NFL Returns with Fireworks
After 28 weeks without NFL football, the NFL finally returned with some absolutely fantastic games in week 1. The season started with multiple fourth-quarter comebacks, including a 15-point comeback led by Josh Allen.
Chargers Shock the Chiefs in Brazil
This streak of great games trailed on into the next day when the Kansas City Chiefs played against the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paolo, Brazil. In the end, the Chargers secured a 21-27 victory.
Justin Herbert, the quarterback for the Chargers, really stood out in this game. He was able to take down a powerhouse in the Chiefs. His stats really backed up how great a performance he had; 318 passing yards with three touchdowns is an impressive stat line. If he can maintain this level of performance, the Chargers might be a team to watch out for this season. This game also had an exciting play.
In the first quarter, the Chief’s wide receiver collided with his own tight end, resulting in a shoulder dislocation that put him out for the rest of the game and possibly a couple of weeks.
At the end of the first quarter, the Chargers were up seven.
The second quarter was a show of power for the kickers. Harrison Butker and Cameron Dicker combined for 12 points in field goals. At halftime, the Chargers led 13-6.
Coming out of the half, Patrick Mahomes put his legs on display and ran for an 11-yard touchdown to hopefully set the tone for the rest of the game. Unfortunately for the Chiefs, their defense struggled to stop the explosive Chargers offense. The Chargers’ offense was able to keep up with the Chiefs and finish off the game with a 27-21 win.
Rookie J.J. McCarthy Shows Grit in Comeback Win
One of the most interesting games was Monday night, where the Vikings took on the Bears. It was a rough game for rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. He struggled to get the offense going through the first three quarters, and this was apparent after the third quarter. Going into the fourth quarter, Minnesota was down 6-17, and their only points had come from field goals, but in the fourth quarter, J.J. McCarthy was outstanding. He threw for two touchdowns and ran for another one to take the lead, 27-17. Caleb Williams of the Bears attempted a comeback, but it wasn’t enough for the win. The Vikings win 27-24. J.J. McCarthy shows a lot of potential in that fourth quarter, as he ended with two touchdowns, one interception, and 158 passing yards. He will need to become a lot more consistent if the Vikings want to make a playoff run.
Game of the week: Bills vs Ravens Thriller
The most astounding game of this week was the Bills vs the Ravens. This game had two former MVP quarterbacks, leading two possible Super Bowl contenders, facing off. Derrick Henry of the Ravens had a fantastic game and was leading the Ravens to what seemed like an easy victory. However, Josh Allen and the Bills, down 15 points going into the fourth quarter, figured out the Ravens’ defense. The Bills came out strong with a Josh Allen run that put them down nine, but Derrick Henry continued his dominance with a forty-six-yard rushing touchdown to bring the lead back to fifteen. After that, it was nothing but Buffalo Bills magic. They scored 2 touchdowns in the last 4 minutes to bring them within 2. After the Bills’ defense held the Ravens to a three-and-out, it was all up to Josh Allen to get them the win. They stomped down to field goal territory, and kicker Matt Prater nailed a thirty-two-yard kick to win them the game.
Standout Players of Week 1
Three players dominated Week 1 and deserve significant recognition. Micah Parsons of the Green Bay Packers, Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens, and Emeka Egbuka of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are these players.
Micah Parsons was traded to the Packers this offseason to help their struggling defense with his All-Pro pass rush. In week one, he did just that, while he only had one sack and three pressures, his presence on the field wreaked havoc. With him rushing the QB, the QB sped up his throw by more than half a second. That may not seem like much, but it has a profound effect on everyone in the field. If Parsons can keep this up and lead the Packers to have a strong defense, they could be a dark-horse team for a deep playoff run.
Derrick Henry of the Ravens is a player that everyone in the league knows to watch out for. Most teams scheme up defenses specifically for him when they match up. Even through all this, Henry was able to make a big impression. He had 169 yards on 9.4 yards per attempt and two rushing touchdowns. His ability to run the ball was massive to the Ravens. He meshes perfectly into their offensive scheme. He requires so much attention from the defense that the defense is forced to give other players less attention. With the amount of weapons the Ravens have, they have an absolutely lethal offense.
Emeka Egbuka is the Buccaneers’ rookie wide receiver, and he seemed to have all the answers to the Falcons’ defense. His connection with QB Baker Mayfield led to two touchdowns that were crucial to the Bucs’ success. If Egbuka can maintain this level of play, he may be a favorite to win rookie of the year. Currently, Randy Moss holds the record for touchdown receptions as a rookie with 17, but if Egbuka can get just one touchdown reception a week, he will break this massive record and be a clear front-runner for Rookie of the Year.
