
NFL Week 2: Numbers That Define the Chaos
2025-09-16
Author: Ming
Week 2 of the NFL season brought more drama than clarity. The Detroit Lions roared back with their most substantial offensive game under coach Dan Campbell, while the Kansas City Chiefs stumbled to an alarming 0-2, marking the first time Patrick Mahomes has faced such a start. The Philadelphia Eagles remain undefeated but struggle to connect on deep passes, and we’ve seen both Justin Fields and J.J. McCarthy fail to build on their previous promise. As Miami’s defense sinks to new lows, here are the standout statistics that cut through the Week 2 chaos.
0-for-10: Geno Smith's Struggles Downfield
After a spectacular Week 1 against the Patriots, Geno Smith had a nightmare outing against the Chargers, failing to complete any of his 10 attempts for over 10 yards. His three interceptions were another tough blow, with two occurring on those deep throws. The Chargers' defense, led by Jesse Minter, limited Smith's options, forcing him into mistakes and causing him to feel pressured throughout the game.
8.8: Lions' Offensive Surge
In a stunning turnaround, the Lions averaged 8.8 yards per play in their 52-21 victory over the Bears. Jared Goff shone with a remarkable 82% completion rate, throwing for 334 yards and five touchdowns. This performance comes after a dismal Week 1, demonstrating just how critical the offensive line's protection and running lanes were in enabling the Lions to dominate.
0: A Frustrating Start for the Chiefs
The Chiefs are off to a shocking 0-2 start, and their offensive struggles are glaring. Relying too heavily on Mahomes, the team ranks low in success rate and efficiency, while the run game remains stagnant. A solution must be found quickly to avoid becoming one of the few teams that fails to recover from such a beginning.
2: Jalen Hurts' Passing Woes
While the Eagles maintain a perfect record, Hurts has only completed two passes over 10 yards downfield across two games. This lack of deep threats has stalled the Philadelphia offense, allowing defenses to key in on short passes, posing a significant challenge as they face tougher opponents moving forward.
Negative-2: Xavier Legette's Underperformance
Panthers rookie Xavier Legette hit a new low with a negative-2 yards on eight targets against the Cardinals. This dismal performance stands in stark contrast to fellow rookie Tetairoa McMillan, who has been thriving, leaving Legette’s future production in serious doubt as the team seeks to address its 0-2 start.
8: Micah Parsons as a Defensive Force
The Packers' Micah Parsons emerged as a dominant force, accumulating eight total pressures over two weeks. His intense performance not only stifled opposing offenses but also allowed teammates to shine, leaving the league on notice about their formidable defense.
11: Cam Ward's Sack Troubles
Titans quarterback Cam Ward has already been sacked 11 times in two weeks, the highest in the league. His sacks are partly due to protection issues, but he's also held onto the ball too long, illustrating the urgent need for improvement as he develops a connection with promising rookie Elic Ayomanor.
3: Russell Wilson's Near-Miss
Russell Wilson was just three yards shy of a career-high passing game against Dallas. He showcased flashes of his former self, making impressive throws but ultimately struggled in critical moments, illustrating the ongoing challenges facing the Giants in red-zone efficiency.
0: Colts' Remarkable Offense
Although slightly misleading, the Colts impressively turned the ball over on downs only twice while maximizing scoring opportunities against the Broncos. Led by Daniel Jones, their offense appears potent, but this early trend could face scrutiny in future matchups.
Negative-0.52: McCarthy's EPA Struggles
J.J. McCarthy’s less-than-stellar NFL debut has left him with the worst EPA per dropback in the league. His late-game performance in Week 1 was hopeful, but two games in, he shows significant struggles with accuracy and pocket presence, which complicates the Vikings' offensive strategies.
3.7: Dolphins Defense in Freefall
Miami’s defense has allowed an astounding 3.7 points per drive, ranking last in the league. After a disastrous showing against the Patriots, they face an uphill battle against the likes of the Bills in the upcoming week.
Negative-0.91: Fields' Career Low
Justin Fields hit a career low with a negative EPA per dropback in Week 2. After a bright start, his struggles against the Bills raised questions about his future viability as the starter amid growing pressure from backup Tyrod Taylor.
50.4%: Steelers' Record Low Defensive Success Rate
The Steelers' defense, usually a hallmark of stability under Mike Tomlin, is faltering, registering their lowest success rate in his tenure. With a string of injuries impacting their veterans, they must regroup quickly before the season slips away.
59%: Bucs' Revitalized Ground Game
The Buccaneers' backfield finally found its stride against Houston, boasting a 59% success rate. With both Bucky Irving and Rachaad White stepping up, the Bucs showcased a revitalized offense capable of wearing down defenses successfully.