NFL Week 2: Ravens Struggle, Saints and Bucs Shine
- The Ravens struggled defensively, giving up 13 points in the fourth quarter, indicating issues beyond just missing defensive coordinator Macdonald.
- The Saints showcased a strong performance, scoring 44 points against a highly regarded Dallas defense while limiting the Cowboys to 19 points.
- Despite early season challenges, the performances of the Saints and Bucs suggest they are on the right track, while the Ravens need to address their defensive weaknesses.
The second week of the NFL season revealed significant challenges for the Baltimore Ravens, particularly on the defensive side. They allowed 13 points in the fourth quarter, raising concerns about their ability to maintain a strong defensive performance. This struggle was compounded by the absence of defensive coordinator Macdonald, highlighting that the issues ran deeper than just one individual’s absence. In contrast, the New Orleans Saints delivered an impressive performance, scoring 44 points against the Dallas Cowboys, a team known for its strong defense. The Saints' ability to limit the Cowboys to just 19 points showcased their defensive capabilities, suggesting that they are finding their rhythm early in the season. This performance was particularly notable given the offseason drama surrounding the team and the absence of key players like Christian McCaffrey. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels also made headlines by leading the Washington Commanders to a game-winning drive against the Giants. Despite earlier struggles, he demonstrated growth by completing 79 percent of his passes and effectively using his legs to gain yardage. This performance indicates his potential to develop into a reliable starter. Overall, while the Saints and Bucs appear to be on a positive trajectory, the Ravens must address their defensive vulnerabilities to remain competitive in the season ahead.