NFL Week 2 Overreactions and Underreactions

NFL Week 2 featured the Kansas City Chiefs dropping to 0-2, the Detroit Lions bouncing back, a slew of quarterback injuries, and a few first-year head coaches dropping to 0-2. The Dallas Cowboys won an overtime battle against Russell Wilson and the New York Giants, and the Sunday Night rematch between Michael Penix Jr. and J.J. McCarthy turned out to be a dud. And, as always, there are plenty of overreactions and underreactions.

Photo by Daniel Álvasd on Unsplash

NFL Week 2 Overreactions

The NFL Week 2 Overreactions feature some long-term storylines that will likely persist throughout the season.

Overreaction 1: Cincinnati Bengals Without Joe Burrow

The Bengals still pulled out the win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, 31-27. Jake Browning threw for 241 but had three interceptions. Whether they decide to stick with him or pick up a different quarterback, the team has the offensive talent and manageable schedule to see their way through the adversity. A week to gameplan with Browning should also help. Next week, they play the Minnesota Vikings (their quarterback is also out). At 2-0 with nine very winnable games left, the Bengals will be fine.

Overreaction 2: The 2024 QB Draft Class Struggles

The 2024 QB Draft class has seen Michael Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy, Drake Maye, Caleb Williams, Bo Nix, and Jayden Daniels achieve varying levels of success to start the season, with a collective record of 5-7. In year two, the expectation is that these quarterbacks will build upon their performance in their first season; however, the slow starts and early-season losses are largely drawing overreactions. McCarthy has struggled in7/8 quarters, Williams hasn't been able to help the Bears get on track, and Nix and the Broncos could be seen as underachieving in a season with large expectations. It's two games into the second year. Some are starting their first games, and a few more have new coaches.

Overreaction 3: The Lions' Former Coordinators 0-2 Starts

Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn haven't had the early success that their departure from Detroit garnered. However, both have arrived under challenging situations. The Jets have given up 64 points and 674 yards in the first two games. The Bears have scored 45 points and added 656 yards. Both had close losses in Week 1, and both lost by 20 or more in Week 2. Dan Campbell started 0-10-1 in Detroit. Implementing changes takes time.

NFL Week 2 Underreactions

The NFL Week 2 underreactions surround some quarterbacks.

NFL Underreaction 1: Cam Ward

Cam Ward is off to a good start and has made some excellent throws. An underreaction has marked his entire brief career. Shadeur Sanders has overshadowed the top selection in the 2025 NFL Draft from day one (undeservingly). The numbers don't jump off the page (287 yards and one TD), but his talent has been on display.

NFL Underreaction 2: Daniel Jones and the Colts

Last week, Daniel Jones landed a spot on the overreactions list, but the Colts' 2-0 start grabs a spot on the underreactions list. The AFC South is not a particularly strong division. The Tennessee Titans are not a threat. The Jaguars haven't proven that their 2022 playoff appearance wasn't a fluke. They may have proven that it was one. The Houston Texans remain a legitimate threat to win the division. However, they have started 0-2. Jonathan Taylor's healthy return has gone unnoticed, with 165 yards in this game. The running back position still matters.

NFL Underreaction 3: The Dolphins 0-2 Start

The Miami Dolphins became the darlings of the NFL media in 2022 and 2023 when they went back-to-back Wild Card games. Last season, they missed the playoffs. The narrative of "innovative offense" has gone to "gimmicky Madden-style fluke." Mike McDaniels and company have started 0-2 with losses to the Colts and Patriots. It doesn't get easier in Week 3 as they head to Buffalo to take on the high-powered Bills, who they haven't beaten in their last six matchups.

Best Games

Eagles 20-17 Win Over Kansas City

The Eagles have shown that they remain Super Bowl favorites in the "Way-Too-Early" predictions. Kansas City has some concerns after starting 0-2 with a difficult schedule in an improved division.

Cowboys 40-37 OT Victory Against the Giants

Russell Wilson threw for 450 yards, but it wasn't enough to beat the Cowboys. Dallas beat New York in overtime with a 46-yard field goal from Brandon Aubrey after he hit one from 64 to send it to OT.

Colts 29-28 Upset Over the Broncos

Jonathan Taylor and Daniel Jones are having excellent starts to the season. It hasn't been pretty, but it's getting the job done.

Buccaneers 20-19 Win Against Houston

The lead changed twice in the final 2 minutes and 10 seconds. The game was physical, but it remained competitive from wire-to-wire.

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