Recapping NFL Week 1
After a strange week 1, the dust has settled and the results are a little bizarre. I say this because the two Super Bowl teams both had disastrous games. Super Bowl quarterbacks Joe Burrow threw 4 interceptions and Matthew Stafford threw three. Neither of them had a rating over 65 and both were sacked seven times. They played sloppy football, and it showed.
The Broncos/Seahawks game was anticipated, mostly for Russell Wilson. However, the favored Broncos took a dive when they were taken down 17-16 by Seattle.
Week one was pretty crazy but first: the NFC east.
The only team unable to tally a win was the Cowboys which, truth be told, isn't really a bad thing. The Eagles played well offensively, but their defense is as mediocre as it was last year. The Eagles failed to earn a sack, and allowed 181 yards on the ground. Jared Goff threw two touchdowns, but did throw a pick six to cornerback James Bradberry. The big thing is Hurts's 243 passing yards, 0 of which went to Devont'a Smith. Four targets, 0 touchdowns, and 0 catches. However, A.J. Brown's stats were a lot better- 10 touchdown for 155 yards. However, Brown didn't ever visit the end zone. But the Lions did a terrible job of covering Brown. Brown's routes were impeccable and his strength was outstanding. Brown bulled over any defensive back stupid enough to get in his way. Devont'a Smith is expected to get more involved, but with a relatively conservative pass game last year, Hurts's arm is looking a lot more promising heading into this season.
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| A.J. Brown destroyed the Lions Secondary |
The Giants squeaked past Tennessee 21-20. Saquon Barkley returned to his former glory, and had 164 yards and a touchdown, as well as a crucial two point score. The Commanders beat the Jaguars 28-22 and Carson Wentz threw four scores, two of which went to rookie Jahan Dotson. The Giants did respectably against a talented Tennessee offense, but it became clear very early, that the Titans basically gave Howie Roseman A.J. Brown for nothing. All the Titans received from the trade were the No. 18 and 101 picks (as they announced through Twitter) in the 2022 draft. Tennessee put the 18th draft pick to good use as they got rookie receiver Treylon Burks. They traded away the 101st draft pick. Obviously they wanted to move away from Brown and invest in someone younger, but that may come back to bite them. Mark your calendars: December 4th at 1pm, Titans at Eagles. That will be a good game.
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| Saquon Barkely is back from a sloppy 2021 season |
Out west were also some nice games. The Chargers showed a scary defense and a menacing offense that will give Kansas City a run for their money. With Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa leading a defense that sacked Derek Carr six times, including two back to back strip sacks, they are probably one of the best defenses in the league as of now. Khalil Mack had three sacks, and Justin Herbert threw three touchdowns. Carr threw two touchdowns, but also tossed three picks. Justin Herbert threw 0 picks and was sacked 0 times. Although the score doesn't say much, the Chargers won 24-19, their dominant defensive performance kept Derek Carr skittish. Justin Herbert, one of the most consistent quarterbacks under 25, proved just how amazing and necessary he is for Los Angeles. Justin Herbert is just to good for any secondary. The game was essentially a blowout for the Chargers.
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| Justin Herbert: Future Tom Brady? |
Another team crushed on Kickoff was the Cardinals. 5 touchdowns, 360 passing yards, 0 interceptions, 0 sacks and mobility and athleticism like no other? All signs point to Mahomes. Patrick Mahomes and Co. came into Arizona and destroyed, demolished, and decimated. At least they destroyed Arizona's defense. A 44-21 win over the Cardinals proved how crazy Mahomes and the Chiefs are...and proved that with or without the Cheetah Tyreek Hill, they're still the best. JuJu Smith-Schuster took over the role and shows promise after 6 receptions for 79 yards. Smith-Schuster had a fumble, but with Travis Kelce as an excellent tight end, they don't really need a stellar wide receiver. It might be an issue later, but with confident enough receivers in Marquez Valdez-Scantling and Mecole Hardman, it probably won't be.
It was the Packers who suffered the most this week, as Davante Adams is now with Las Vegas. Green Bay was smushed by Minnesota 23-7, and Justin Jefferson had a dominant game. He hauled in nine passes for an astounding 184 yards... and also two scores. Aaron Rodgers threw an interception, and that's about it. He didn't even throw over 200 yards. Green Bay has just been stripped of all their talent. Za'Darius Smith went off to the Vikings. He had 12.5 sacks in 2020, but only played one game last year. Obviously no one can replace Davante Adams. No one can. Ever.
Overall, the season opener had some bumps. Some highs, and some lows. Some upsets. The NFL has changed a lot last year in the offseason, and it has showed. It was an interesting Week 1, and Week 2 will only get better.
All of the above images were taken from Yahoo Sports The first photo was taken by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images. The second photo was taken by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Reuters. The third photo was taken by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images. Images were used for commentary.
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