The second week of the 2023 NFL season featured some thrilling comebacks, some disappointing performances and some surprising results. Here are some of the highlights and takeaways from Week 2:
Giants rally from 20-point deficit to stun Cardinals
The New York Giants looked like they were headed for another blowout loss after trailing the Arizona Cardinals 20-0 at halftime. But the Giants showed some grit and determination in the second half, scoring 31 unanswered points to pull off a stunning 31-28 victory. Quarterback Daniel Jones led the way with 312 passing yards and two touchdowns, one to Saquon Barkley and one to Darren Waller. Barkley also ran for a score and had 102 yards from scrimmage. The Giants defense held the Cardinals to just eight points and forced two turnovers in the second half, including a crucial interception by Xavier McKinney in the final minute. The Giants improved to 1-1 and avoided an 0-2 start for the first time since 2017. The Cardinals, meanwhile, fell to 1-1 and wasted a strong performance by Kyler Murray, who threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns.
Bengals and Chargers lose close games, fall to 0-2
Two teams that had high expectations entering the season are now in a hole after losing close games in Week 2. The Cincinnati Bengals lost to the Baltimore Ravens 27-24 on a Justin Tucker field goal as time expired. The Bengals had a chance to take the lead late in the fourth quarter, but Joe Burrow threw an interception in Ravens territory. Burrow, who became the highest-paid player in NFL history after signing a $400 million contract extension in the offseason, struggled for the second straight week, completing just 19 of 37 passes for 215 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He was also sacked four times and hit nine times by the Ravens defense. The Bengals are now 0-2 and have scored just 31 points in two games.
The Los Angeles Chargers also lost a heartbreaker, falling to the Tennessee Titans 27-24 in overtime. The Chargers had a chance to win the game in regulation, but Michael Badgley missed a 44-yard field goal attempt with three seconds left. The Titans then drove down the field in overtime and scored on a Ryan Tannehill touchdown pass to A.J. Brown. The Chargers offense was productive, with Justin Herbert throwing for 338 yards and three touchdowns, but they also committed three turnovers and failed to convert on some key third downs. The Chargers are now 0-2 and have lost both games by a combined six points.
Seahawks edge Lions in overtime thriller
One of the most exciting games of Week 2 was between the Seattle Seahawks and the Detroit Lions, who battled to a 37-31 overtime win for the Seahawks. The game featured six lead changes, four ties and a dramatic finish. The Lions had a chance to win the game in regulation, but Matt Prater missed a 51-yard field goal attempt as time expired. The Seahawks then won the coin toss and marched down the field in overtime, scoring on a Tyler Lockett touchdown catch from Russell Wilson. Lockett had a huge game, catching nine passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns. Wilson was also sharp, throwing for 365 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. The Seahawks improved to 1-1 and bounced back from their Week 1 loss to the Rams. The Lions fell to 0-2 and suffered another tough loss after losing to the Packers on a last-second field goal in Week 1.