This past week was interesting, and it was rather obvious that multiple teams are still not firing on all cylinders. Just like last week, I am going to talk about some key games that were not discussed in the podcast, so lets get right into it!

Quick note: The Dolphins are bad, like really bad.

First game: Packers vs. Vikings

Both teams went into this game 1-0, and these two were fighting to take the lead of the NFC North. The end result was 21-16 Packers, and they never were down in the entire game. The score was 21-0 in the second quarter, but the Vikings did fight back to make it 21-10 going into the half. Then scored a touchdown in the third, but never amounted anything in the fourth quarter.

This game was a tale of two teams who ran the ball effectively as Dalvin Cook and Aaron Jones both had over 100 yards rushing. Cousins had a rough game with going 14-32, 1 touchdown, two interceptions, and a fumble lost, and just furthers the notion that the Packers defense is LEGIT. Only 19 points in allowed in two games, and play Denver this week. Do not be surprised if they allow 14 points or less. Rodgers had a good game, he went 22/34 with two touchdowns, he threw for 209 yards and lost a fumble. Going against two tough defenses to start showed the Packers are not in complete rhythm, but they are doing enough and have a defense that supports them.

Kirk Cousins has to get hot, and then I will say Minnesota can be a Super Bowl team. Dalvin Cook is legit, and that defense has been good for a few years now. It comes down to him producing when it matters, and not turning the ball over. Both teams are really good, but the division is strong this year, so it will be a fight to the finish.

Second game: 49ers versus Bengals (41-17)

Well, Bengals played as expected, and their defense got butchered on both fronts. 49ers had 571 total yards, and 259 yards were from running the ball. That is a recipe for success, especially against their division rivals. Bengals offense did well passing the ball with 291 yards, but they did not do anything running the ball. They ran for a whole 25 yards. This game was simply about the 49ers offense and their front seven stopping the run game.

It was a tale of two weeks for the Bengals who fought tooth and nail against the Seahawks in Seattle. It is tough to gauge how they can perform, so I expect within the next few weeks we will see their true colors.

Third game: Cardinals versus Ravens (24-17)

Although the Cardinals tied two weeks ago and lost last week. I will admit, they have impressed me, because they have competed in both games. Kyler Murray has shown he can throw the football, and it was against an always stingy Ravens defense. He went for 25/40 with 349 passing yards, but no touchdowns or interceptions. The Cardinals struggled to contain Lamar Jackson, who had 272 yards passing and 120 rushing.

The Ravens offense has excelled so far, and they are proving their system can work. The production of tight end Mark Andrews and wide receiver Marquise Brown has helped elevate the offensive production and gives opportunities for Lamar to run the ball. Andrews had over 100 yards receiving and Brown had 86 yards with both catching 8 passes, and I will be intrigued on how they keep consistency moving forward. The defense I have concerns with as they gave up 349 yards passing while stopping the run completely. If they cannot stop the pass, it will be a problem when facing pass-prolific teams like the Browns, Rams, and Patriots who value the pass, and they all can run the ball better than the Cardinals too.

I am not sold on the Ravens though, they have played the Dolphins and Cardinals, and this Sunday is the true test going against the Chiefs. It is going to be a shoot-out and will come down to which QB steps up; Mahomes or Jackson.

Comment your biggest takeaways from week 2 and how your team did!