Most of the NFL action from Week 2 is in the books. There were several top plays made all afternoon, but which ones made the top five for the weekend?
Week 2 Top 5 Highlights and Plays
Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Jets | Micah Parsons Takes Over
Micah Parsons is the best defensive player in the NFL. The amount of ways he impacts the game is unheard of. The opposition game plans for Parsons weekly, yet he still penetrates the opposition’s backfield and causes havoc.
NFL’s best defensive player, Micah Parsons pic.twitter.com/ytTVBhm7CF
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 17, 2023
The Dallas Cowboys’ defense has been otherworldly through the first two weeks of the season, and there doesn’t appear to be a slowdown coming anytime soon. Parsons is the catalyst for the Cowboys’ dominating defense and the clear top candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams | Deebo Dazzles
Deebo Samuel reminded us all that he’s one of the best players in the game with the football in his hands. Samuel is an after-the-catch maestro, and his breathtaking moves in the open field were on display on Sunday as he juked Rams’ would-be defenders into the end zone as Los Angeles pulled away in the second half.
Deebo Samuel juking defenders en route to his first TD of the season! 💨
— Rotoworld Football (@rotoworld_fb) September 17, 2023
Deebo took a backseat last week to Brandon Aiyuk, and several NFL analysts questioned whether Aiyuk surpassed Samuel in San Francisco’s WR pecking order.
However, Samuel reminded the critics how dynamic he can be. His usage in a high-octane 49ers’ offense will be erratic sometimes, but the upside remains as high as ever.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Chicago Bears | Mike Evans — Pay That Man His Money
Buccaneers WR Mike Evans broke off contract negotiations with the team, planning to enter free agency in 2024. And in the final year of his contract, Evans is putting on a show.
Mike Evans = Ole Reliable pic.twitter.com/dgQbrLmnuM
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) September 17, 2023
Evans continues to make big plays down the field for Tampa Bay in an offense analysts misjudged. Baker Mayfield has been better than advertised, and the Buccaneers appear to be this season’s Seahawks — a team we all wildly underrated who have come out of the game white hot.
MORE: Mike Evans Landing Spots — Trade Destinations for Buccaneers WR Include Jets, Lions, and Bills
If there was any doubt Evans still had it, he put it on display on Sunday.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans | Anthony Richardson Arrives
Anthony Richardson is taking the NFL by storm. Richardson is the most physically gifted QB we’ve seen enter the NFL Draft in some time. His blend of size and speed is something to behold.
ANTHONY RICHARDSON AGAIN ‼️
pic.twitter.com/dnIBlfDLTY— PFF (@PFF) September 17, 2023
Richardson did have to leave this contest with a concussion, but with the way head coach Shane Steichen uses him on the move, the ceiling is outrageous for the Colts’ rookie signal-caller.
Rams vs. 49ers | Puka Nacua Breaking Records
Yes, bringing this game back to be discussed once more. Puka Nacua has flipped the football world on its side. The rookie receiver has taken over the Cooper Kupp role in the Rams’ offense and played it flawlessly.
Every Catch From Puka Nacua against the Niners #RamsHouse
Week 2 #NFL https://t.co/Pc0X2PRuQD pic.twitter.com/DR2WvxlifJ
— Raskobe (@_KMrzg) September 18, 2023
Nacua is breaking NFL records, and it doesn’t appear to be a fluke. It will be fascinating to see how Kupp and Nacua balance the Rams’ offense when the former returns.