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Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley. Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Week 2 to-do list: Why Chargers, Bears should panic

By Matthew Neschis | Last updated 9/18/23

We haven't even reached Week 3, but critics aren't shy about calling for teams to make drastic changes. Here's a knee-jerk look at a to-do list after two weeks of the season.

Jets top task: Feed Breece Hall

The Cowboys dominated the Jets in nearly every facet of a 30-10 win on Sunday. That wasn't the fault of New York running back Breece Hall. The Jets gave the 22-year-old only four carries (for nine yards), a workload that didn't suit Hall.

"I mean, I only had four touches. That’s why we struggled," Hall said after the game, per Pro Football Talk. "But it is what it is. We just got down early today and kind of just abandoned the run."

Hall noted his displeasure on X, formerly known as Twitter, posting four football emojis to represent each carry he had.

: #Jets RB Breece Hall seems to be upset over his usage in today’s game…

He tweeted four football emojis, which represents the number of carries (4) that he got in today’s game.

First Sauce deactivated twitter and now Breece complaining about touches on social… pic.twitter.com/5kIYG5YFWS
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) September 18, 2023

Head coach Robert Saleh has insisted the Jets ease Hall back into the offense, limiting him to a snap count following surgery last season for a torn ACL. The second-year runner has proved he's able to handle a bigger load, however, rushing for 127 yards on 10 carries in Week 1. Feed him, coach.

Colts top task: Protect rookie QB Anthony Richardson

In Indianapolis's 31-20 win over Houston, the Florida product displayed the freakish athleticism that made him worthy of the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, rushing for touchdowns of 18 and 15 yards in the first quarter. The latter score forced Richardson out of the game, though, as the 21-year-old hit his head hard on the turf, suffering a concussion.

Richardson fought through knee and ankle pain in the opener against the Jaguars, eventually leaving the game in the final minute. His imposing run style is rare for a quarterback and clearly taking a toll on his health. The Colts must limit the hits he takes, or their season could be sunk.

Chargers top task: Fire Brandon Staley

Staley entered the season on the hot seat, and after two losses, it appears the temperature on the head coach's chair has kicked up a few degrees.

On the heels of blowing a 27-point lead to the Jaguars in last season's wild-card round, the Chargers opened the year losing to Miami in a game that featured seven lead changes. On Sunday, they blew an 11-point lead to the Titans. Critics have noticed.

Pathetic, unacceptable Chargers loss. What a waste. This is what happens when you employ Brandon Staley and expect things to change. What a total waste.
— Adam Schein (@AdamSchein) September 17, 2023

People need fired from the Chargers staff. Starting with Brandon Staley.
— Jarrett Bailey (@JBaileyNFL) September 17, 2023

Los Angeles can turn its season around, but adjustments must be made. One adjustment would be to show Staley the door.

Bears top task: Find another franchise quarterback

The Bears surrounded Justin Fields with a strong supporting cast this offseason, adding wide receiver D.J. Moore, tight end Robert Tonyan Jr., guard Nate Davis and rookie tackle Darnell Wright. Despite the new and improved talent pool, the third-year quarterback looks worse than he did in 2022, when Chicago finished 3-14.

Fields was sacked six times in Sunday's loss to Tampa Bay, raising his season total to 10. Many of these takedowns can be attributed to the 24-year-old holding on to the ball too long and not finding open targets. He also has three interceptions — including two pick-sixes — and lost two fumbles.

If the Bears continue on this path, Chicago (0-2) will have an early pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Bears sights could be set then on drafting a successor to Fields.

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