NFL 2023 Preseason Week 2 Overview

Published: August 22, 2023 2:22 am

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Week 2 of the NFL might almost be behind us, but the actions, decisions, and revelations on the field have drawn us one thrilling step closer to the official kickoff. While the scoreboard’s digits at the end of these preseason matches might not engrave a team’s fate, they undoubtedly spark conversations.

With all the 14 games wrapped up, which teams soared to victory, and which plummeted to defeat? Let’s tackle that!

The Electric Shift from Week 1 to Week 2

The magic of the preseason lies in its unpredictability. Week 1 had its flavor, but Week 2? It brought an entirely different energy. Some teams played it safe, resting their stars, while others tossed their top guns into the fiery fray, letting them shine or stumble beyond just a few plays.

And let’s face it, some players not only claimed their spots on the field but also our attention. Case in point? C.J. Stroud. Despite his rocky start, he’s now a hot topic after his game against the Miami Dolphins.

Week 2 unfurled with the NFC champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, battling it out with the Cleveland Browns, ending in a suspenseful tie. The following days were packed with action: The Giants narrowly defeated the Panthers, Jaguars triumphed over the Lions, and Tua Tagovailoa made his debut with the Dolphins. As the games continued, drama unfolded with Isaiah Bolden’s worrying injury, causing a halt in the game, reminding everyone of the sport’s unpredictable nature.

Let’s get into some of the most memorable moments of NFL Week 2!

🫶 pic.twitter.com/3192vBwXi3
— NFL (@NFL) August 19, 2023

The Unpredictability of Nature and Football – Saints vs. Chargers

Despite battling against the forces of nature – both a tropical storm and an earthquake – the New Orleans Saints clinched a win over the Los Angeles Chargers 22-17. Despite key players like Jimmy Graham being absent, both teams showcased their resilience. Yet, the Saints’ 14 penalties raised eyebrows. Chargers rookie Tuli Tuipulotu, however, gave fans something to cheer about with his defensive skill.

Rookies and Comebacks

Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seahawks stole the show with three significant catches against the Dallas Cowboys, while the Cowboys’ injury woes cast shadows on their season prospects. Brock Purdy of the 49ers marked a notable return post-injury, and the Denver Broncos’ Javonte Williams showed promise after bouncing back from a knee injury.

Quarterback Peaks and Valleys

Jimmy Garoppolo’s switch to the Raiders saw him confidently directing a 68-yard touchdown drive against the Rams. But the Rams’ defense, missing Aaron Donald, showcased vulnerabilities. The debate heats up in Tampa Bay, with Kyle Trask’s commendable plays stirring conversations about who should be the starting quarterback.

Injury Alarms and Comeback Hopes

The Cowboys face a predicament with injuries to DeMarvion Overshown and Matt Waletzko. The Bills, too, have concerns, with the offensive line’s struggles amplified by injuries to Tommy Doyle and quarterback Matt Barkley.

Future Game Changers?

C.J. Stroud of the Texans and Jaylen Warren of the Steelers are names we’re likely to hear a lot more. Warren, in particular, could give Najee Harris a run for the starting spot. The Colts might have a dynamic duo on their hands, with Anthony Richardson connecting seamlessly with Josh Downs.

Jaylen Warren is GONE. 62 yards! 🏃‍♂️💨 @Nunless2
📱: Stream #BUFvsPIT on #NFLPlus https://t.co/L9mPiySUki pic.twitter.com/zqghSm1fBP
— NFL (@NFL) August 19, 2023

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Week 2’s Triumphs and Tribulations

Steelers’ Surge: Dominating with a 27-15 win over Buffalo, highlighted by Kenny Pickett’s impressive quarterbacking and Jaylen Warren’s 62-yard touchdown.

Bills’ Blues: Josh Allen and the team struggled, accumulating only 36 yards, exacerbated by 13 penalties.

Robinson’s Rise: Falcons’ rookie Bijan Robinson dazzled against the Bengals, marking a promising start to his NFL journey.

Bridgewater’s Bumps: Teddy Bridgewater’s outing with the Lions saw them scoreless during his tenure and highlighted areas needing improvement.

Love in the Air for Packers: Jordan Love’s performance suggests the Packers may have a bright season in store if he continues in this vein.

Week 2 was a rollercoaster of emotions, from nature’s interventions to players breaking out and others facing setbacks. As the excitement builds for Week 3, it’s evident – the 2023 NFL season promises to be unforgettable.

.@Bijan5Robinson's first #NFLPreseason carry 🏃
📱: Stream #CINvsATL on #NFLPlus https://t.co/L9mPiySUki pic.twitter.com/PYNqdLUQhM
— NFL (@NFL) August 18, 2023

Week 2 brought a different energy and unpredictability. While some teams rested their star players, others allowed them to engage beyond just a few plays, leading to unexpected outcomes and standout performances.

The Philadelphia Eagles faced the Cleveland Browns, and the game ended in a suspenseful tie.

C.J. Stroud, despite an initial rocky start, emerged as a hot topic after his impressive game against the Dolphins.

The game witnessed challenges both from nature, with interruptions from a tropical storm and an earthquake, and on the field with the Saints accumulating 14 penalties.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seahawks made an impact with three significant catches, Brock Purdy of the 49ers returned impressively post-injury, and Javonte Williams of the Denver Broncos showed potential after recovering from a knee injury.

Garoppolo made a confident impression by directing a 68-yard touchdown drive against the Rams.

The Dallas Cowboys are dealing with injuries to DeMarvion Overshown and Matt Waletzko, while the Buffalo Bills are concerned about injuries to Tommy Doyle and quarterback Matt Barkley.

C.J. Stroud of the Texans and Jaylen Warren of the Steelers are showing promise. Additionally, the duo of Anthony Richardson and Josh Downs for the Colts could be dynamic in the future.

The Steelers dominated with a 27-15 win over Buffalo, while the Bills struggled, accumulating only 36 yards and 13 penalties.

Week 2’s mix of highs and lows sets the stage for an exciting Week 3. Overall, the 2023 NFL season is anticipated to be unforgettable given the rollercoaster of emotions and events so far.

Liga Tarasova

Liga Tarasova has a history of quality assurance and leading teams in an outsourcing company. Currently, she is working remotely as an Editor in Chief for Onlinegamblers.com. She stands for fair and safe gambling for people in the USA. Not long ago, she lived in Malta, the global iGaming hub, and worked at an iGaming company offering cloud-based product and platform services to B2B partners. Liga’s passion is visual arts and interior design.

NFL 2023 Preseason Week 2 Overview

The Electric Shift from Week 1 to Week 2