The 2023 NFL season was already looking intoxicated — then Monday Night Football took place to close Week 2, and my goodness gracious, football needs to take a chill pill.
Through all the carnage, here are the winners and losers of Week 2.
Winner: Steelers Defense
Alex Highsmith picked off Deshaun Watson and returned it for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage- that would be a sign of how this game would go. The Steelers ended the game with four takeaways, including a second defensive touchdown from new franchise-sack leader T.J. Watt that he returned for a touchdown. Pittsburgh’s defense was all over Watson all night and the reason the Steelers are 1-1
Loser: Denver Broncos
The first half was a dream for Denver. Russell Wilson was uncorking missiles to Marvin Mims, everyone was excited, and they led 21-3- easy win, right? Oh no. Sam Howell says “Hold my PBR” and the Commanders went on a tear, outscoring Denver 32-12 the rest of the way and defeating the Broncos in the fourth largest blown lead in franchise history.
Winner: Geno Smith
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith needed a big week after the egg he laid in Week 1 against the Rams, and he came out slinging against the Lions. The 2022 Comeback Player of the Year threw for 328 yards and two touchdowns, including the overtime game-winner.
Loser: Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert threw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. The defense sacked Ryan Tannehill five times. Derrick Henry didn’t rush for over 100 yards. The Chargers still lost. This team is so undisciplined and stupid penalties continue to cost them games. If they lose to the Vikings, Brandon Staley needs fired before the sun sets in La-La Land.
Winner: Josh Allen
Turns out he’s still great at football. We still saw a respectable amount of Josh Allen schoolyard BS, it was just more controlled and circumstantially made sense. From the side arm to Khalil Shakir, to the touchdown pass to Gabe Davis after running all over the place, that was pure Josh Allen goodness in a week where he needed to bounce back and not turn the ball over.
Loser: Justin Fields
We really need to start talking about the possibility that Fields is just bad. The Bears are 0-2, and they look it. Luke Getsy is a bad offensive coordinator, yes, but Fields has yet to look like a good quarterback.
Winner: Baker Mayfield
Good for Baker. He was on the butt end of a lot of jokes, and I’m not innocent in that. Look at Tampa, though. They are 2-0 and playing good football, and Baker is right in the thick of it coming off a 300 yard game.
Loser: Cleveland Browns
This is who Deshaun Watson is. He isn’t getting better, and you paid $230 million for him and traded away half the state of Ohio to get him. Great job.
