Patience pays off in the NFL

Players who start slow aren't doomed to fail. Sam Darnold won a Super Bowl after five teams in eight seasons. Bill Belichick went 36-44 with the Browns before becoming one of the greatest coaches ever.

Dallas Turner is a breakout star

The Vikings pass rusher has 20 pressures through two games, the most in the NFL and the most through two games in Pro Football Focus history since 2006. He also has 11 quarterback hits and three sacks.

Turner's path to stardom took time

After a quiet rookie year and slow start to his second season, Turner had 6.5 sacks and a 16.2% pressure rate from Week 10 onward last year. He's only 23 years old and playing under defensive mastermind Brian Flores.

Lukas Van Ness is stepping up too

The Packers pass rusher had a 16.3% pressure rate last season despite a foot injury. In 2026, he's at 19.6% with 2.5 sacks and made a crucial fourth-down stop against the Bears.

Van Ness finally unlocking his potential

Sunday was his finest outing yet: 1.5 sacks, nine tackles, four quarterback hits, three tackles for loss. Once Micah Parsons returns from his torn ACL, the Packers could have a really dangerous pass rush duo.

Bengals' defense is most improved

Cincinnati's defensive front sacked C.J. Stroud four times and pressured him 28 times on 60 dropbacks (47%) in their 20-6 win over Houston. That's their most pressures in any game since 2019.

Dexter Lawrence is a game changer

The Bengals acquired Lawrence from the Giants and he's already making an impact. Cincinnati also allowed just 3.3 yards per carry, showing their defensive line dominates both pass and run defense.

New defensive pieces elevate the unit

Boye Mafe has an 18.8% pressure rate. Sixth-round rookie Cedric Johnson already has two sacks. The impact spreads throughout the entire unit, allowing defensive coordinator Al Golden to dial up creative pressure looks.

Jaylen Waddle transforms Broncos offense

After a quiet debut, Waddle had eight catches for 138 yards on 10 targets against Jacksonville. He lined up all over the field and showed explosiveness and run-after-catch ability that Sean Payton called significant.

“"It was significant. I just gave him a game ball. You can see the explosiveness, the run after the catch, all of those things. I'm glad he's ours."”

Waddle's versatility opens up the offense

He caught passes from the left outside, left slot, right slot, and even lined up in the backfield twice. Denver had 21 rushing yards on those two plays, showing how Payton can scheme around his best players.

New overtime rules require strategy

Two overtime games on Sunday showed the new rules are better than the old ones. The Jets took the ball first against the Packers, a strategic choice that didn't pay off. The Colts deferred and faced tough fourth-down decisions.

Ball possession strategy matters

Jets coach Aaron Glenn explained taking the ball first: controlling the clock lets you control how the opponent plays offense. But Geno Smith took sacks, they punted, and the Packers won with a field goal.

“"Usually, if you can get yourself in a situation like that and you can really control the clock, you can control exactly how they're going to play offense once you go and score."”

Klint Kubiak has the Raiders on track

The Raiders are 2-0 after thumping the Chargers 26-14 and cruising past the Dolphins. Kubiak's coaching and staff overhaul have impressed despite the team's uncertain roster construction.

Kubiak gets the most from his players

Kirk Cousins had 10 completions of 10+ yards against Los Angeles. Cody White caught two touchdown passes after having just one career touchdown. Fifth-round rookie Hezekiah Masses had two interceptions.

Raiders building foundation for the future

Kubiak has been creative with Ashton Jeanty, lining him up as running back, wide receiver, and tight end. The team hasn't even had Brock Bowers on the field yet. The foundation is being laid for long-term success.

Davante Adams still performing at elite level

The Rams veteran had eight catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns against the Giants while filling in for injured Puka Nacua. In his 13th year, Adams still looks sharp and productive.

Travel logistics matter in the NFL

A bonus lesson from Week 2: don't take a 16-hour flight that lands hours before you have to play an NFL game. Rest and preparation are crucial for performance.