2023 Bama in the NFL Recap: Tua tops Mac in Week 2
Alabama players showed out again, culminating with another showdown of Crimson Tide quarterbacks on Sunday Night.
NFL Week 2 Recap
- The Philadelphia Eagles secured their second win of the season on Thursday against the Minnesota Vikings, and the Alabama connection between Jalen Hurts and wide receiver DeVonta Smith was as strong as ever. Hurts had 193 yards passing and a touchdown, while also accounting for 35 yards and two scores on the ground. Smith had 131 receiving yards and caught the touchdown pass. Defensively, cornerback Josh Jobe got his first career NFL start and had six tackles. The Eagles didn't look great at times, but you can't argue with a two-game win streak to open the season. Running back D'Andre Swift was a heavy workhorse on the night, with 175 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
- What was thought to be a potential defensive matchup between the New York Jets and the Dallas Cowboys ended in a blowout. Crimson Tide defensive stars played well for both teams, but it still ended in a 30-10 win for the Cowboys. Cornerback Trevon Diggs had one tackle and two passes defended. He also had a chance at an interception on the goal line, but couldn't quite haul it in. For the Jets, linebacker CJ Mosely co-led the team in tackles with nine. He also had one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit. Defenivse tackle Quinnen Williams had six total tackles and two tackles for loss.
- The Washington Commanders edged out a tough win at Denver. After giving up a Hail Mary throw as time expired, the Commanders defense stood strong on the game-tying two-point conversion. Brian Robinson Jr. led the Commanders with 87 yards and two touchdowns, and also had 47 receiving yards. Defensively, Daron Payne had five tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, one pass defended, and three quarterback hits. Jonathan Allen had three tackles. Washington is off to a surprise 2-0 start to the season.
- The Miami Dolphins are rolling, earning their second win of the season, and this one came over the rival New England Patriots. Tua Tagovailoa had 249 yards and one touchdown in the win. Jaylen Waddle had 86 receiving yards before leaving the game with a concussion. Defensively for Miami, Raekwon Davis had five tackles and one tackle for a loss. For the Patriots, Mac Jones had 231 yards and one touchdown. Jones also contributed 25 yards on the ground. Defensively, Christian Barmore had one tackle.
- After receiving a fine for an illegal hit in Week 1, Broncos defensive back Kareem Jackson could be in some hot water after another infraction this week following his ejection against the Commanders. Jackson’s hit came with 1:47 left in the first half, when he launched into Logan Thomas as the tight end extended for the ball in the end zone. Jackson was ejected and Thomas was later ruled out of the game with a concussion.
Bama in the NFL: Week 2 Tracker
Click on the following link for updated NFL Week 1 statistics of former Crimson Tide players:
NFL Week 2 Preview
- The Philadelphia Eagles and Jalen Hurts kick off the second week of the NFL by hosting the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night. The Eagles already had a solid connection between Hurts and former Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith, but with AJ Brown taking the probable top corner on the Vikings, Smith and Hurts should be able to strengthen their connection. In addition, Landon Dickerson and the offensive line should have a solid test with Marcus Davenport, Danielle Hunter, and the Vikings defensive line. Defensively for Philadelphia, cornerback James Bradberry has been ruled out with a concussion. Bradberry's backup on the depth chart provided by the Eagles is Josh Jobe, meaning another Alabama player could start.
- The New York Jets may have lost Aaron Rodgers four plays into the season, but the team showed toughness by edging out a win against the Bills thanks to a punt return in overtime. Linebacker CJ Mosely was the third leading tackler for the Jets in Week 1, and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams showed his impact all game long with five total tackles, a tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery. With Rodgers out, the defense becomes even more important, and it all starts with Mosley and Williams this week against a high-powered Dallas Cowboys offense. For the Cowboys, they'll line up their top cornerback, Trevon Diggs, against the Jets top offensive weapon: Garrett Wilson.
- The Denver Broncos once again suffered a loss in Week 1. However, it was not due to a lack of effort from top cornerback Patrick Surtain II. He had two tackles and three passes defended while grading out to an 87.2 according to FanNation's Broncos coverage. In addition to Surtain, the Broncos start Kareem Jackson, who totaled four tackles and a pass defended in the 17-16 loss to the Raiders. This week, Denver will host Washington, which has Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne on the defensive line. In last week's win over the Cardinals, Allen had four tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits. Payne had two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery.
- Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is either the early betting favorite or the second favorite to win MVP this season. The Dolphins offense was clicking in Week 1 thanks to a great performance by the former Crimson Tide standout. Defensively for Miami, Raekwon Davis had just one tackle. For the second straight game, Mac Jones will see a former Crimson Tide quarterback leading the other team. Last week it was Hurts, and on Sunday night it's the one he replaced at Alabama, Tagovailoa. Jones had 316 yards and three touchdowns in the Patriots loss last week, but also a deflected ball turned into a pick-6. Defensively, Christian Barmore and Mack Wilson Sr. both had two tackles in the season opener.
- Bryce Young made his rookie debut against the Falcons, and while he threw his first career touchdown pass, he also had two interceptions. This week, Carolina returns home to face another division rival: New Orleans. The Saints are statistically a better unit than the Falcons, so Young will have his work cut out for him as he tries to minimize negative plays.
How to Watch NFL Week 2
Thursday's Game
Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles, 7:15 p.m. CT, Prime Video
Sunday's Games
Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons, noon, FOX
Las Vegas Raiders at Buffalo Bills, noon, CBS
Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals, noon, CBS
Seattle Seahawks at Detroit Lions, noon, FOX
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans, noon, FOX
Kansas City Chiefs at Jacksonville Jaguars, noon, CBS
Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, noon, FOX
Los Angeles Chargers at Tennessee Titans, noon, CBS
New York Giants at Arizona Cardinals, 3:05 p.m., FOX
San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams, 3:05 p.m., FOX
New York Jets at Dallas Cowboys, 3:25 p.m., CBS
Washington Commanders at Denver Broncos, 3:25 p.m., CBS
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots, 7:25 p.m., NBC, Universo
Monday's Games
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers, 6:15 p.m., ESPN, ESPN Deportes
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers, 7:15 p.m., ABC, ESPN+
See Also:
Active Alabama Crimson Players in the NFL
All-Time Alabama Crimson Tide Players in the NFL
