The NFL Roundup 2021: Week 2

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Hello again, football fans and welcome to another edition of the NFL Roundup. One that comes bearing good news. For Week 2 is mere hours away from kickoff and well, it is safe to say each and every one of us are eager to see what wonders the league has in store for us this week. Will there be more drama in Green Bay? Will the Cowboys finally win a game? Who knows! But what we can expect, are some quality games through and through and of course, some juicy storylines that will keep us talking for days on end and well, that means it is time to get down to the nit and grit of this blog and examine those very storylines and spotlight the most fascinating games to watch this weekend. 

Will Green Bay put aside the drama and play some good football this weekend?
Yes, I know. I just mentioned this a moment ago in passing but let’s be honest… this is a VERY valid question. Because drama cost the Packers the first game of the season since they were all focused on that over anything else and if they don’t shed it soon, they’ll be 0-2 and, on the outside, looking in and honestly, I’m not sure they can set that drama aside. Because Rodgers is clearly unhappy in Green Bay, in every way imaginable, and his play is reflecting that, and I don’t see his disdain wearing off in the slightest. So, my guess is that things are going to be ugly this weekend and the Packers will lose badly… all because the front office and a franchise legend are at an utter impasse in regard to the direction of the team.
 
Will the Jaguars finally put it together this weekend?
Make no mistake about it, the Jacksonville Jaguars looked like a bad pop warner team last Sunday. Because their defense played without an ounce of heart and organization, the run game was nonexistent and their star QB played like the rookie he is. Which leaves one to wonder if the team can pull themselves together and play a solid game against the Broncos and honestly, I don’t think they will. Because Urban Meyer is still figuring out how to coach in the NFL and is struggling with more advanced concepts outside of ‘huck it and chuck it’ and poor #16 has to deal with a lethal defense. So, I would imagine that Jacksonville is going to lose this game and, in the process, raise more questions about whether or not Urban Meyer was the right choice for this job.
 
Will Washington rebound from their tough loss to Los Angeles?
It is definitely safe to say, that one of the most devastating losses last week, happened at FedExField. Because the Washington Football Team put up one hell of a fight against the Chargers, despite losing the always steady Ryan Fitzpatrick and that kind of loss, that early in the season, can rattle a team badly. But honestly, I think it actually did them more good than harm. Because clearly, this team has fight in them and QB Taylor Heinicke continues to show great promise under center. Which means they are likely going to come out swinging against the lowly Giants on Thursday Night Football and win big and turn their season around early.

---

The Most Fascinating Games to Watch This Weekend

Houston Texans (1-0) at Cleveland Browns (0-1)
FirstEnergy Stadium – Cleveland, Ohio
Sunday, September 19, 2021 – 1:00 p.m. EST – CBS

​This is one of those games that normally wouldn’t be on anyone’s radar because of the teams involved. But when one considers that the Cleveland Browns are playoff worthy now and that the Houston Texans trounced the Jaguars last weekend in a strong and dynamic manner, this game takes on a whole new life. Because this one has the potential to become an outright shootout since Tyrod Taylor dropped lots of bombs last weekend and of course, Cleveland’s offense is no slouch and can hang with the best of them and their offense is likely why this game will eventually tip in Cleveland’s favor. But then again, the underdog winning was a big theme last weekend so it is still possible that Houston might surprise if Cleveland takes them for granted. Either way, the X factor hanging over this game, is precisely why this matchup is of note.

Tennessee Titans (0-1) at Seattle Seahawks (1-0)
Lumen Field – Seattle, Washington
Sunday, September 19, 2021 – 4:25 p.m. EST – CBS

Truly, there is no better game on a Sunday than when both teams have something to prove, and this matchup features just that. Because the Tennessee Titans were outright embarrassed by the Arizona Cardinals last week, since the Cards shut down the Titans in all three phases of the game before blowing them out and they are undoubtedly eager to return to form and show everyone that they are still the same powerhouse team that made the playoffs last year. On the other hand, the Seahawks are looking to prove that the dysfunction and strife that was rumored to be infecting their clubhouse in the offseason is behind them or never existed and the more dominant wins they rack up, the less chatter they will hear about it. As to who wins this game however, well that will be determined by which Titans squad shows up. Because if it is the same guys from last week, then Titans fans are going to be in for a long day but if the Titans of old drop by, this should be one hell of a game, one that Tennessee should win because of their run game.

Sunday Night Football
Kansas City Chiefs (1-0) at Baltimore Ravens (0-1)
M&T Bank Stadium – Baltimore, Maryland
8:20 p.m. EST – NBC

​Speaking of teams with something to prove, this is another game that features a team with that mighty need. But it most certainly isn’t the Kansas City Chiefs. After all, they’ve been the AFC representative in the Super Bowl for the past two years and hoisted the Lombardi in one of those matchups. Which means this game is all about the Ravens proving to the NFL world that they are indeed a juggernaut and well, best of luck to them in showing everyone that. Because the Raiders exposed the Baltimore defense on Monday Night Football, and they also reminded everyone that Lamar Jackson struggles in crunch time with turnovers and well, going up against the defending AFC Champion, one that beat the tar out of the Browns, will make their efforts no easy task and well… I hate to say it, but I think the Chiefs are going to outright embarrass the Ravens on the national stage. Because they are downright elite and the Ravens are struggling to find their identity.