Cover 32: Steelers offense is broken under Aaron Rodgers, plus video games balls, most significant gaffes from Week 2

Sports

Sports Tyler Sullivan dives into all the most significant products from Week 2 in the NFL, consisting of Dak Prescott’s record-setting day

Sep 20, 2026

at 9:54 pm ET

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10 minutes checked out

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    With 2 video games under their belts, it's ending up being clear that the Pittsburgh Steelers are broken on offense. While they had the ability to take out a win in spite of their dull play on that side of the ball in the season opener, they weren't as lucky in Week 2. The offense summoned an only basket in a 20-3 defeat at the hands of the New England Patriots.

“We just didn’t get into a rhythm,” Rodgers stated postgame. “We had too many three-and-outs again. I didn’t feel like there was anybody that had an exceptional game out there. We all played below our standard.”

The 3 points scored were connected for the least points in any profession video game that Rodgers has actually begun and completed. Far, the Steelers have 499 overall lawns through 2 video games, balancing out to 249.5 backyards per video game. That is the least overall lawns through 2 video games in any season in Aaron Rodgers’ profession, in addition to Mike McCarthy’s training profession.

2026

3

at Patriots

2021

3

at Saints

2025

6

at Browns

2024

6

at Cardinals

What has actually been specifically disconcerting is the absence of surge from the Pittsburgh offense. Their 3.8 backyards per play typical ranks at the bottom of the league, and they have simply 2 plays that have actually chosen 25 or more backyards. In the loss to New England on Sunday, the offense balanced 3.5 backyards per play, and Rodgers balanced 5.4 air lawns per pass effort.

To take it an action even more, 13 of Rodgers’ 39 pass efforts were at or behind the line of skirmish. He tried simply 3 passes 20-plus backyards down the field. In general, 24 of Rodgers’ 79 pass efforts this season have actually been at or behind the line of skirmish.

The connection (or do not have thereof) in between Rodgers and DK Metcalf has actually been among the essential reasons the offense has actually been anemic. The wideout has actually captured simply 8 of his 19 targets this season and has actually currently tallied 3 drops (had 4 drops in all of last season).

Beyond their failure to link on huge plays, the Steelers have actually merely been not able to string together favorable plays to extend drives. They transformed simply 2 of their 12 third-down chances on Sunday and are 5-for-25 on the secret down this season.

When they did lastly string some plays together, they self-combusted for more than not. Among their only dynamite plays of the day originated from Jaylen Warren, who took a brief pass from Rodgers and turned it into a 26-yard gain and brought the Steelers to the New England 4-yard line. While it appeared they may lastly reach paydirt, Rodgers was sacked for a 13-yard loss on the really next play, and after that tossed an interception right after that. Rodgers tossed a ball to Germie Bernard at the line of skirmish, and the novice receiver could not protect the catch as the ball popped into the air and was taken up by the Patriots.

Now, the Steelers’ defense does not strike much, if any, worry in the opposing defense. The offending line has actually revealed it can be beaten (Rodgers has actually taken 6 sacks through 2 video games), no weapons are genuinely tilting the field, and they have a quarterback who appears like he’s 42 years of ages and will retire after this season.

If they do not discover a method to provide themselves a shot in the arm, Rodgers’ profession will conclude with a simple whimper.

Sports Video game Balls

How Game Balls work: 6 are granted to standout gamers from the slate on groups that won their contests, and just one gamer on a group can get a video game ball.

• Week 2 statistics: 7 catches, 75 getting lawns, and 2 getting goals

After a peaceful start in Week 1 where he captured simply 2 balls for 12 backyards, Ja’Marr Chase burst onto the scene in Week 2. He captured 7 of his 9 targets on the day in a win over Houston, 2 of which chose goals. In the 2nd quarter, Chase signed up a goal reception that is an early prospect for the catch of the year, twirling around and backpedaling before in some way taking the pass and keeping both feet in bounds for ball game.

• Week 2 statistics: 26 of 31 death, 279 passing lawns, 4 passing goals; 4 brings, 26 lawns hurrying

Dak Prescott’s supremacy versus Washington continued in Week 2, leading the Cowboys to a 37-20 triumph to notch their very first win of the season. Prescott is now 8-0 in his profession in the house versus the Commanders. In those video games, his groups balance 41.1 points per video game while he’s tossed for 24 goals with no interceptions. Those 4 passing goals on Sunday likewise assisted him exceed Tony Romo for the most in Cowboys history.

• Week 2 statistics: 27 of 34 death, 252 passing backyards, 1 passing goal; 9 brings, 23 hurrying lawns, 1 hurrying goal

Among the most significant upsets of Week 2 originated from the New Orleans Saints as they rallied late to remove the Baltimore Ravens. Tyler Shough was especially sharp in the 4th quarter, finishing 12 of 14 for 119 backyards and a goal. This is the young quarterback’s 3rd double-digit resurgence win, which is connected for the fourth-most in franchise history.

• Week 2 statistics: 9 takes on, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 1 goal

Devin Lloyd was among the crucial offseason additions for Carolina this offseason and he’s beginning to reveal why. The veteran linebacker published 2 interceptions in the 34-3 win over the Falcons, and took one back for a 16-yard goal. Lloyd is the very first gamer because 2012 (Zach Brown) to have at least 2 interceptions, a choice 6 and a sack in a video game.

• Week 2 statistics: 20 of 31 death, 248 passing lawns, 3 death goals; 14 brings, 69 hurrying lawns, 2 hurrying goals

Josh Allen is currently in MVP kind as he led the Bills to a 41-31 success over the Lions on Thursday night to start Week 2. He’s simply the 3rd gamer in NFL history with 9-plus goals and no turnovers in his very first 2 video games of the season, signing up with Peyton Manning (2013) and Patrick Mahomes (2018 ). Each went on to win NFL MVP.

• Week 2 statistics: 9 catches, 155 getting lawns, 3 goal receptions

The safeguarding Offensive Player of the Year revealed why he has a claim to be considered as the very best pass receiver in football. On the very first drive of the video game, Smith-Njigba duped an 82-yard goal, the very first of 3 ratings on the day. This was the very first profession three-touchdown video game for the Ohio State item. He’s represented 63.7% of Seattle getting backyards up until now, which is the most by any gamer through 2 weeks considering that Vincent Jackson in 2013.

Sports Noteworthy Week 2 gaffes

Jayden Daniels suffers gruesome elbow injury

Jayden Daniels was eliminated of Sunday’s contest versus Dallas after suffering a gruesome elbow injury right before halftime. The Commanders left the offense on the field for a third-and-goal effort with simply 3 seconds left in the half. Upon taking the breeze, Daniels was stepped on by among his offending linemen, and after that put his arm to attempt and keep himself upright. That’s when his elbow bent awkwardly; he tossed the ball insufficient and was ultimately hauled off the field.

Considered that the Commanders were getting the ball coming out of halftime, it’s reasonable to slam Dan Quinn for having Daniels on the field for that play in the very first location. They might’ve just kicked the basket to put points on the board, made it a 17-13 deficit, and sought to acquire the lead with a scoring drive to start the 3rd.

Fourth-and-43 in Foxborough

As we kept in mind above, it was a rough day for the Steelers’ offense, and it became a catastrophe midway through the 2nd quarter. Rodgers took a third-and-7 breeze, was sandwiched by 2 Patriots protectors, and fumbled the football. The ball was then scooped up for a minute, batted, booted, and became recuperated by the Steelers on the other side of the field. That produced a fourth-and-43 circumstance.

Cobie Durant gets stepped on

Everybody viewing Cobie Durant get stepped on most likely recoiled a bit and squirmed in their chair. The Cowboys protective back was on the field throughout an insufficient hand down first-and-goal in between Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin. Durant had actually dove to interfere with the pass and was resting on the field when he sustained some friendly fire. Colleague Markquese Bell inadvertently stepped on him in a … let’s simply state delicate location.

Aaron Glenn’s bad clock management

It was not a banner day for Aaron Glenn as the Jets head coach had his hand on the wheel of a second-half stumble, blowing a 17-7 fourth-quarter lead versus Green Bay. Glenn especially mishandled the last seconds of guideline before the video game ultimately went to overtime. After stopping the Packers’ offense on 3rd down, Glenn might’ve stopped the clock by utilizing a timeout, which would’ve had the Packers punting with about 50 seconds left. Rather, Glenn kept the timeout in his pocket, and the video game entered into the additional duration.

Glenn stated postgame that he did rule out utilizing the timeout at all.

Glenn then chose to occupy to start overtime, and the offense went three-and-out. That resulted in the Packers requiring simply a basket, which they transformed on the occurring belongings.

Sports Two-minute drill

Here are a few of my quick-hitting takeaways/notes from Week 2:

• I believed the Colts played terrified after Laquon Treadwell’s fumble was reversed. After the 48-yard gain, they ran the ball on back-to-back have fun with Jonathan Taylor and after that a scramble with Daniel Jones. They must’ve tried completion zone.
• Patrick Mahomes– who is now 8-0 perpetuity in regular-season overtime video games– looked a lot more comfy tossing the football than in Week 1. The Chiefs QB is a virtual lock for Comeback Player of the Year.
• Do not look now, however Bryce Young is on a heating system. The Panthers QB finished 23 of 26 for 287 backyards and 3 goals in a win over Atlanta. Young is the very first Panthers quarterback with three-plus passing goals in back-to-back video games considering that 2017 (Cam Newton).
• I never ever believed I ‘d state this, however the Falcons frantically require either Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa for Week 3. Cooper Rush, who was benched after dedicating 3 turnovers, is straight losing the franchise video games. They handle the Packers at Lambeau on Thursday.
• This is the 3rd 0-2 start for the Texans in the 4 seasons under DeMeco Ryans. They’ve made the playoffs in each season under Ryans.
• As we highlighted recently, the Bengals’ defense continues to impress. The system permitted simply 6 points versus the Texans and sacked C.J. Stroud 4 times.
• The Green Bay Packers have actually transformed simply 4 of their 21 third-down chances through the very first 2 weeks of the season.
• The Jets have actually now gone 19 straight video games without a protective interception (extending the longest streak in NFL history).
• Not actually sure what I’m expected to make from Jalen Hurts’ return win over the Titans. On the one hand, excellent on him and the offense to rally back. On the other hand, they required a last-second goal to beat the Titans ?!?
• Web cam Ward was the very first Titans quarterback with 2 or more hurrying goals in a video game because Ryan Tannehill (2020 ).
• Holding my breath for Caleb Williams, who left Sunday’s video game with a hamstring injury. The injury did not look great, however we’ll wait and see what the fate will be concerning among the league’s brightest young stars.
• Deshaun Watson might have simply offered himself another week as Cleveland’s starter after leading them to a 23-19 win over Tampa Bay
• Baker Mayfield is 3-10 over his last 13 video games and has 17 overall goals and 17 overall turnovers.
• Turnovers are still an issue for Drake Maye, who tossed an interception in the win over Pittsburgh in Week 2.
• The Ravens are 3-7 in your home over the previous 2 seasons.
• The Chargers are 0-2 and look lost. To make matters worse, they have a seven-game stretch upcoming where they’ll deal with 5 groups that won a championship game last season. The 2 other groups are the Chiefs and Ravens.
• It still astonishes me just how much of a bust Marvin Harrison Jr. has actually been. He was an outright non-factor in Sunday’s loss to Seattle, seeing one target (no catches).
• The Raiders are numerous video games over.500 for the very first time given that 2021.
• After summoning simply one catch in Week 1, Jaylen Waddle has his breakout efficiency in Denver, capturing 8 balls for 138 lawns.
• The Jaguars had their nine-game regular-season winning streak snapped after blowing a late lead versus the Broncos.
• San Francisco has actually won each of its very first 2 video games by 20-plus points, which is the very first time they’ve done that in franchise history.
• Brock Purdy has actually tossed 5 passing goals to 5 various gamers this season (Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, Demarcus Robinson, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey).
• The Cardinals have actually lost 8 straight video games in the house.
• The Dolphins are the only group that has actually not led this season.

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