The wait is over! Football is officially back and this is what happened in Week 1.
Chiefs vs. Ravens
The reigning Super Bowl Champions defeated the Baltimore Ravens on the opening game of the season. To see my breakdown of that thriller, go here.
Packers vs Eagles
Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
The NFL hosted its first-ever – and likely last – game in São Paulo, Brazil. The first play from scrimmage for the Eagles was a Saquon Barkley slip and fall for a two yard loss. If the NFL goes back to Brazil, it won’t be in Arena Corinthians. The South American slip n slide had media figures complaining all over the internet.
Other than that play, Barkley would steal the show and produce 132 total yards and 3 touchdowns. For the Packers, second-year receiver Jayden Reed had 4 grabs for 138 yards and a score. He accompanied that with a 33-yard rushing touchdown.
Packers QB Jordan Love went down with an injury late in the 4th quarter. It’s currently being labeled as an MCL sprain and his return timeline is unknown. Head coach Matt LaFleur has yet to rule him out for this weekend’s contest against the Indianapolis Colts. In the most probable scenario where Love is unable to suit up, recently-acquired and former Tennessee Titan Malik Willis will run the offense for Green Bay.
The Eagles went back to the states 1-0 after a 34-29 win. Despite the tough loss, the Packers look to build on their surprise appearance and success in last year’s postseason. Philadelphia is once again on a journey to get a taste of that sweet Super Bowl nectar they’ve been deprived of since 2018.
New York Football Giants Losers
Bill Kostroun – NY Post
The Giants lost to the Minnesota Vikings 28-6 on Sunday. But this is not the embarrassing part. “Franchise” quarterback Daniel Jones was on the lowlights twice after throwing a pick-six on a screen pass and another giveaway in the redzone.
In March of 2023, New York inked a 4-year $160 million extension with the Duke product. Since then, Jones has won one game, thrown two touchdowns, and thrown 3 pick-sixes.
This past offseason, the team decided to let former No. 2 overall pick Saquon Barkley test free agency. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, and, as you know, is thriving.
Head coach Brian Daboll said he will not be benching Daniel Jones after his abomination of a performance. Regardless, you have to feel for Giants fans.
Touchdowns…who needs ’em?!
The revamped Atlanta Falcons hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite the many states separating Georgia and Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh fans were in full force. At one point in the game, T.J. Watt was hyping up the crowd…keep in mind, this game was in Atlanta, Georgia.
Ever since Matt Ryan’s departure in 2022, the Falcons had been looking for its next guy to take charge. This offseason they finally found him. Kirk Cousins made the trek from Minnesota to Atlanta with the hopes of being the missing piece for this promising and talented squad. In week one, this was not the case.
Kirk Cousins threw for just 155 yards and a touchdown while gifting interceptions to the Steelers twice. Justin Fields filled in for an injured Russell Wilson and was the personification of “game manager”. He completed nearly 74% of his passes, threw zero touchdowns, but also zero interceptions.
The Steelers would score 6 field goals and somehow walk out of Atlanta with an 18-10 victory.
Who made cookies?
Baker Mayfield. After being cast away by the Cleveland Browns, the Oklahoma super star eventually found himself on stable ground in Tampa Bay last season. To everyone’s surprise, they won their division and hosted a playoff game. They then proceeded to demolish the Eagles who had just come off of a Super Bowl appearance the previous year. This year, he continues to prove himself.
Mayfield completed 24 of 30 passes for 289 yards, 4 touchdowns, and zero turnovers. Having by far the best QB outing of the week, Baker led the Buccaneers to a 37-10 victory over the Washington Commanders.
Over in Cleveland, things could not have gone worse. Deshaun Watson went 0-10 on passes that traveled 15 yards or further, the worst performance since the stat was first tracked in 2006. Additionally, he averaged just 3.8 yards per attempt and threw two interceptions. Cleveland was dismantled by the Dallas Cowboys 33-17.
Baker Mayfield has his squad looking hungry and might do some damage again in 2024.
Rookie QB Woes
Andrew Nelles – The Tennessean – USA TODAY NETWORK
It is a historical trend for rookie quarterbacks to not perform to their fullest in their debuts. This year is no exception. Caleb Williams (#1 pick), Jayden Daniels (#2 pick), and Bo Nix (#12 pick) all made their debuts on Sunday.
Jayden Daniels actually had a good debut, but I couldn’t make the header, “Rookie QB Woes (Minus Jayden Daniels)”. He went 17/24 for 184 passing yards. But he also had 16 carries for 88 yards and two trips to the end zone. Despite the loss, the Commanders appear to have a bright future with the 2023 Heisman winner under center.
Caleb Williams started slow against the Tennessee Titans and never did get things rolling. The Chicago Bears did pick up the victory, but not because of Williams. He completed just 48% of his passes for 93 yards (3.2 yards per attempt) with zero touchdowns. He did not turn the ball over, but his adjustment to the pros is noticeable. Despite the negatives, Caleb Williams became the first number one overall pick since David Carr in 2002 to win his debut game.
Bo Nix had Broncos Country full of hope after a stellar preseason. Things were quickly turned on their head, as Denver scored just 20 points – 4 of which being from forced safeties. Nix looked flustered and never quite settled in despite Sean Payton running a very simple playbook. The Oregon record-setter went 26/42 for 138 yards (3.3 yards per attempt), zero touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. He did find the end zone on the ground, however. Despite the years and impatience and yet another meltdown, Denver still has hope going forward with #10.
No McCaffrey, No Problem
The San Francisco 49ers took care of business against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. They won 32-19, which was a Scorigami for all those observing.
The Jets were led by 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers, who made his first appearance since tearing his Achilles on the opening MNF game last year against Buffalo. He completed 13 out of 21 passes for 167 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception.
Christian McCaffrey was confident he was going to play until the team announced he would be inactive prior to the contest. Jordan Mason made his first career start and did not disappoint. The Georgia Tech product ran the ball 28 times for 147 yards and a touchdown.
San Francisco fell short against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl last season. This win gets them one step closer to New Orleans for another chance at the Lombardi Trophy before their championship window closes completely.
Wrap Up
A lot happened this weekend, and this is only the beginning! Football season is here and that is accompanied by the incoming fall weather…what a time to be alive!! May your fantasy teams stay healthy – stay tuned for more!