The New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers secured decisive victories in Week 2 of the NFL, while the Chicago Bears suffered a humbling defeat and the Cleveland Browns vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers game was suspended due to weather.
The New England Patriots defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-3 at Gillette Stadium, leveling both teams' records at 1-1. The Patriots' defense was the story, sacking quarterback Aaron Rodgers four times, forcing two fumbles, and intercepting him once. Rookie Gabe Jacas recorded the interception, and Elijah Ponder returned a fumble 19 yards for a touchdown. Offensively, running back TreVeyon Henderson, in his season debut, rushed for 76 yards and a 39-yard touchdown. Quarterback Drake Maye completed 14 of 22 passes for 208 yards.
In Atlanta, the Carolina Panthers routed the Falcons 34-3, with quarterback Bryce Young throwing for 287 yards and three touchdowns. The Panthers' defense, which allowed 59 points in Week 1, forced three turnovers, including a 16-yard interception return for a touchdown by Devin Lloyd. The Falcons, missing key players due to injury, saw quarterback Cooper Rush benched after two interceptions and a fumble; rookie Jack Strand was also intercepted on his first pass attempt.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Chicago Bears 9-3. The Bears, who had boasted about breaking the league's scoring record, were held to just three points. Quarterback Caleb Williams suffered an ankle injury that may sideline him for several games.
The New Orleans Saints rallied to beat the Baltimore Ravens 24-17, with Tyler Shough leading a fourth-quarter comeback. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Houston Texans 20-6, with Joe Burrow connecting with Ja'Marr Chase for two touchdowns. The Green Bay Packers edged the New York Jets 20-17 in overtime. The Cleveland Browns vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers game was suspended due to a thunderstorm threat.
