3 NFL QBs who played like they should be benched in Week 2

These three quarterbacks had bench-worthy performances in Week 2 of the 2022 NFL season.

The NFL has entered its second week of the 2022 season. Last week featured some exciting finishes, thanks in part to solid performances from the quarterbacks starting under center. The same could be said in Week 2, as Tua Tagovailoa and Joe Flacco led the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets, respectively, to comeback victories.

But besides that, there were some ugly performances in the second weekend of the season. So much so, that there was some debate as to which three quarterbacks deserved the honor that they do not want — being worthy of a benching.

Here are three quarterbacks who played like they should be benched after Week 2.

3. Baker Mayfield, Panthers

If you were looking for a game filled with offense, then the New York Giants-Carolina Panthers contest was not for you. It was an ugly quarterback battle between Daniel Jones and Baker Mayfield, but it was Jones and the Giants who were victorious by the score of 19-16.

Mayfield showed flashes in the second half of Carolina’s home opener against the Cleveland Browns, but one main issue was that his passes were batted by defenders. The same thing occurred when facing the Giants.

On the day, Mayfield completed just 14-of-29 passes for 145 yards and one touchdown. Meanwhile Jones completed 22-of-34 pass attempts for 176 yards and a touchdown. Let’s be real here, whoever lost this game was going to get honors. Even with the win, Jones did not play well.

The Panthers will look to get their first win of the season next week when they face the New Orleans Saints. Given how much trouble the Saints defense gave Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, it could be a long day for Mayfield and the Panthers offense.

2. Mitch Trubisky, Steelers

The week prior, the Pittsburgh Steelers pulled off a huge overtime victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. But, it was far from the greatest performance by starter Mitch Trubisky, who completed just 55.3-percent of his passes for 194 yards and one touchdown. Facing off against a New England Patriots offense coached up by Matt Patricia, surely the Steelers would be able to outscore them, right?

Nope.

The Steelers lost 17-14, and Trubisky did anything but inspire Steelers fans who were packed inside Acrisure Stadium.

On Pittsburgh’s second drive of the game, Trubisky targeted wide receiver Diontae Johnson on a slant route, but failed to see linebacker Mack Wilson right in front of him. Trubisky let off the pass, which Wilson tipped up into the air, and allowed cornerback Jalen Mills to intercept.

Trubisky did throw a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to tight end Pat Freiermuth, but they could not even get into field goal range for the remainder of the game. To be more specific, the offense went three-and-out on their final two drives.

In total, Trubisky has two touchdown passes on the year. Fans in the stadium were already chanting for rookie Kenny Pickett to replace Trubisky. It may be a matter of time until a switch is made, but that decision is up to head coach Mike Tomlin.

1. Matt Ryan, Colts

The winner of the worst performance by a quarterback in Week 2 is none other than Matt Ryan. This offseason, the Colts pulled off a trade for the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback to be their solution at the position, one in which has been an issue since Andrew Luck retired.

Week 1 was not ideal for the Colts, as they played to a tie with the Houston Texans. Ryan did manage to throw for 352 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the tie. But in Week 2, Ryan put up a dreadful performance.

Whenever the Colts play the Jacksonville Jaguars, they have issues. The Colts were obviously without top wide receiver Michael Pittman for the game, but did you honestly think that they would be shut out?

The game started with Ryan throwing a pass intended for wide receiver Ashton Dulin, but it hung in the air seemingly forever. It was then intercepted by safety Rayshawn Jenkins.

Jacksonville capitalized 15 plays later on a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Trevor Lawrence to wide receiver Christian Kirk.

From there, the Colts ended the majority of their remaining of their drives by punting the ball back to the Jaguars. Ryan threw two more interceptions at the end of the game to show that no, the Colts were not winning this game.

On the day, Ryan completed 16-of-30 passes for 195 yards, zero touchdowns, and three interceptions in the 24-0 loss.

The Colts now have to try and outscore the Kansas City Chiefs next week. Based off their performance through the first two weeks of the season, good luck with that.