Well, the second week of the NFL season has officially wrapped up.
Some teams are still searching for their first win, like the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Giants, who are set to face each other this week.
On the flip side, teams like the Indianapolis Colts are enjoying a perfect start at 2-0, leaving fans filled with hope.
But before we get too far ahead, let’s take a moment to reflect on last week’s games and hand out some weekly awards.
Best Coach of Week 2: Kyle Shanahan
Looking back at last week, the win against the Saints in New Orleans might not have initially screamed “Coach of the Week,” but things changed when Brock Purdy got sidelined with injuries. That’s when Shanahan had to pivot and call on Mac Jones.
Despite missing key players like Purdy and George Kittle, Shanahan is still steering the team to victory.
Best Newcomer of Week 2: Tetaroa McMillan
The Panthers’ offense has had its struggles, but McMillan has been a bright spot. With Jalen Coker sidelined, McMillan showcased exactly why Carolina picked him in the top 10 instead of addressing other needs.
He racked up six catches for 100 yards, crucially making five first downs. His ability to make plays was impressive, especially when he turned a simple pass into a 40-yard gain. Later, he made another big catch on the sideline that helped secure a key first down.
Arizona has been putting its best defenders on him, and it hasn’t been easy, yet McMillan stood out.
Best Offensive Player of Week 2: Jared Goff
Talk about overblown rumors—Jared Goff is not done yet. After a rough outing against the Packers, questions arose, but he certainly quieted critics with a commanding performance against the Bears.
Goff has this quiet way of impacting the game, doing all the right things without drawing too much attention. Unlike other QBs who rely on flashy plays, he remains poised and makes sure to deliver the ball where it needs to go.
This week was crucial for Detroit, and Goff’s solid performance kept them from drifting into uncertainty.
Best Defensive Player of Week 2: Fred Warner
In the game against the New Orleans Saints, Warner was a standout with 11 tackles, but two plays really caught everyone’s attention.
First, he forced a fumble from Alvin Kamara while the Saints were driving, which allowed San Francisco to regain momentum and score a touchdown shortly after. That, as some players pointed out, was a pivotal moment in the game.
Later on, in a crucial third-and-long situation, Warner successfully defended against a key throw, which ultimately halted New Orleans’ chances for a comeback.
Best Special Teams Player of Week 2: Antonio Gibson
After a thrilling start from the Dolphins, Malik Washington electrified the crowd with a stunning 74-yard punt return touchdown. Just when it looked like Miami was taking control, Antonio Gibson, with a wave of determination, responded with a 90-yard touchdown for New England.
Gibson joked post-game about needing to pump himself up before the big play. His performance clearly had a remarkable impact.
Patriots quarterback Drake May praised Gibson’s agility and awareness, noting how he evaded the kicker and executed a brilliant play during a tightly contested game.
Week 2 MVP: Ja’marr Chase
The Bengals are sitting at 2-0 largely thanks to Ja’marr Chase. Even with Joe Burrow’s struggles, Chase put in the hard work and kept the team afloat.
He amassed an impressive 14 receptions for 165 yards, single-handedly driving the team forward, even if he only scored once. The chain-moving first downs he achieved were vital for their victory over the Jaguars.
It’s hard to say how long they can maintain this without Burrow, but Chase is certainly giving it his all.
