Week 1 gave us some surprises (I’m looking at you, Daniel Jones), but Week 2 is where the real statements get made. These four quarterbacks have matchups that either set them up to shine or expose their weaknesses. Let’s dig in.
Mac Jones (49ers @ Saints, Week 2)
The matchup everyone wanted to see in week 2: Mac Jones vs. Spencer Rattler. Mac steps into a high-pressure situation: Brock Purdy is out (toe and shoulder), George Kittle is on IR, and key receivers are banged up. I have no clue what is going on in that San Fran training room, but they need some help. So now Jones gets a chance to show that he can manage San Francisco’s offense under fire rather than merely being a backup.
What Mac Needs in Week 2
Quick reads, minimal turnovers, and solid protection from his line. If he can limit negative plays and blitz-blown protections, he can make this a clean day. If not, the Saints’ pressure will sting.
Matchup Strengths & Concerns
- The Saints blitzed 35.1% of snaps in Week 1 (10th-highest rate), so pressure is coming.
- Mac Jones has historically fared decently when clean, but his performance under pressure drops sharply. Per PFF grades, his passer grade in clean pockets (84.8) is much higher than when blitzed/pressured in protection (57.7) [SI.com]
- He also has a favorable opponent: In their opener, the Saints’ defense has shown vulnerability against teams that can run and show cagey play action. With McCaffrey likely to see heavy usage, the offense can lean on the run to set up Jones. [NinersNation.com]
Daniel Jones (Colts vs. Broncos, Week 2)
Daniel Jones silenced some doubters in Week 1, carving up Miami for one of his sharpest performances in recent memory. Now the question is simple: can he string together back-to-back strong outings, or will the rollercoaster return against a Broncos defense that thrives on disruption?
What Daniel Needs in Week 2
Sustain drives, use the run game to open things up, and limit mistakes. If Jones plays like he did in Week 1, the Colts have a good shot. If he gets rattled, things will get ugly fast.
Matchup Strengths & Concerns
- Denver surrendered 5.6 yards per play in Week 1, leaving room for Jones to keep attacking downfield if protected. His mobility also matches well against Denver’s tendency to overcommit on blitzes.
- The Broncos generated pressure on 32% of dropbacks in their opener, and Jones’ passer rating historically plummets under heat. If the Colts’ line cracks, his comfort evaporates.
- Denver’s corners are opportunistic; any late throws outside the numbers risk turnovers, something Miami wasn’t able to make happen in Week 1.
Sam Darnold (Seahawks vs. Packers, Week 2)
Darnold didn’t look terrible in Week 1, but he didn’t look dangerous either. Seattle brought him in, hoping he could unlock their young receiving corps (outside of Kupp), but Sam seemed to pick up right where he left off from the disappointing end to Minnesota’s season. Week 2 vs. Green Bay is the perfect test: will the leash finally come off?
What Sam Needs in Week 2
Let the offense flow. Trust Smith-Njigba and Kupp to make plays. Throw early, throw fast when pressure comes. Avoid turnovers. And use the run game or short passes to stay on schedule. Ultimately, though, he needs the trust of HC Macdonald and OC Kubiak. They had him in shackles in week 1 against San Fran and there was just no momentum.
Matchup Strengths & Concerns
- Pittsburgh’s defense gave up a lot of big plays to the Jets in Week 1, including over 400 total yards. That suggests there is room for chunk plays if the Seahawks’ WRs (especially Smith-Njigba and Kupp) can get open.
- The Steelers are going to ramp up their pressure after a weak performance against the Jets in Week 1, so their secondary might be vulnerable in coverage if Seattle can get outside shade looks or quick releases before pressure arrives.
- Pittsburgh still generated 4 sacks in Week 1, and Seattle’s offensive line needs to give Darnold time. If the Steelers bring heat, Darnold’s tendency to move around under duress could lead to mistakes.
- Seattle has the potential to run roughshod over a weak and injured Steelers defense that gave up nearly 200 yards rushing to the Jets. A good ground game could open things up nicely for Darnold to pick them apart with a healthy dose of play action.
Drake Maye (Patriots vs. Dolphins, Week 2)
Year two was supposed to be when Drake Maye took the training wheels off and started looking like the long-term answer in New England. Instead, Week 1 felt like déjà vu from his rookie year: solid yardage, but uneven decision-making and missed chances. Against Miami, he needs to show real growth — not just more “potential.”
But it’s also worth noting that it’s week 2 in a very complicated Josh McDaniels offense, so there is no need to smash the panic button, but you’ll never get a better opportunity for a get-right game than facing a Dolphins defense that let Daniel Jones walk all over them.
What Drake Needs in Week 2
Deliver a clean, efficient game that proves he’s trending upward. Take what the defense gives him, spread the ball to multiple targets, and — most importantly — avoid the forced throws that killed drives last week.
Matchup Strengths & Concerns
- Miami allowed 268 passing yards in Week 1 and gave up consistent gains on quick timing routes. If Maye leans on the short game and spreads the ball around, he can put the Pats in manageable situations. Look for Hunter Henry to feast.
- The Dolphins forced 2 turnovers last week and thrive on baiting young QBs into late throws. Maye still has a habit of locking onto his first read, and Miami’s disguised coverages are tailor-made to punish that. Also worth noting that Mike McDaniel has only lost 1 game to New England as HC of Miami (5-1).
- Miami’s pass rush produced 3 sacks and 8 QB hits in Week 1. If the Pats’ offensive line struggles again, Maye could spend the afternoon under siege. Maye was pressured on 34% of dropbacks, and his passer rating dropped to the low 60s under heat, and the Patriots averaged just 5.1 yards per play, struggling to sustain drives.