NFL Week 1 Recap

The NFL is back! With football season upon us, it is time to get excited, overreact, and hope your team comes out on top! Today, I have taken the liberty of reviewing the Top 3 Games of The Week and recapping the others.

• Colts 20, Texans 20 (OT)

In a shocking game in Houston, the Texans were able to tie in a Week 1 shocker with much less talent than the Colts. Though Indianapolis scored the first points of the game with a first-quarter field goal by Rodrigo Blankenship, the Texans stormed down the field and also got 3 on the board. On the Colt’s next drive Jerry Hughes picked off Matt Ryan and set up Davis Mills and Houston’s offense with great field position, which they took advantage of when Mills found tight end O.J. Howard in the endzone for a touchdown. After a Colt’s punt and a Texan’s drive that stalled out around midfield, the Texans entered halftime with momentum, which they used to get a field goal on the opening drive of the second half. Matt Ryan fumbled the football on Indy’s next possession, and Texans linebacker Christian Kirksey fell on the ball, and set up amazing field position for Houston, who capitalized with another touchdown pass to O.J. Howard.

 O.J, Howard celebrates after a touchdown pass from Davis Mills. Photo Credit to Timothy Rapp of www.bleacherreport.com

Then the Colt’s offense suddenly snapped back out of their two-quarter long fever dream and began making a comeback. It started with a Blankenship field goal, then Colt’s linebacker E.J. Speed strip sacked Davis Mills, and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner recovered.

DeForest Buckner celebrates after recovering a fumble. Photo Credit to Michael Conroy of www.apnews.com

Jonathan Taylor bullied the Texan’s front seven for the rest of the game. After a touchdown from the short field, making the score 20-13, the Texans went three and out and allowed Indy to tie the game up. After both teams had two more possessions, the game was still tied with the clock at 0:00. In overtime, Houston won the coin toss and elected to receive, and Blankenship kicked the ball out of bounds, meaning Houston got it on their 40-yard line. After two sacks by Indianapolis defensive end Kwity Paye, Houston ended up punting on 4th and 26. Indianapolis then drove into field goal range with a few Jonathan Taylor runs, but then, probably inspired by the Bengals, the Colts missed a game winning kick wide right. Unfortunately, Texans coach Lovie Smith got the team to a 4th and 3 on their own 40 after the missed kick and made a questionable decision of deciding to punt. Indy was pinned back deep in their own territory, could not do anything with only about 10 seconds on the clock left, and the game ended in a tie

Fun Facts:

• The Texan’s punt with 20 seconds left in OT scored a 72.12 on the surrender index, a scale used to measure how cowardly the team punting was. It is in the 99.6th percentile of all cowardly punts since 1999.
• All AFC South teams did not win this week, despite two of them playing each other. The Titans lost 21-20 to the Giants, and the Jaguars lost 28-22 to the Commanders.
• Indianapolis All-Pro Linebacker Darius Leonard did not play in this game.
• According to ESPN’s Win Probability Calculator, the Texans had a 98% chance to win the game in the third quarter.
• Indianapolis’s record of opening day games in the past ten seasons is now 1-8-1.
• The Texan’s rookie cornerback, Derek Stingley Jr., only allowed one reception for seventeen yards on two targets over 34 coverage snaps.
• This was Davis Mills’ first game against the Colts where he scored a touchdown against them.

Texans’ #1 Fantasy Performer: O.J. Howard, TE (17.5 Fantasy Points PPR)

Texans’ next matchup: @ Denver Broncos

Colt’s #1 Fantasy Performer: Jonathan Taylor, RB (27.5 Fantasy Points PPR)

Colt’s next matchup: @ Jacksonville Jaguars

 

• Saints 27, Falcons 26

Okay, stop me if you’ve heard this one before: The Atlanta Falcons enter the 4th quarter up two scores, only to lose in a heartbreaking fashion. At least it’s not all bad. For the first half, Atlanta looked like a team that could make noise this year. Holding a talented Saints offense to just 7 points in the first half is no small feat, and the offense was humming. Wide back Cordarrelle Patterson broke the Saints’ run defense apart, and quarterback Marcus Mariota looked like he was back in college playing for Oregon.

Marcus Mariota passes from the pocket during the Saints game. Photo credit to John Bazemore of www.apnews.com

 Drake London beat Marshon Lattimore quite a few times, and Kyle Pitts drew a lot of attention away from other Falcon’s pass-catchers Olamide Zaccheus and Cordarrelle Patterson. Saints’ kicker Will Lutz even caught a case of the Chris Boswells and hit the upright on a field goal attempt. Unfortunately, the game of football lasts 60 minutes, not 30. In the third quarter, the Saints began to pick back up the pace of play, and the Falcons added a touchdown to make the score 23 – 10 heading into the fourth. Then the collapse happened. Atlanta scored their last points of the game on a 27-yard field goal by kicker Younghoe Koo, and Saints wide receivers made big plays for a four play, 75-yard drive that finished with a touchdown pass from Jameis Winston to Michael Thomas, and a successful 2-point conversion attempt to Chris Olave made the score 26 – 18. After a 6-play drive that stalled out at midfield, the Saints again drove down the field and scored again with a touchdown pass to Michael Thomas, but this time two-point conversion failed, making the score 26 – 24. 

Jarvis Landry makes a leaping sideline grab on the Saints’ final possession to set up a field goal. Photo Credit www.espn.com

Atlanta drove down the field and nearly got into field goal range, but a delay of game penalty forced them out and made them punt. On a 5-play, 29-second drive, the Saints nailed a 55-yard field goal, and Atlanta could not get down the field in time, to end with a final score of 27-26.

Fun Facts:

• The teams combined for 3 fumbles (ATL: Olamide Zaccheus, Marcus Mariota NO: Mark Ingram II)
• New Orleans’ big signings in free agency, Tyrann Mathieu (Safety), and Jarvis Landry (Wide Receiver) both contributed heavily to the Saints winning. Mathieu forced a fumble and had 6 tackles, while Landry led the team in receiving yards.
• New Orleans’ leading rusher was Taysom Hill, who is listed as a tight end on the roster.
• Kyle Pitts has 7 catches for 89 yards in 3 career games vs the Saints.
• Marcus Mariota had the second most rushing yards out of any QB this weekend, behind only Jalen Hurts.
• Drake London has the most receiving yards out of any rookie receiver.
• The quarterbacks of both teams (Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston) were drafted in 2015, only one draft pick apart, have been backups for at least one season of their NFL career, and are both no longer with the teams that drafted them. (Mariota: Tennessee, Winston: Buccaneers)

Saints’ #1 Fantasy Performer: Michael Thomas, WR (22.7 Fantasy Points PPR)

Saints’ next matchup: vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Falcons #1 Fantasy Performer: Cordarrelle Patterson, WB (22.6 Fantasy Points PPR)

Falcon’s next matchup: @ Los Angeles Rams

 

• Seahawks 17, Broncos 16

The only reason I can think of for Denver flopping this badly in the season opener with all that talent is that the Mon-Stars decided to do a football-themed Space-Jam movie and stole Denver’s entire roster, and Nathaniel Hackett’s ability to manage a game clock. For the entire game, Russell Wilson wasn’t outplayed by Geno Smith, but besides a bomb to Jerry Jeudy for the receiver’s first touchdown in over 600 days, he barely showed off his elite arm talent, mostly passing screens and slants.

Jerry Jeudy turns on the burners for a 60-yard touchdown. Photo Credit: www.denverbroncos.com

 A lot of that has to do with playcalling (Which I’ll get to in a second) but you think he would try to expose Seattle’s weak secondary a little more, especially since Jamal Adams left early in the second quarter with an injury and didn’t return? Of course, Denver’s defense (especially their pass rush) helped Wilson stay off the field by letting Seattle walk all over them. Denver recorded only 2 sacks on the day, with both of them coming from Bradley Chubb. Randy Gregory, Denver’s 70 MILLION DOLLAR defensive end had a singular tackle in the game. Lockdown corner Patrick Surtain II held D.K. Metcalf to only 36 yards, but that was basically worthless when the linebackers and safeties let a third-string tight end named Colby Parkinson have basically a free touchdown up the seam.

Colby Parkinson hauls in a pass from Geno Smith. Photo Credit: Corbin K. Smith www.si.com

 Justin Simmons was a non-factor outside of recovering a fumble and assisting in a few tackles. Kareem Jackson had 2 tackles, no picks, and no pass deflections. The offense somehow managed to get almost double Seattle’s yards but could only get 16 points. The reason for this was drive-killing penalties and untimely fumbles from running backs Melvin Gordan III and Javonte Williams. And the piece de resistance, Nathaniel Hackett not calling timeouts during Denver’s final drive downfield, and not going for the first down on a 4th and 1, where he could get his kicker better positioning than a 64-yard field goal. While Brandon McManus had made field goals from 64 yards out before, that was at home…in Denver… with the wind to his back. Unsurprisingly, McManus missed the kick and Seattle won. And to perfectly encapsulate this embarrassing game, Hackett decided to be an annoying brat and called timeouts after every Seattle kneel, even though they would have run out the clock either way. Stay classy, Nathaniel. But this is the first game of the season, and we still don’t know if he can Hack-ett. He tried a bit too hard to get the ground game going when he had Russell Wilson playing quarterback. This is not the Jaguars or Bills. Russell Wilson is much better than Blake Bortles and E.J. Manuel. Still, this game shows that the Seahawks are still competitors. While I don’t think their winning ways will last, they won’t be a cakewalk either.

Seahawks #1 Fantasy Performer: Geno Smith, 20 Fantasy Points PPR

Seahawks Next Matchup: @ San Francisco 49ers

Broncos #1 Fantasy Performer: Jerry Jeudy, 20.2 Fantasy Points PPR

Broncos Next Matchup: vs Houston Texans

 

Around the League:

• Brian Daboll began his NFL head coaching career with the Giants with a win over the Tennessee Titans, 21-20. Derrick Henry rushed for 82 yards on 21 carries, while Saquon Barkley rushed for 164 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries.

• Miami Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has become the only NFL quarterback to have a 4-0 record against Bill Belichick, tossing for 270 yards and a score and having no picks in a 20-7 rout of the Patriots

• Lamar Jackson put contract woes aside on Sunday, instead focusing on dismantling the Jets. Lamar and the Ravens have not reached an extension on his contract. Lamar also did almost all of his damage through the air against New York, throwing for 213 yards, 3 touchdowns, and one interception, whilst only rushing six times for 17 yards. Ravens won, 24-9.

• Washington Commanders’ rookie Jahan Dotson found the end zone twice and hauled in 3 catches for 40 yards in a 28-22 win over Jacksonville. Jahan had the most touchdowns out of any rookie on Sunday.

• • Both Chicago and San Francisco were plagued by poor quarterback play on a rainy day at Soldier Field. San Francisco QB Trey Lance threw for 164 yards, 1 pick, and no touchdowns, while Chicago’s Justin Fields went for 121 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Chicago won 19-10.
  • The Los Angeles Rams had a very bad banner celebration. Matthew Stafford threw 3 interceptions, and cornerback Jalen Ramsey allowed a perfect passer rating when targeted. The Bills romped, as Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs torched the opposition, and the stifling defense, even without corner Tre’Davious White, won 31-10.
  • The other super bowl quarterback, Joe Burrow, had an even worse night. Against a stingy Pittsburgh defense, Burrow turned the ball over 5 times, and special teams’ mistakes by their backup long snapper Cal Adomitis cost Cincinnati the game in overtime, even with an outstanding performance by wideout Ja’Marr Chase. Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky and linebacker T.J. Watt helped propel the Steelers to a 23-20 victory in overtime.

• Jalen Hurts ran and threw for a combined 333 yards and one touchdown in a 38-35 victory against the Detroit Lions, but not without a scare. Philadelphia could not stop Detroit’s running backs Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift, who combined for 172 yards and 3 touchdowns.

• • In a revenge game for Panthers QB Baker Mayfield, Carolina could not stop Cleveland’s run game while not being able to get their own going. The Browns running backs, Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, combined for 213 all-purpose yards and 2 touchdowns. Panther’s Christian McCaffery, however, could only muster up 33 yards and a touchdown. After a shaky first, the Panthers eventually kicked a go-ahead field goal late in the fourth, but Jacoby Brisset drove the Browns downfield and got in range for rookie kicker Cade York to kick the game-winning field goal. Final score, 26-24.

• Chargers’ defensive ends Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack teed off on Derek Carr, sacking him 1.5 and 3 times, respectively. Carr was also picked off three times, but Justin Herbert threw for over 270 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 24-19 win over the Raiders, where they stifled a comeback after being up 14 points.

• Justin Jefferson had a monster game against Green Bay, posting 9 catches, 184 yards, and two touchdowns. Green Bay’s rookie wide receiver, Christian Watson, dropped a potential momentum-shifting touchdown, and Aaron Rodgers was outplayed by Kirk Cousins. For the second year in a row, Green Bay loses in a season opener by double digits where they were favored to win. Vikings won 23-7.

• Patrick Mahomes put on a show against the Cardinals. He threw for over 350 yards, had a 144.2 passer rating, and threw 5 touchdowns to no interceptions. Even without Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs did not miss a step in this 44-21 routing. Even running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire got in on the action, with 74 all-purpose yards and 2 touchdowns.

• Tom Brady’s return to football was… well, underwhelming to say the least. The Cowboy’s defense held him in check for most of the game. Micah Parsons picked up right where he left off from last year, recording 2 sacks, and with the Buccaneers, linebacker Devin White almost helped shut down the Cowboy’s run game, with 2 sacks and 8 tackles. While neither team could move the ball very well, the Cowboy’s receivers looked… worrisome. Noah Brown was the leader in receiving yards for the Boys. Noah Brown. And we haven’t even gotten to the news of the day, which was Dak Prescott being carted off with a hand injury, whilst Cowboys fans threw trash at him while he was leaving the field. Yeesh. While you can never count Dallas out, as they play in (possibly) the worst division in football, the organization is definitely in panic mode, especially after this 19-3 loss.

 

The following significant players suffered or are suffering injuries and will be/may be sidelined for the foreseeable future:

DAL Dak Prescott QB (Hand, 6-8 Weeks)

LAC Keenan Allen WR (Hamstring, Questionable for Week 2)

BUF Ed Oliver DT (Ankle, Questionable for Week 2)

CIN Tee Higgins WR (Concussion, Questionable for Week 2)

CLE Jack Conklin OT (Knee, Questionable for Week 2)

GB Elgton Jenkins C (Knee, Questionable for Week 2)

GB David Bakhtiari OT (Knee, Questionable for Week 2)

IND Darius Shaquille Leonard LB (Back, Questionable for Week 2)

LAR Brian Allen C (Knee, Expected Return Week 3)

PIT Najee Harris RB (Foot, Questionable for Week 2)

PIT T.J. Watt OLB (Pectoral, Doubtful for Week 2)

SF Elijah Mitchell RB (Knee, Questionable for Week 2)

TB Chris Godwin WR (Hamstring, Questionable for Week 2)

WSH Jonathan Allen DT (Groin, Questionable for Week 2)

ARI Zach Ertz TE (Calf, Questionable for Week 2)

ARI J.J. Watt DE (Calf, Questionable for Week 2)

ATL Deion Jones LB (Shoulder, Expected Return Week 5)

BAL J.K. Dobbins RB (Knee, Questionable for Week 2)

BAL Ronnie Stanley OT (Ankle, Questionable for Week 2)

BAL Marcus Peters CB (ACL, Questionable for Week 2)

BUF Tre’Davious White (ACL, Expected Return Week 5)

DAL Michael Gallup (ACL, Questionable for Week 2)

DAL Tyron Smith OT (Knee, Questionable for Week 2)

DEN Randy Gregory DE (Shoulder, Questionable for Week 2)

DEN Justin Simmons FS (Quadriceps, Expected Return Week 6)

DEN K.J. Hamler WR (Knee, Questionable for Week 2)

DEN Tim Patrick WR (ACL, On IR; May be out for Season)

DET Frank Ragnow C (Groin, Questionable for Week 2)

DET Taylor Decker OT (Calf, Questionable for Week 2)

DET D’Andre Swift RB (Ankle, Questionable for Week 2)

DET Jameson Williams WR (ACL, No Return Date Posted)

GB Allen Lazard WR (Ankle, Questionable for Week 2)

HOU John Metchie III WR (Illness, Out until Late Season)

IND DeForest Buckner DT (Hip, Questionable for Week 2)

IND Kenny Moore CB (Hip, Questionable for Week 2)

IND Michael Pittman Jr. WR (Quadriceps, Questionable for Week 2)

KC Harrison Butker K (Ankle, Expected Return Week 3)

KC Trent McDuffie CB (Hamstring, Expected Return Week 6)

LAC J.C. Jackson CB (Ankle, Questionable for Week 2)

LAR Logan Bruss OG (Knee, On IR; No Return Set yet)

MIA Terron Armstead OT (Toe, Questionable for Week 2)

MIA Byron Jones CB (Ankle, Questionable for Week 5)

MIN Andrew Booth Jr. CB (Quadriceps, Questionable for Week 2)

MIN Lewis Cine SS/FS (Knee, Questionable for Week 2)

MIN Everson Griffen DE (Personal, Questionable for Week 2)

NO Marcus Maye FS (Ankle, Questionable for Week 2)

NO Jameis Winston QB (Back, Questionable for Week 2)

NO Cameron Jordan DE (Hip, Questionable for Week 2)

NO Alvin Kamara RB (Ribs, Questionable for Week 2)

NYG Kayvon Thibodeaux LB (MCL, Questionable for Week 2)

NYJ Mekhi Becton OT (Kneecap, On IR; No Return Date)

NYJ Duane Brown OT (Shoulder, Expected Return Week 5)

SF George Kittle TE (Groin, Questionable for Week 2)

SEA Shelby Harris DE (Back, Questionable for Week 2)

SEA Quandre Diggs SS (Knee, Questionable for Week 2)

SEA Jamal Adams SS (Knee, Expected Return Week 12)

SEA L.J. Collier DE (Elbow, Expected Return Week 5)

TB Leonard Fournette RB (Hamstring, Questionable for Week 2)

TB Russell Gage WR (Hamstring, Questionable for Week 2)

TB Julio Jones WR (Knee, Questionable for Week 2)

TB Tristan Wirfs OT (Abdomen, Questionable for Week 2)

TB Mike Evans WR (Calf, Questionable for Week 2)

TEN Harold Landry III LB (ACL, On IR; No Return Date)

WAS Chase Young DE (ACL + MCL, Expected Return Week 5)