Week 1 Recap

Week 1 did not disappoint. We saw games that looked surely won by one team just be won by the opposition after an insane comeback, we saw our first overtime game of the season and Gronk made a cameo on the Patriots’ defense.

 

Atlanta Falcons v Philadelphia Eagles:
12-18

The season opener was delayed due to weather. Once play started the Falcons looked the stronger team. By the end of the 3rd quarter however, it was reigning champions, Philadelphia Eagles who were on the front foot. Jai Ajayi was their standout player for that part of the game.

The Falcons lost Keanu Neal to a knee injury, which we now know he has a torn ACL which will keep him out for the rest of the season.

The final 10minutes had everyone on the edge of their seats, with 2:19 left Ajayi found a way in to the end zone to inflict defeat upon the Falcons.

Up Next:

Panthers v Falcons – Sunday September 16th (1pm)

Eagles v Tampa Bay – Sunday September 16th (1pm)

 

Buffalo Bills v Baltimore Ravens:
3-47

The Buffalo Bills’ season started with a thrashing from the Baltimore Ravens. The only points they could put up were from a field goal scored in the 3rd quarter.

Ravens dominated each quarter, scoring two touchdowns in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd quarter and one in the 4th.

33 year old, 11 season veteran, Joe Flacco passed for 236yds with 3 touchdown passes for the Ravens, whilst Bills’ rookie Quarterback, 22 year old, Josh Allen only threw for 74yrds.

Up Next:

Ravens v Bengals – Thursday September 13th (8:20pm)

Chargers v Bills – Sunday September 16th (1pm)

 

Pittsburgh Steelers v Cleveland Browns: 

21-21

We saw our first overtime of the 2018 season. There was no score at the end of the first quarter but Pittsburgh stepped it up in the 2nd with James Conner scoring a touchdown and the only points of the half.

The Steelers came out for the second half strong scoring two touchdowns in the 3rd, but also allowing the Browns to get in the end zone as well. That 3rd quarter touchdown motivated Cleveland who scored two more in the 4th quarter, whilst not letting the Steelers offense past.

Cleveland had the best chance of winning the game in regular time with the Steelers taking a late penalty for having too many men on the field, but Tyrod Taylor had his pass to Josh Gordon intercepted by Cameron Sutton and that was the end of that.

Overtime saw a few sacks but ultimately no scoring and so we have our first tie of the season.

Up Next:

Chiefs v Steelers – Sunday September 16th (1pm)

Browns v Saints – Sunday September 16th (1pm) 

 

Cincinnati Bengals v Indianapolis Colts: 

34-23

This match gave us our first ejection of the season.  In the 1st quarter, Sean Williams got ejected for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Colts QB, Andrew Luck. The original call was a flag for unnecessary roughness, however, after much deliberation between the officials, Williams was ejected from the game. Many feel the decision was changed due to the new helmet rule on the NFL, the game officials claim otherwise, saying it was a textbook definition of why the ejection rule is in place. Luck was able to continue the game.

The ejection made way for safety Clayton Fejedelem who fans are calling heroic. After a fumble the 25 year old returned for an 83-yard touchdown.

It took more than 2.5 quarters for the Bengals offense to kick into gear. Then Joe Mixon, A.J. Green and Andy Dalton all scored on their final three possessions, helping the Bengals to erase a 13-point second half deficit.

Up Next:

Ravens v Bengals – Thursday September 13th (8:20pm)

Colts v Redskins – Sunday September 16th (1pm)

 

Tennessee Titans v Miami Dolphins:

20-27

Fans had to sit through two weather delays making a game that kicked off at 1pm Eastern end after 8pm, outlasting the late afternoon games. The delays themselves were entertaining enough for those in attendance, during one of them an impatient child ran on to the field resulting in being chase by security because of an eminent lightning threat. Half time was essentially a TV timeout as the first delay came with 1:11 left on the clock. The most amusing moment for those watching at home came after the second delay was over, the camera crews didn’t have a lot of time to return to their stations so viewers got to watch about 10 minutes of real-time football from some very obscure angles.

Miami ran the ball for 89 yards on 11 carries between Frank Gore and Kenyan Drake before the first delay, they finished the game with 193 yards on 23 carries. Most of the scoring came in the 4th quarter with 34 of the 47 points being scored. Each side getting 17 a piece.

Up Next:

Texans v Titans – Sunday September 16th (1pm) 

Dolphins v Jets – Sunday September 16th (1pm)

 

San Fransisco 49ers v Minnesota Vikings: 

16-24

The Minnesota Vikings dealt Jimmy Garoppolo his first loss as a starting QB for the 49ers. The Vikings’ defense made Garoppolo pay for a lot of his mistakes, forcing three interceptions and allowing him to only complete 45.5% of his passes. His touchdown pass was one of excellence, spinning out of a sack, sliding to his arm and hurling an all-arm pass to Dante Pettis at the back of the end zone.

Kirk Cousins made his debut in a Minnesota jersey and had a fantastic game, including a beautiful 22 yard throw to Stefan Diggs for the touchdown. He threw for 244 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Whilst, counterpart Garoppolo may have thrown for 261 he only threw one touchdown pass and had 3 passes intercepted.

Up Next:

Vikings v Packers – Sunday September 16th (1pm)

Lions v 49ers – Sunday September 16th (4:05pm)

 

Houston Texans v New England Patriots 

20-27

The Patriots were without wide receiver Julian Edelman who is serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy. With only four wide receivers on the roster the Patriots had to hope one of them would step up and prove themselves. Phillip Dorset did just that tallying seven receptions, 66 yards and a touchdown. Running Backs Rex Burkhead and James White also stepped up to the challenge with Burkhead getting 18 carries and 64 yards. White with 38 yards and a touchdown.
Jeremy Hill was powerful in the backfield with 4 carries and 25 yards, whilst also blocking a punt on special teams. Unfortunately his game ended early when he left the field with a knee injury. He will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL.

DeShaun Watson held his own for the most part against a tough Patriots defense. Throwing for 176 yards and a touchdown pass, with one interception.

Tom Brady had another pretty impressive game throwing for 277yrds, 3 touchdowns and an interception.

The most unusual thing we saw in this game was Gronk coming on for the defense in the dying stages.

Up Next:

Patriots v Jaguars – Sunday September 16th (4:25pm)

Texans v Titans – Sunday September 16th (1pm)

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v New Orleans Saints

48-40

The match up between the Buccs and the Saints was the highest scoring opener in the Super Bowl era, with a total of 88 points.

The Buccaneers starting QB, Jameis Winston is serving a three-game-suspension, but, Ryan Fitzpatrick showed the fans they had nothing to worry about, throwing for 417 yards and 4 touchdowns and rushing for 36 yards.

The Saints passing game was on fire, with quarterback Drew Brees completing 37 of 45 passes for 439 yards and three touchdowns. Their defense was a whole different story. They failed to pile on the pressure when it was needed most, not something you’d expect to see from a team with such high Super Bowl aspirations. They didn’t register a single sack and All-Pro defenseman Cameron Jordan all but disappeared.

Up Next:

Eagles v Tampa Bay – Sunday September 16th (1pm)

Browns v Saints – Sunday September 16th (1pm) 

 

Jacksonville Jaguars v NY Giants

20-15

All eyes were on the match up of Odell Beckham Jr vs Jalen Ramsey. Stats show the OBJ won it, recording 11 receptions for 111 yards.

Elli Manning had a tough game with Ereck Flowers struggling on the offensive line to contain Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue. The duress from the right side of his offensive line forced Manning to make quick, rash decisions, like his tipped pick-six.
The highlight of the Giants’ day was Saquon Barkley‘s 68-yard touchdown run.

Jacksonville lost running back Lenoard Fournette in the first half with a hamstring injury. He was a big loss having had nearly half of the Jaguars’ offensive touches at the time of the injury.

Up Next:

Patriots v Jaguars – Sunday September 16th (4:25pm)

Giants v Cowboys – Sunday September 16th (8:20pm)

 

Kansas City Chiefs v LA Chargers

38-28

The Chiefs started the season off strong. Their offense was on top of their game this weekend. Tyreek Hill was an asset in deep with 7 receptions, 169 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Travis Kelce impressed again finding the small spaces.

The Chargers’ Mike Williams and Kennan Allen combined for 13 receptions, 189 yards and a touchdown by Allen. Although they had a strong offense they ultimately lost, which NFL.com’s Nick Shook says comes from them being behind for the whole of the second half.

Up Next:

Chiefs v Steelers – Sunday September 16th (1pm)

Chargers v Bills – Sunday September 16th (1pm) 

 

Washington Redskins v Arizona Cardinals

24-6 

Adrian Peterson scored his 100th rush touchdown of his 11 season career on his debut for Washington, his 3rd team in 12 months. He ran for 96 yards on 26 carries. The rushing touchdown puts him 7th of all time, surpassing Barry Sanders.

Former Kansas City Chief QB, Alex Smith, impressed for his new team. He threw for 255 yards, two touchdowns and completed 70% of his passes, taking the Redskins to 30 first downs. This all helped give coach Jay Gruden get his first week 1 win of his career and the Redskin’s first since winning their AFC East winning 2012 season.

The Cardinals may have a new coach in Steve Wilks but they don’t have a new and improved team. Their defense didn’t perform too badly but their offense had three three-and-outs. QB, Sam Bradford only threw for 153 yards compared to Smith‘s 255.

Up Next:

Cardinals v Rams – Sunday September 16th (4:05pm)

Colts v Redskins – Sunday September 16th (1pm)

 

Dallas Cowboys v Carolina Panthers

8-16

The Dallas Cowboys seemed to lack ambition against and strong, dominating Carolina Panthers. The Panthers defense looked like a play-off side obliterating the Cowboys. They didn’t allow Dallas to cross midfield in the first half. Shaq Thompson replaced the suspended Thomas Davis. He sacked Dak Prescott and ‘terrorized’ the QB constantly. He was the perfect partner for defensive machine Luke Kuechly, helping the 27yr old rush the passer, cover space and plug holes.
Carolina have one of the best fronts in the NFL and easily controlled the line of scrimmage, they even stopped running back Ezekiel Elliott from doing much throughout the game.

The Panther’s offensive line showed their strength too. Cam Newton threw for 161 yards, scored a rushing touchdown and led the team in rushing with 13 attempts for 58 yards. Running back Christian McCaffrey impressed in the first game of his sophomore season. He was second in rushing with 10 attempts for 50 yards and first in receiving with 6 receptions for 45 yards. The 22yr old was also used for the bogie pass multiple times.

It was déjà vu for Greg Olsen and Panthers fans as the 12 season vet was helped off the field with what turned out to be a re-fracturing of his right foot that kept him out for the majority of last season. Carolina also lost tackle Daryl Williams who had to be carted off. The 26yr old suffered a torn MCL and dislocated knee in preseason but was deemed fit enough to play. According to Panthers’ trainer Ryan Vermillion he is now headed for surgery. Fans had another worrisome moment in the 4th quarter when Kuechly went down with what looked like a knee injury, however, he was back on the field a little while later. Postgame he told  NFL Network’s Tiffany Blackmon that he was doing fine and had just got his leg caught up.

It wasn’t all bad for the Cowboys as Ezekiel Elliott scored an easy touchdown and Prescott converted the two-pointer. Jason Garrett‘s men need to start upping their game if they have any chances of making the play-offs.

Up Next:

Panthers v Falcons – Sunday September 16th (1pm)

Giants v Cowboys – Sunday September 16th (8:20pm)

 

Seattle Seahawks v Denver Broncos

24-27

It was a back-and-forth battle between the two former Super Bowl opponents. Case Keenum had a lot of influence in that. In his first regular season game he threw 329 yards and three touchdowns, though he did have 3 interceptions. When he did lose control of the game rookies Royce Freeman and Phillip Lindsay were a positive presence. Denver have a young offense who are lock and loaded, if Keenum can stay focused and avoid the enforced errors we saw on Sunday they could be a team to be reckoned with.

Russell Wilson has had to build rapport with nearly a whole new team, yet somehow he’s made it look effortless. He built a quick on-field relationship with rookie tight end Will Dissly for a 66 yard scoring drive. Unfortunately for Wilson , his offensive line didn’t look overly improved from the one he had last season. The QB was sacked 6 times on Sunday.

Up Next:

Seahawks v Bears – Monday September 17th (8:15pm) 

Raiders v Broncos – Sunday September 16th (4:25pm)

 

Chicago Bears v Green Bay Packers: 

23-24

At one point in the 3rd quarter the Packers were 20-0 down, the turnaround was all thanks to QB Aaron Rodgers, who was actually carted off the field, head in hands, in the first half with a leg injury as a result of a pile on from the Bears, it’s safe to say Green Bay fans were ecstatic to see his return.

Upon his return he threw a 39 yard touchdown to Geronimo Allison. He followed it up with another touchdown drive to find Devante Adams, he then found Randall Cobb for a game-winning 75 yard catch and score. Rodgers’ 20 point comeback is the largest of his career and one of his most defining performances. He definitely showed on Sunday Night Football why he’s worth $134 million.

Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky had an impressive game with his decision making, ability and willingness to escape the pocket. He was very productive and effective when on the move. He finished with 32 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.

Khalil Mack showed the Raiders what a mistake they’d made by letting him go. He dominated the game, strip-sacked, 22yr old DeShone Kizer on a third-and-goal and recovered the fumble. A drive late her pick-sixes Kizer in Green Bay territory.

Up Next:

Seahawks v Bears – Monday September 17th (8:15pm) 

Vikings v Packers – Sunday September 16th (1pm) 

 

NY Jets v Detroit Lions: 

48-17

In his first game in charge, former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia saw his team get annihilated by a strong New York Jets side.

A Jets team unrecognizable from that of last season had a full on onslaught in the third quarter. They scored touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams all within the space of 2.5 minutes and racked up 31 points in total. Their defense hadn’t;t recored a defensive touchdown in a record 73 straight games (5yrs) before Darron Lee pick-sixed Matthew Stafford.  NYJ’s special teams have been among the worst in the league under Todd Bowles, but new acquisition Andre Roberts ran a punt back for 78 yards and averaged 45.7 yards per punt return. Fans could not believe their eyes.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford threw four interceptions, suffered two separate injuries to his upper and lower body but still played on. Their backfield racked up just 39 yards, their whole defense looked like a complete disaster.

Lions fans are dumbfounded at how bad their defense was when they’re new coach helped the Patriots form Super Bowl-winning defenses. Their defense was susceptible to big plays, a characteristic that should be blamed on coaching. Matt Patricia was the sixth first-year head coach to lose his opener this weekend.

Detroit Lions players are now coming out to state their unhappiness of how Patricia grueling worked them during training camp. He’s also supposedly put a lot of team rules in to place that even veteran players are not happy with.

Up Next:

Lions v 49ers – Sunday September 16th (4:05pm) 

Dolphins v Jets – Sunday September 16th (1pm) 

 

LA Rams v Oakland Raiders:

33-13

The Rams had a lackluster first half performance but made up for it by scoring 23 unanswered points in the second half.
Jared Goff threw for a total of 233 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Todd Gurley impressed with 108 rushing yards and 39 receiving yards from 3 receptions. Former Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks impressed with 87 yards from 5 receptions.

The Raiders and Derek Carr were clearly missing Khalil Mack who had a fantastic game for the Bears. The QB threw for 303 yards with 3 interceptions, including the one that sealed their fate in the final minutes. Carr relied on Jared Cook a little too much and that was eventually exploited, when, late in the fourth quarter Marcus Peters jumped a Cook crossing route and pick-sixed a loose pass.

It’s safe to say it’s a night that the Raiders will want to put behind them and forget very quickly.

Up Next:

Cardinals v Rams – Sunday September 16th (4:05pm) 

Raiders v Broncos – Sunday September 16th (4:25pm)

 

 

All times are Eastern U.S.