The second week of the 2023 season is in the books. Upsets, brutal losses and thrilling fourth-quarter endings were all part of Week 2. But what are the major takeaways after the first seven games of the regular season?

Surge start 180

The Stuttgart Surge came out hot in their first game of the 2023 season. As expected, the Surge are starting to turn their franchise around with their first win in 699 days! Over the last two season, the Surge came up with two wins out of 22 total games. This season, the German franchise starts with a record of 1-0!

The Musketeers had a better game compared to Week 1, but the Surge wide receiver corps led by former NFL player Moritz Böhringer and youngster Louis Geyer was just too much for the Musketeers secondary to handle. Especially Geyer had a great game with three touchdown receptions and a lot of yards after the catch. It is safe to say that a lot of Surge doubters and teams around the league were put on notice about the new era of football in Stuttgart.

Panthers might have the best QB-WR duo

It still boggles my mind how a team can sign a new American quarterback and a new wide receiver two weeks before their first matchup of the season and end up being the most productive duo over the first two weeks. Quarterback Matthew Vitale and wide receiver Tony “Turbo” Tate proved that their Week 1 performance was not a one-hit wonder but rather a result of a well-coached team and great playmaking ability. With his speed and agility, Tate is just a difference maker no matter where you put him on the field. If I were the Panthers, I’d put the ball into Tate’s hands as often as possible.

Thunder show willpower and resilience

The Thunder almost completed an impossible comeback against the reigning champions at home last Sunday. With a score of 24 – 3 at halftime, the Vikings looked like they were steamrolling over the home team. But in the second half, the Thunder showed their resilience and willpower which left an impression on me. In the last quarter, the Thunder put up 21 points to tie the Vikings, only to lose because of a last second field goal by the Austrian franchise. Despite the loss, the Thunder proved that they are dangerous no matter the circumstances. Teams with such a mindset have the chance to come far. Let’s see where they end up after the regular season is over.