Week 2 of the NFL season is now in the bag. What a week, huh? There were several upsets and comebacks. We saw similar results on Monday Night Football’s double-header between the Tennessee Titans visiting the Buffalo Bills and with the Minnesota Vikings paying a visit to the Philadelphia Eagles. The two games happened almost simultaneously, and there was a lot to watch. What you missed and what you didn’t miss can be found below.
The Vikings were expected to lose the game, with Kirk Cousins holding the record for the worst MNF appearances (2-9). Well, he lived up to his reputation and confirmed expectations.
Game 1: Tennessee Titans @ Buffalo Bills
First up, the Buffalo Bills hosted the Tennessee Titans in a game where most predicted the Bills would win. What we didn’t all expect was the blowout that would ensue. With the absence of injured wide receiver Gabriel Davis, there was an obvious hole in the receiving room in Buffalo. He was the talk of the town, and people were wondering how star quarterback Josh Allen would “manage” without him.
Well, he did quite well without Davis. Like, it wasn’t a problem at all. Allen ended the evening when the Bills went up 41-7 in the fourth quarter. All fantasy football managers sighed a curse word because that was the end of the scoring run in their leagues. He was pulled after his 52nd snap, throwing for 317 yards, four touchdowns and a goose egg in the interception category.
He connected with Stephon Diggs 12 times over 14 targets, with Diggs hauling in 148 receiving yards and a whopping three touchdowns. He was also pulled later in the game, as were all the team’s stars. The practice squad refugees, backup receivers, and rushers flooded the field when it was evident that the Titans wouldn’t be able to put together any sort of comeback. It was reminiscent of a preseason game.
Case Keenum came in and kept the momentum going to finish the game. Unfortunately, he put on an underwhelming performance and had a tough time connecting with the “practice squad.” He had two attempts, both to Khalil Shakir, both of which produced zero yards. Keenum ended the game by taking a knee and putting the W in the appropriate column.
Tannehill Tanks
The Titans were boring to watch, and it was agonizing to watch running back Derrick Henry and the rest of the team struggle against Von Miller and the Bills’ defense. Behind center, Ryan Tannehill couldn’t get anything going. His leading rusher was Hassan Haskins, who rushed just 37 yards over nine attempts. Superstar Derrick Henry’s performance was laughable, as he was only allowed 25 yards. Again, all fantasy football managers were cursing, watching their RB1 fall to RB36 for the season. Yes, you read that right. RB36.
Wide receiver Treylon Burks “led” the receiving core with 47 yards over four receptions. Tannehill was finally pulled after tossing the ball a paltry 117 yards, with two interceptions and zero touchdowns. He threw a pick-6 to Matt Milano, who returned the ball for a 43-yard touchdown. Nighty-night Tannehill.
That brought in rookie quarterback Malik Willis. Titans fans were all hoping that Willis could wash some of the embarrassment off this game, but they were united in disappointment. Willis managed six yards passing over four attempts; his most significant accomplishment was rushing for 16 yards.
Overall, the gold star went to Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs and the Bills’ defense. The Titans will look ahead to Week 3 as they hop on a plane to visit the 0-2 Las Vegas Raiders.
Game 2: Minnesota Vikings @ Philadelphia Eagles
Now, on to the second game of the night, with the Minnesota Vikings taking on the Philadelphia Eagles at home at Lincoln Financial Field.
If nothing else, Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is consistent. He’s had seven straight seasons with 25+ touchdowns. He’s consistently a top 20 quarterback. Additionally, he’s also a consistent loser on Monday nights. He entered last night’s game 2-9 in MNF appearances and added to that losing record. You hate to see it. But that’s Cousins’ reality.
The Eagles’ side of the game got off to a quick start with QB Jalen Hurts going five for five, then 11 for 11 and scoring a touchdown on the opening drive. He rushed for three yards to pick up six points. The extra point was good, and the Eagles quickly went up 7-0 against the Vikings.
The rest of the game belonged to the Eagles as Hurts threw a beautiful dart to Quez Watkins for a 53-yard touchdown and went up 14-0 in the first half.
Consistent Cousins
The Vikings struggled everywhere. Everywhere. Cousins scrambled on the field, desperately trying to connect with anyone besides Eagles’ cornerback, Darius Slay.
Look at these receiving stats for the Vikings:
• Justin Jefferson – six receptions for 48 yards
• Irv Smith – five receptions for 36 yards and the lone touchdown for the Vikings
• Dalvin Cook – four receptions for 19 yards
• Adam Thielen – four receptions for 52 yards
• Alexander Mattison – three receptions for six yards
• John Mundt – two receptions for 28 yards
• K.J. Osborn – two receptions for 25 yards
• Jalen Reagor – one attempt for seven yards
• Eagles’ defender, Darius Slay – two interceptions for 19 yards
Honestly, I feel bad for the Vikings. Bless his little heart; Cousins tried so hard to put points on the board. Rushing wasn’t a better picture, either. Cousins led the backfield with 20 rushing yards, then Dalvin Cook and Jalen Reagor managed 17 yards a piece. Overall, Kirk Cousins finished the game with 46 attempts, 27 completions, 221 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. If anyone needs a drink, it’s him.
It was “Slay Day” in Philly last night, and he earned his keep with five passes defended and two interceptions. The Eagles outplayed the Vikings to go up 2-0 for the first time since 2016. Watch out for Jalen Hurts. He’s the real deal, and he proved it with 333 yards over 31 attempts, one rushing touchdown, one touchdown on the run and one passing touchdown.
I’ll be back next week to break down the Monday Night Football matchup between the “Dak-less” Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants in New York at Metlife Stadium. Until then, have a great week!
