Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen Dominate Week 2 as Steelers’ Defense Collapses and Burrow Suffers Injury
Nov, 29 2025
When Lamar Jackson dropped back at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday, September 14, 2025, he didn’t just beat the Cleveland Browns—he exposed them. The Baltimore Ravens rolled to a 41-17 win, turning a defensive battle into a passing masterclass. Jackson, 28, hit DeAndre Hopkins for a gravity-defying touchdown, while Roquan Smith turned a fumble into a 25-yard pick-six. It wasn’t just execution—it was intimidation. And it wasn’t isolated. Across the league, Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season delivered chaos, brilliance, and heartbreak in equal measure.
Buffalo’s Run Game Shuts Down the Jets—Again
At MetLife Stadium, the Buffalo Bills didn’t just beat the New York Jets—they erased them. Josh Allen, 28, opened the game with a 40-yard scramble that set the tone. By the fourth quarter, the Jets were done. Their offense managed just 3.3 yards per play and failed on all 11 third-down attempts. Zach Wilson, 25, completed 3 of 11 passes for 27 yards before exiting with a concussion evaluation. Tyrod Taylor, 35, couldn’t spark a revival. Meanwhile, James Cook, 25, ran for 132 yards and two touchdowns. Even former Jet Elijah Moore, 25, got his revenge with a rushing TD. NFL.com’s Jeremy Bergman put it bluntly: “Bills run over, and run it up.”Pittsburgh’s Defense: A Historic Collapse
The Pittsburgh Steelers entered Week 2 with hope. Two interceptions of Sam Darnold in the first half suggested a turnaround. But then came the second half—and the unraveling. The Seattle Seahawks rushed for 105 yards, led by Kenneth Walker III, 24, who turned 13 carries into a touchdown. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, 23, added 124 receiving yards. The final score? 31-17. And the historical weight? For the first time since 2002, the Steelers allowed 30+ points in back-to-back season openers. Aaron Rodgers, 41, threw two picks, including a game-sealing one to Coby Bryant. The defense didn’t just fail—it crumbled.Burrow’s Injury Changes Cincinnati’s Season Trajectory
The most chilling moment came in Cincinnati. Early in the second quarter, Joe Burrow, 28, crumpled after a low hit on his toe. He didn’t return. In his place stepped Jake Browning, 26, a journeyman backup who’d thrown just 17 career passes. Against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he threw three touchdowns—but also three turnovers. A controversial pass interference call saved the day. Still, the Bengals won 31-27. The question isn’t whether they can win without Burrow—it’s whether they can survive the next five weeks. Trevor Lawrence, 25, threw for 271 yards and three scores, and Calvin Ridley, 29, had 14 catches. This wasn’t a fluke win. It was a miracle.
The 41-Point Fourth Quarter: Cowboys vs. Giants
No game captured the madness of Week 2 like the Dallas Cowboys-New York Giants showdown at MetLife Stadium. The teams combined for 41 points in the final quarter—the most in a single fourth quarter since at least 2018, per NFL Research. Four touchdowns in the last 8:30. A fumble recovery. A last-second field goal attempt blocked. And then, in overtime, Dak Prescott found CeeDee Lamb for the game-winner. The Giants’ defense looked exhausted. The Cowboys’ offense looked unstoppable. And the fans? They were speechless.What’s Next? Panthers’ Desperate Hail Mary
The Carolina Panthers lost to the Arizona Cardinals 27-22, but they didn’t go quietly. Bryce Young, 23, threw for 328 yards and three touchdowns, carving up Arizona’s defense with short, precise passes after trailing 27-3. But Calais Campbell, 39, ended it with a sack that silenced the comeback. Now, Carolina faces the Atlanta Falcons on September 21, 2025. Bijan Robinson, 23, ran for 143 yards against Minnesota. If Young can stay healthy and the offensive line holds, maybe the Panthers aren’t dead yet. But with Burrow out and Rodgers struggling, the NFC South is wide open—and dangerous.
Other Notables: The Quiet Stars
- Jalen Hurts, 26, outplayed Patrick Mahomes, 29, in a gritty 20-17 win over Kansas City at Lincoln Financial Field.- Drake Maye, 22, made his first real statement as New England’s starter, accounting for three touchdowns against Miami.
- Chase McLaughlin, 27, kicked the game-winner for Tampa Bay in Houston, a 48-yarder with 0:03 left.
- Derrick Henry, 31, was held to 32 yards on 11 carries—a shocking drop from his Week 1 explosion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is Joe Burrow’s toe injury, and how long might he be out?
The Bengals haven’t released an official timeline, but sources say Burrow’s injury is a high-ankle sprain, not a fracture. That typically means 4–6 weeks. If he misses the next three games, including matchups against the Browns and Ravens, backup Jake Browning will need to keep winning. The Bengals’ playoff hopes hinge on his ability to protect the ball.
Why is the Steelers’ defense collapsing after two games?
The Steelers’ defensive line lacks pass-rush consistency, and their secondary is aging. Aaron Rodgers is getting older, and the offense can’t compensate. Their 30+ point games in Weeks 1 and 2 are the first such stretch since 2002. Without a major turnaround, they could be looking at their first 0–4 start since 2013. The coaching staff is under pressure to adjust schemes or make roster changes.
Can the Jets recover after their 31-10 loss to the Bills?
It’s unlikely without a quarterback change. Zach Wilson’s concussion evaluation adds uncertainty, and Tyrod Taylor isn’t a long-term solution. The Jets averaged just 3.3 yards per play and went 0-for-11 on third downs. Their offensive line is porous, and their play-calling is predictable. Unless new coordinator Nathaniel Hackett changes the system, they’re headed for a long season. The draft lottery just got a lot more interesting.
What does Lamar Jackson’s performance say about the Ravens’ Super Bowl chances?
Jackson is playing at an MVP level—10 touchdowns and zero interceptions through two games. With Roquan Smith and DeAndre Hopkins feeding off his playmaking, the Ravens have the most explosive offense in the AFC. If their defense maintains its early-season intensity, they’re the team to beat. But they haven’t faced a top-tier defense yet—look for the Chiefs or Bills to test them in Week 5.
Is the NFC South now the most unpredictable division in football?
Absolutely. The Falcons are 2–0 behind Bijan Robinson. The Panthers are 0–2 but have a quarterback who can win shootouts. The Saints are on a bye, and the Buccaneers are still searching for identity. With Burrow out and Rodgers struggling, the division could be decided by injuries and clutch kicks. The Panthers-Falcons game on September 21 could be the turning point.
What’s the biggest surprise of Week 2?
The fact that Drake Maye, a 22-year-old rookie, outplayed Tua Tagovailoa in a 33-27 win over Miami. Maye threw for 217 yards and ran for a touchdown. He didn’t make mistakes. He didn’t panic. He looked like a franchise quarterback. Meanwhile, Tua completed 81% of his passes but couldn’t close. The Patriots’ future just got a lot brighter—and the Dolphins’ uncertainty just got deeper.