Mac Jones Stays in the Game
You’ve got to admire Mac Jones. He just keeps pushing through, doesn’t he?
Drafted 15th overall in 2021 by the New England Patriots, he was expected to fill some huge shoes. There were glimmers of hope early on, but, well, things didn’t quite go as planned. By his third season, he found himself backing up Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville.
A year later, hope appeared again when he signed with the 49ers as the second-string quarterback behind Brock Purdy, who is earning $265 million. It didn’t take long for Jones to see some action.
In week two, it was up to him to lead the 49ers after Purdy suffered a toe and shoulder injury during the season opener. Sure, Jones lost a fumble, but that Sunday marked one of his best games since his early days with the Patriots.
Joe Burrow’s Injury and Jake Browning’s Chance
The Cincinnati Bengals faced a significant setback when Joe Burrow sustained a serious toe injury that could keep him sidelined for at least three months. However, the NFL moves on, and they need a replacement.
That replacement, Jake Browning, has already stepped in during Burrow’s absence, taking 48 snaps after Burrow got hurt against the Jaguars in week two. Browning completed 13 out of 7 passes for 76 yards, finding the end zone himself on a one-yard run.
Browning now finds himself at the helm as the Bengals face an uncertain future. This isn’t his first rodeo; he started seven games for Burrow last year, leading Cincinnati to a 4-3 record. If he can replicate that success, it might just keep playoff hopes alive after a 2-0 start.
Justin Fields’ Troubling Start
Meanwhile, the New York Jets are in search of stability, having signed former Bears first-round pick Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract back in March. But, as they begin their journey together, there’s already a cloud hanging overhead.
Fields struggled in his second game against Buffalo, resulting in a hefty 30-10 loss. By the way, he was also diagnosed with a concussion, throwing his status into doubt. Given that the Jets are at 0-2, veteran backup Tyrod Taylor might be taking the starting position soon.
And with a challenging matchup against the Buccaneers looming, things are looking quite tough.
Jaden Daniels’ Status Raises Concerns
Week 2 was rough for the Washington Commanders, who not only dropped a game to the Packers, but also have questions surrounding their QB, Jaden Daniels. Reports indicate that Daniels underwent an MRI on his knee following the game.
Head coach Dan Quinn is set to provide an update, and everyone is awaiting news, especially given how crucial Daniels is for the offense.
If he ends up missing time, the team could turn to former first-round pick Marcus Mariota or Josh Johnson to fill the gap.
The Quarterback Quandary in Cleveland
The Cleveland Browns, sitting at 0-2, find themselves in quarterback turmoil. Joe Flacco’s performance was less than stellar, culminating in a 41-17 defeat against the Ravens.
As of now, head coach Kevin Stefanski hasn’t hinted at any changes, but if the losses continue, he might have no choice.
Will rookie Dillon Gabriel, considered a reach in the third round of this year’s draft, be the solution? It’s unclear, and with another rookie looming, the Browns’ season may be on shaky ground.
Jaxson Dart’s Moment in the Spotlight
The New York Giants had their quarterback struggles after a 21-6 loss, but head coach Brian Daboll stuck with Russell Wilson for week two.
Wilson put up solid numbers, going 41 for 30 for 450 yards and three touchdowns, although it ended in a heartbreaking 40-37 overtime loss to the Cowboys.
Despite the effort, calls for Dart to be promoted to starting QB might quiet down—at least for now. Yet, like the Browns, the Giants can’t afford a long-term solution with Wilson at the helm.
Questions Looming in Miami
Lastly, the Dolphins are one of the more disappointing teams this season, and it’s hard to overlook the concerns surrounding QB Tua Tagovailoa. His performance against New England left much to be desired.
Head coach Mike McDaniel seems hesitant to make a change, but if Tagovailoa’s struggles continue, things might have to shift.
If that happens, well, is there a possibility we might see Zach Wilson stepping in? Who knows.


