense in the process. As for the Chiefs, they need to find a way to bounce back from this disappointment. A terrible way to lose the game for them.
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