Week 2 of the NFL season delivered a thrilling spectacle, a stark contrast to a lackluster Week 1. Sunday witnessed the eighth-highest-scoring day in NFL history, with teams averaging a staggering 52.6 points per game! From high-octane shootouts to nail-biting finishes, the excitement was palpable.
Key Highlights from NFL Week 2
- The Dallas Cowboys edged out the New York Giants in a 40-37 overtime thriller, featuring a record-tying six lead changes in the fourth quarter and overtime.
- The Detroit Lions unleashed a scoring barrage, racking up 52 points against the Chicago Bears.
- The Baltimore Ravens continued their offensive prowess, becoming only the 13th team in NFL history to score 40+ points in each of their first two games.
- Ten out of twelve games in the early and afternoon windows saw the 'over' hit, signaling a league-wide trend of high-scoring affairs.
Joe Burrow's Injury Casts Shadow Over Bengals' Season
However, the excitement was tempered by a significant injury to Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Burrow suffered a turf toe injury during Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, sidelining him for an extended period. Turf toe is a sprain of the main joint of the big toe, often occurring in athletes on artificial fields. The metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) is injured, leading to reduced agility and pain.
This marks Burrow's third significant injury in six seasons, raising concerns about his long-term durability. While the Bengals' offensive line has faced criticism, Burrow may also need to adjust his playing style to minimize risk. Backup quarterback Jake Browning, who previously filled in for Burrow, will likely take the reins. The Bengals are also reportedly exploring veteran quarterback options via trade.
Burrow is expected to undergo surgery and is likely to be out for at least three months, if not longer. This injury significantly impacts the Bengals' season and the AFC playoff picture.