Check out these key aspects during Week 2 of the NFL's regular season:
If you're a supporter of the Cincinnati Bengals, I assume you're feeling less than elated currently. Fans of the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants are in a similar boat.
Let's delve into five things to keep an eye on heading into Week 2 of the NFL season.
Tyreek Hill and the Dolphins Face Off Against the Bills
Despite being handcuffed, detained, and placed on the ground by law enforcement, Tyreek Hill delivered an impressive performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Miami Dolphins wide receiver notched seven receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown – complete with a "handcuff" celebration.
This week has been far from typical for the team. Several players, including starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, have been grappling with the events of last Sunday. Tagovailoa shared his emotions during a Tuesday press conference, as he watched footage of Hill's detainment, which left him feeling "emotional."
During a Wednesday press conference, Hill admitted to regrets about his actions during the detainment but called for the officer involved to be removed from the force. Meanwhile, the Dolphins must quickly refocus for a Thursday night showdown at home against the Buffalo Bills, a crucial AFC East matchup against quarterback Josh Allen.
Hill confirmed that he's managed to separate his preparations for the game from the detainment, stating, "I'm not going to mix the two. I'm not going to take a knee. I'm not going to ask to defund the police. I'm not going to protest...Football is my therapy – this is how I get away from a lot of stuff. This is how I separate myself from past traumas in my life."
Quarterback Showdown: Burrow vs. Mahomes
The Bengals faced a lackluster outing against the post-Belichick New England Patriots in Week 1, knocking many eliminator pool participants out of the competition. Now, they face the challenge of making their way to Arrowhead Stadium to take on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Joe Burrow is one of the few quarterbacks with a winning record against Mahomes (3-1), but the Bengals fell to the Chiefs in their last matchup during the 2023 playoffs.
Despite Burrow's injury issues towards the end of last season, the 27-year-old downplayed any concerns during his Wednesday press conference, stating, "It feels great, feels better this week than it did last week, than it did the week before, so it's continuing to do better."
The Bengals will be keen to avoid starting 0-2, but the Chiefs are not one to take losses lightly, especially when an opponent dubs their stadium "Burrowhead." Plus, the presence of Taylor Swift at the game often benefits the Chiefs – they've won 10 out of 13 games when she's been in attendance.
Will Tom Brady Find His Stride in Broadcasting?
Tom Brady's debut appearance in the broadcasting booth received mixed reviews. However, considering that Brady has thrived in every endeavor he's pursued (seven Super Bowl rings, anyone?), it's only a matter of time before he excels in this new realm.
Brady and his broadcasting team will take the stage in Texas for the Dallas Cowboys' game against the New Orleans Saints.
A Battle of the Young Guns on Sunday Night Football
Week 1 gave fans a taste of what's to come on Sunday Night Football. Caleb Williams, the top overall pick, will square off against CJ Stroud, the reigning offensive rookie of the year, in Houston.
Both teams entered Week 1 with high expectations – some predicting the Texans will take home the championship – and both teams walked away with victories in their first games. The Texans secured a 29-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts, while the Bears outlasted the Tennessee Titans 24-17 with a dramatic comeback.
Williams survived a rocky Week 1, but a solid performance against the formidable Texans offense will be essential to keep the Bears in the hunt.
Monday Night Football's War of the Birds
After returning from Brazil, the Philadelphia Eagles will take on the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football. New running back Saquon Barkley put on a show with 132 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns in the Eagles' Week 1 victory over the Green Bay Packers.
While the Falcons struggled in their Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the arrival of quarterback Kirk Cousins did not lead to the expected surge in offensive production – the Falcons managed just 226 yards of offense, putting them fourth-worst in Week 1, following only the Bengals, Panthers, and Bears. But with a week under their belts and Cousins fully integrated into the Falcons' game plan, fans should expect a more beefed-up performance this time around.
If the Falcons drop this match, they might find themselves staring at a 0-3 record, with Mahomes and his powerful Chiefs squad looming in Week 3.
The Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills have a significant AFC East matchup coming up, with Tyreek Hill looking to make an impact after his impressive performance despite recent events. (sport: football, sport team: Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills)
In the upcoming Monday Night Football game, the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons will face off, with new running back Saquon Barkley hoping to continue his strong start in the NFL. (sport: football, sport team: Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons)
