As Week 1 of the NFL season wraps up, it's time to take a closer look at how various teams, players, and units are trending. Whether you're a fan of the game or just keeping an eye on your favorite players, there's plenty to discuss. First, let’s check in on the Browns fans in your life. This analysis comes from Scoop City, The Athletic’s premier NFL newsletter. If you want to receive similar insights directly in your inbox, be sure to sign up!
The Green Bay Packers entered Week 1 with high expectations and managed to exceed them. Their defense was a standout, suffocating the Detroit Lions and holding them to a mere 46 rushing yards on 22 attempts. Quarterback Jared Goff faced relentless pressure, with 37.2 percent of his dropbacks resulting in a hurried throw, all while the Packers blitzed at a league-low rate of just 11.6 percent. Even when Goff did complete passes, his receivers had nowhere to go, achieving only 3.9 yards after the catch—the lowest in their last 19 games. The Packers recorded four sacks, tying for the third-highest in Week 1, showcasing a strong defensive performance. Despite a late touchdown catch by Isaac TeSlaa, the Lions fell 27-13.
In other notable performances: The Los Angeles Chargers surprised fans by shifting their offensive identity under coach Jim Harbaugh, with quarterback Justin Herbert passing on an impressive 69.5 percent of plays against the Chiefs. This marked the highest passing rate in a Chargers win since Harbaugh took the helm. Could this be the year they truly unleash their franchise quarterback?
Rookies also made a splash. Emeka Egbuka of the Buccaneers and Jacory Croskey-Merritt of the Commanders were universally praised over the summer, and they delivered on that hype. Egbuka scored two touchdowns, including a crucial 25-yard game-winner against the Falcons, while Croskey-Merritt shone in Kliff Kingsbury's scheme with 10 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown, leading Washington to a 21-6 victory over the Giants.
In Seattle, with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett sidelined, Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerged as the primary receiving threat, garnering an astounding 59.1 percent of targets per route run. However, his performance was marred by a critical fumble in the fourth quarter, contributing to the Seahawks' narrow 17-14 loss to the 49ers.
The defenses in Los Angeles and Houston also made headlines, as both teams showcased their grit in a hard-hitting affair. Despite the star power of their quarterbacks, the Rams and Texans defenses dominated, leading to a 14-9 victory for the Rams, highlighted by Puka Nacua's resilient performance (10 catches, 130 yards).
Meanwhile, Marvin Harrison Jr., the highly-touted rookie from the Cardinals, demonstrated improved chemistry with quarterback Kyler Murray, recording five catches for 71 yards and a touchdown in a 20-13 win over the Saints. After a rocky start, Harrison's 83.3 percent reception rate indicates promise for future performances.
The Week 1 performances of veteran quarterbacks were also noteworthy. Aaron Rodgers, Justin Fields, and Daniel Jones each led their teams to impressive scoring outputs, showcasing their potential to turn around their franchises. However, the pressure is mounting for the Giants, particularly on Russell Wilson. Following a disappointing performance, coach Brian Daboll may soon turn to rookie Jaxson Dart, who has shown poise under pressure and is seen as a potential spark for the struggling offense.
In stark contrast, several teams faltered during Week 1. The Baltimore Ravens lost a heartbreaker against the Bills, with a stunning 41-40 scoreline. Despite leading by 15 points with under 10 minutes left, Baltimore became the first team since 2000 to lose after such a commanding position. The Ravens are left to ponder their late-game strategy, particularly their decision to punt on fourth-and-3.
The Cleveland Browns also disappointed their fans, despite a strong defensive showing that limited the Bengals to just two yards of offense in the second half. Two costly interceptions and a missed field goal contributed to their narrow 17-16 loss, though there are still reasons for optimism as they move forward.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos struggled on offense despite a solid performance from their defense. Quarterback Bo Nix was unable to capitalize, leading to four turnovers in a 20-12 win against the Titans, while the Panthers continued to experience woes with a 26-10 loss to the Jaguars, echoing their past issues with poor run defense and quarterback play.
Other teams in a rebuilding phase, like the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins, faced their own challenges. The Patriots underperformed in a 20-13 loss to the Raiders, while the Dolphins’ defense allowed scores on every Colts possession, raising concerns about head coach Mike McDaniel’s future.
For further insights, check out the highlights from Cam Ward’s debut, where the Athletic Football Show dissected the performances across the league. Additionally, keep an eye on J.J. McCarthy as he prepares for his highly-anticipated debut against the Bears.
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