NFL Week 2 Winners and Losers: Cowboys Escape With Win Despite Defensive Woes

NFL Week 2 Winners and Losers: Cowboys Survive Despite Defensive Collapse

Cowboys Edge Out Giants in Wild Finish

The Dallas Cowboys managed to escape with a 40-37 overtime victory, largely thanks to kicker Brandon Aubrey, rather than their shaky defense. Dallas now sits at 1-1, but the performance raised serious concerns.

Russell Wilson lit up the Cowboys’ defense with 450 passing yards and three touchdowns. Dallas finally capitalized in overtime when Wilson forced an ill-advised throw that was easily intercepted. That turnover set up a big catch from George Pickens, a Dak Prescott scramble, and Aubrey’s fourth field goal to seal the win.

In regulation, Dallas briefly took the lead, only to give it away when Wilson connected with Malik Nabers on a 48-yard touchdown. Aubrey then drilled an incredible 64-yard field goal with no time left, saving Dallas from a crushing defeat. According to NBC, he became the first kicker in NFL history to hit both a regulation game-tying field goal at 0:00 and an overtime game-winner with no time remaining.

Parsons Trade Still Looms Large

The Cowboys’ defensive struggles once again highlighted the controversial trade of star pass rusher Micah Parsons. Owner Jerry Jones has insisted the move was about fixing the run defense, but Sunday’s showing suggested otherwise. Giving up a Hall of Fame–caliber talent in his prime may haunt Dallas for years.

Though the win prevented early-season panic, the Cowboys’ flaws were glaring. Without significant improvement on defense, playoff hopes may be unrealistic.

Other Week 2 Winners

Colts and Shane Steichen Catch a Break

The Indianapolis Colts edged out the Denver Broncos 29-28 after a controversial penalty extended the final drive. Kicker Spencer Shrader initially missed from 60 yards, but a leverage foul gave him another chance from 45 — which he converted. Jonathan Taylor powered the offense with 165 rushing yards, while Daniel Jones impressed with over 300 passing yards. Luck or not, Indy advanced to 2-0.

Eagles’ Defense Delivers

Philadelphia’s offense sputtered, but the defense carried the team to a 20-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The Eagles held KC scoreless until late in the fourth quarter and moved to 2-0, while the Chiefs stumbled to 0-2.

Lions’ Attack Explodes

After a sluggish Week 1, the Detroit Lions rediscovered their firepower, thrashing the Chicago Bears 52-21. Jared Goff threw for 334 yards and five touchdowns, three of them to Amon-Ra St. Brown. With over 500 total yards, Detroit showed its Week 1 struggles were likely just an anomaly.

Rookie QB Drake Maye Bounces Back

After a shaky debut, New England’s Drake Maye impressed against Miami. He completed 18 of 21 passes for 224 yards, accounted for three total touchdowns, and helped the Patriots escape with a 33-27 win. A clutch special teams play — a 90-yard kickoff return by Antonio Gibson — turned the tide.

Matthew Stafford Stays Steady

Despite offseason concerns about his health, Stafford looked sharp as the Rams beat the Titans 33-19. He threw key touchdowns in the second half, while Davante Adams and Puka Nacua both found the end zone. Los Angeles looks like a serious contender if Stafford remains upright.

Mac Jones Gives 49ers a Boost

With Brock Purdy sidelined, Mac Jones filled in admirably. The new 49ers quarterback threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns in a 26-21 win over the Saints. San Francisco is 2-0 despite early injury worries, giving the team optimism while Purdy recovers.

Week 2 Losers

Carolina Panthers Off to a Rough Start

The Panthers fell to 0-2 after a 27-22 loss to Arizona. Though Bryce Young led a late rally, inconsistency plagued the offense, and the defense continues to struggle. Improvement is needed quickly to avoid falling into an early-season spiral.

Jacksonville Jaguars Blow Opportunity

Jacksonville squandered a chance to beat the Bengals after Joe Burrow left injured. Backup QB Jake Browning led a comeback capped by a late touchdown sneak, handing Cincinnati a 31-27 win. Costly turnovers from Trevor Lawrence hurt badly.

Justin Fields’ Nightmare Performance

After a strong Week 1, Fields collapsed against Buffalo. He managed only 27 passing yards on 11 attempts before leaving with a concussion. The Bills rolled to a 30-10 victory, leaving questions about Fields’ consistency and health moving forward.

Steelers’ Defense Collapses Again

For the second straight week, Pittsburgh’s defense looked porous, this time allowing Sam Darnold to pass for nearly 300 yards in Seattle’s 31-17 win. Without major defensive improvement, the Steelers’ season outlook is bleak.

Browns’ Offensive Struggles Continue

Cleveland’s offense sputtered again, falling 41-17 to the Ravens. With Joe Flacco struggling and rookie Dillon Gabriel waiting in the wings, changes could come soon. The schedule ahead is unforgiving, raising alarms for the Browns’ chances.