The theme for week 2 was game-winning drives. Some of the NFL’s top quarterbacks led their teams down field to get the victory in the fourth quarter.
Some of the performances were breathtaking. Eli Manning marched the New York Giants’ offense 56 yards down field before allowing Lawrence Tynes to kick the game-winning, 37 yard field goal to beat the Dallas Cowboys at Jerry Jones’ land.
Peyton Manning only needed four plays in 32 seconds to give the Indianapolis Colts the lead on a touchdown pass Pierre Garcon took 48 yards to the house.
What about that Jay Cutler guy who threw four picks in week one? He proved his worth to the Chicago Bears in week two, going three-of-four on the final drive before Robbie Gould’s field goal with 15 seconds left gave Chicago a 17-14 lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
There were also a not-so-pretty game-winning drive.
JaMarcus Russell, who went seven-of-24 against Kansas City Chiefs, still managed to go four-of-seven on the Oakland Raiders’ final drive before Darren McFadden ran the ball for a five-yard touchdown.
Winners
Most Valuable Player: (tie) Drew Brees and Matt Schaub
Brees followed his week one magic by tossing three touchdowns and 311 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles. Schaub also had a spectacular day against Tennessee Titans, throwing for 357 yards and a career-high four touchdowns.
Best Running Back: Chris Johnson
Johnson was a beast on the field against the Houston Texans, running the ball 16 times for 197 yards and two touchdowns. He also had three long runs for 57, 69, and 91 yards respectively.
Best Receiver: Andre Johnson
Mario Manningham came close to getting this award, but I decided to give to Johnson, who caught 10 balls for 149 yards and two scores against the Tennessee Titans.
Best Defense: New York Jets
Given the circumstances, this one was a no-brainer. The Jets made life a living hell for Tom Brady and the rest of the New England Patriots’ offense. They put pressure on Brady without even getting a single sack.
Best Rookie: Mark Sanchez
Sticking with the Jets, Sanchez looked calm, cool, and collected against New England. Usually Bill Belichick likes to eat rookie quarterbacks for breakfast, but Sanchez led the Jets to a huge upset victory over their heated rival.
Best Game of the Week: New York Giants 33, Dallas Cowboys 31
It was a close contest at the new Cowboys’ Stadium that ended with Eli Manning taking the Giants down field for the win. It may have been a game to forget for Dallas’ fans, but it was a great game for NFL fans.
Losers
Least Valuable Player: Matt Forte
Forte had only 29 yards on 13 carries against Pittsburgh. He shouldn’t be held completely accountable for his poor start this season. Going up against Pittsburgh and Green Bay’s defenses is not an easy task.
Worst Quarterback: Tony Romo
I don’t think going 13-of-29 for 127 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions was the beginning of the end for Romo, but he did have an awful last week on national television against the rival Giants.
Worst Receiver: Roy Williams
Williams is supposed to be Dallas’ next best receiving option behind Jason Witten. After a solid week one, Williams took the night off against the Giants, catching only one pass for 18 yards.
Worst Defense: Philadelphia Eagles
Even if it is Drew Brees and the high-flying New Orleans’ offense, Philadelphia’s defense is too good and talented to give up 41 points against any team.
Worst Rookie: Darius Heyward-Bey
Heyward-Bey looked completely lost against Kansas City last week. The good news: he got his first NFL reception for 18 yards.
Worst Game of the Week: Washington Redskins 9, St. Louis Rams 7
An old fashion football scrum full of defense and no offense. Not the poster child for a modern day game in the NFL.
