Week 1 of the NFL season often serves as a litmus test, offering glimpses of what each team brings to the table. While the football world is no stranger to overreactions during this initial week, there are often nuggets of truth that emerge, providing valuable insights into how the season may unfold. With depth charts, coverage schemes, and offensive game plans no longer shrouded in secrecy, the film is now available for all 32 teams to dissect.
Some teams made an impressive statement in Week 1, while others revealed areas in need of immediate attention. Although the season is still in its infancy, every franchise learned valuable lessons about their squad during the opening week’s 60 minutes of action.
Here’s a breakdown of what we discovered about each NFL team following Week 1, offering valuable insights heading into Week 2:
AFC East:
Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen’s turnover issues persist: Josh Allen’s struggles with turnovers and erratic play continued in the Bills’ overtime loss to the Jets. He threw three interceptions and lost a fumble, contributing significantly to the team’s defeat. Last season, Allen had 14 interceptions and five lost fumbles, leading the NFL with 23 giveaways since the previous year. Addressing this problem is paramount if the Bills aim to reach their potential.
Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa is the key to success: A healthy and confident Tua Tagovailoa can elevate the Dolphins to Super Bowl contention in the AFC. In the season opener against the Chargers, Tagovailoa completed 28 of 45 passes for 466 yards with three touchdowns and one interception, leading his team to a thrilling victory. Tagovailoa’s return to top form is pivotal for the Dolphins’ aspirations.
New England Patriots: Offensive improvement is evident: Despite a slow start, the Patriots showed signs of life on offense in Week 1. Mac Jones went 35 of 54 for 316 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Jones’ ability to exploit the Eagles’ defense with precision throws was promising, particularly on passes from the numbers to the hash. While there is still room for growth, this was a positive start for the revamped Patriots offense.
New York Jets: Quarterback adversity continues: The Jets’ season opener was marred by the loss of Aaron Rodgers to an Achilles injury after only four snaps. Losing their franchise quarterback was a significant blow, leaving them with Zach Wilson as the primary option under center. The Jets now find themselves in survival mode, relying on their defense and running game to secure victories. Unfortunately, the team’s quarterback woes persist.
AFC North:
Baltimore Ravens: Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen shine: The Ravens’ dynamic off-ball linebacker duo, Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen, picked up right where they left off in Sunday’s win over the Texans. Smith recorded 16 tackles and a sack, while Queen contributed 11 tackles and a sack. Their stellar play extended to pass coverage, as they allowed only 74 yards on 8 of 14 passing attempts with no touchdowns. Despite the Ravens’ evolving offense, Smith and Queen remain a formidable defensive force.
Cincinnati Bengals: Offensive line concerns loom large: Joe Burrow endured a challenging outing in the season opener, going 14 of 31 for 82 yards with a passer rating of 52.2. Burrow was hit 10 times during the game, and the offensive line’s struggles were evident. The Bengals must address their offensive line issues promptly, especially after acquiring Orlando Brown to bolster the unit. Continued hits on Burrow could jeopardize their Super Bowl aspirations.
Cleveland Browns: Dominant pass-rushing duo in debut: The Browns’ decision to bring in Za’Darius Smith to complement Myles Garrett paid immediate dividends. Garrett had a typical dominant performance with a sack, four quarterback hits, and six pressures. Smith also made his presence felt with four quarterback hits and six pressures. The tandem’s ability to disrupt opposing offensive lines, with a pressure rate per drop back of 24% for Smith and 23.1% for Garrett, will pose significant challenges for opposing teams throughout the season.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Offensive struggles out of the gate: The Steelers’ offense had a horrendous start to the season, unable to sustain drives or generate yardage in the early going. During the first five possessions, Pittsburgh ran 15 plays for just one yard and went three-and-out each time. The inability to move the chains was concerning, especially considering the team’s offensive firepower. Addressing these issues is imperative for the Steelers to contend in a competitive division.
AFC South:
Houston Texans: DeMeco Ryans’ challenges as a new head coach: DeMeco Ryans faced significant challenges in his debut as the Texans’ head coach. He burned all three timeouts before the eight-minute mark in the first half, leading to unfavorable situations. Ryans’ aggressive approach on fourth down in the first quarter resulted in a sack on C.J. Stroud, leading to an 11-yard loss. The Texans struggled on fourth-down conversions throughout the game, highlighting the need for improvement in game management. Despite the rough start, there’s room for Ryans to grow in his role.
Indianapolis Colts: Running back situation raises concerns: The Colts’ inability to establish a ground game was evident in Week 1. The trio of running backs managed just 16 carries for 25 yards and failed to find the end zone. This lack of production, averaging a mere 1.6 yards per carry, underscores the absence of Jonathan Taylor, who is sidelined indefinitely. The Colts must address their running back situation to alleviate the pressure on rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Calvin Ridley’s impact despite suspension absence: Despite missing a year due to suspension, Calvin Ridley made an immediate impact in his Jaguars debut. Ridley recorded eight catches for 101 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his crisp route running and chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Ridley’s presence added a new dimension to the Jaguars’ offense, contributing to an impressive performance that yielded 31 points and an average of 5.0 yards per play.
Tennessee Titans: Quarterback woes pose significant challenges: Ryan Tannehill had a dismal outing against the Saints, completing just 16 of 34 passes for 198 yards with three interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 28.8. The Titans’ offense managed to score only 15 points with no offensive touchdowns, averaging just 4.9 yards per attempt. Tannehill’s struggles were exacerbated by interceptions targeting DeAndre Hopkins. With no superior backups available, the Titans must rely on Tannehill and hope for improved performances in the future.
AFC West:
Denver Broncos: Russell Wilson thrives under Sean Payton: Despite scoring only 16 points, the Broncos witnessed a promising display from Russell Wilson under the guidance of head coach Sean Payton. Wilson completed 27 of 34 passes for 177 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, earning a passer rating of 108.0. While the big plays were limited, Wilson’s effectiveness on passes that traveled 10 or more air yards marked a significant improvement from the previous season. Given more time to develop chemistry with Payton, Wilson may continue to excel.
Kansas City Chiefs: Offense awaits Travis Kelce’s return: The Chiefs sorely missed the presence of Travis Kelce in their season-opening loss to the Lions. Patrick Mahomes struggled in the second half, completing only 9 of 22 passes for 79 yards with an interception and posting a passer rating of 32.2. Notably, Mahomes struggled when targeting wide receivers, completing just 2 of 12 passes with an interception. Kelce’s return is crucial to complement the offense, as he remains Mahomes’ primary target.
Las Vegas Raiders: Jakobi Meyers’ valuable addition: The Raiders’ offseason acquisition of Jakobi Meyers paid immediate dividends in their victory over the Broncos. Meyers finished the game with nine catches for 81 yards and two touchdowns. His performance, including a touchdown on the opening drive and the game-winning score, highlighted his reliability as a pass catcher for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Meyers’ fit within Josh McDaniels’ offensive system bodes well for Las Vegas’ offensive prospects.
Los Angeles Chargers: Run game enhances Justin Herbert’s potential: The Chargers’ dynamic running back duo of Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley delivered an impressive performance against the Dolphins. Together, they amassed 32 carries for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Despite Ekeler’s dominance, he received only three touches for eight yards in the fourth quarter, a decision that raised questions in a closely contested game. Trusting their running backs more in crucial moments is essential for the Chargers, as they demonstrated their ability to carry the offense when needed.
NFC East:
Dallas Cowboys: Dominant defense leads the way: The Cowboys’ defense showcased its prowess in the season opener, asserting itself as a potent unit. The defense forced 22 pressures against the Giants, recording six sacks and 12 quarterback hits in a commanding performance. The Cowboys limited their opponent to just 171 total yards and a mere 2.6 yards per play. An early interception return for a touchdown set the tone, underscoring the unit’s potential to be among the league’s best.
New York Giants: Offensive line struggles persist: Despite adding center John Michael Schmitz to bolster the offensive line, the Giants’ front was unable to contain the Cowboys’ defense. New York surrendered six sacks and allowed 22 pressures in a shutout loss. Quarterback Daniel Jones faced relentless pressure, managing only 8 of 16 completions for 58 yards and an interception when under duress. The offensive line’s underperformance raised concerns, particularly given the team’s previous optimism about its improvement.
Philadelphia Eagles: Offensive line contributes to rusty performance: The Eagles’ season opener revealed an offensive line that did not meet its usual standard of dominance. Jalen Hurts, the team’s quarterback, led only one touchdown drive, an unusual occurrence compared to last season. Hurts faced considerable pressure throughout the game, completing just 3 of 11 passes for 10 yards with a passer rating of 39.6 when under duress. The offensive line’s subpar performance, combined with varied coverages employed by Bill Belichick, contributed to an underwhelming offensive showing.
Washington Commanders: Defensive front remains a force: The Commanders’ defensive front demonstrated its quality with a strong showing in the season opener against the Cardinals. The defense recorded 11 pressures, including six quarterback hits and three sacks. Montez Sweat played a pivotal role, contributing 1.5 sacks and disrupting Arizona’s rushing attack. Despite the absence of Chase Young, the defensive front continued to assert its dominance.
NFC North:
Chicago Bears: D.J. Moore’s limited involvement: In his debut for the Bears, D.J. Moore’s impact was far from what was anticipated when he was acquired. Moore had only two receptions for 25 yards, with both catches coming in the second quarter. Given Moore’s expected role as the team’s primary wide receiver for Justin Fields, his limited involvement raises concerns. To unlock Fields’ full potential, the Bears must find ways to involve Moore more effectively.
Detroit Lions: Jared Goff’s mistake-free play continues: Jared Goff’s ability to protect the football was evident once again in the Lions’ season opener. Goff maintained his streak of avoiding interceptions, throwing 359 passes without one dating back to Week 9 of the previous season. He completed 22 of 35 passes for 253 yards with a touchdown, distributing the ball to seven different receivers. Goff’s willingness to take what the defense gives him and avoid forcing plays has contributed to the Lions’ success.
Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love’s impressive debut: In his first game after the Aaron Rodgers era, Jordan Love made a significant impact. Love completed 15 of 27 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, posting a passer rating of 123.2. His ability to connect with six different receivers showcased his potential as a starting quarterback. Love’s promising performance bodes well for the Packers’ prospects in the NFC North.
Minnesota Vikings: Brian Flores’ defense shines: The Vikings’ decision to hire Brian Flores as their defensive coordinator paid dividends in the season opener. The defense limited the Buccaneers to just 242 total yards and 3.6 yards per play. Notably, three points resulted from a fumble by the Vikings’ offense, which was the only difference in the final score. This marked a stark improvement compared to the previous season when the Vikings struggled to hold opponents under 250 yards. Flores’ early impact on the defense is a promising sign for the team.
NFC South:
Atlanta Falcons: Improved running game boosts offense: The Falcons’ ground game received a significant boost in the season opener, showcasing their improved rushing attack. The addition of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier’s year of experience yielded promising results. Allgeier led the team with 15 carries for 75 yards and two touchdowns, while Robinson contributed 10 carries for 56 yards. Their combined effort amounted to 131 yards on 25 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Atlanta’s offensive line played a crucial role in setting up their running backs for success.
Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young’s limited options at wide receiver: Bryce Young’s debut as the Panthers’ rookie quarterback highlighted concerns surrounding the team’s wide receiver corps. The offensive line’s struggles during training camp persisted, and Young had limited options to trust in the passing game. Carolina’s wide receivers managed only eight receptions for 68 yards on 15 targets in the loss to the Falcons. The leading wideout, Terrance Marshall, recorded just two catches for 23 yards. Young’s performance, which included 20 of 38 passing for 146 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions, was hindered by a lack of protection and reliable pass catchers.
New Orleans Saints: Rashid Shaheed’s impact: Rashid Shaheed continued to showcase his potential as a playmaker in the NFL. Shaheed recorded five catches for 89 yards and a crucial touchdown in the Saints’ victory. His 19-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter gave the Saints the lead for good. Shaheed’s versatility, lining up both outside and in the slot, allowed him to capitalize on his speed and contribute to the offense. With talented receivers like Chris Olave and Michael Thomas around him, Shaheed is poised to make significant contributions to the Saints’ success this season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Run defense returns to dominance: The Buccaneers’ run defense, known for its dominance in previous seasons, appeared to have regained its form in Week 1. Facing the Vikings, Tampa Bay’s defense limited their opponents to just 41 rushing yards and an average of 2.4 yards per carry. The presence of off-ball linebackers Devin White and Lavonte David significantly contributed to this resurgence. The Buccaneers’ ability to stifle the run and force opponents into one-dimensional play will be a key factor in their success moving forward.
NFC West:
Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Gannon’s defensive prowess: In Week 1, Jonathan Gannon, the Cardinals’ defensive coordinator, demonstrated his ability to craft an efficient defense. Despite facing the Washington Commanders, the Cardinals’ defense recorded six sacks, two fumble recoveries, an interception, and a defensive touchdown. This stellar defensive performance kept the Cardinals in the game, allowing them to secure a halftime lead. Gannon’s impact on the defense was evident, even with personnel that may not match the talent of his previous stint in Philadelphia.
Los Angeles Rams: Matthew Stafford’s return makes a difference: The return of quarterback Matthew Stafford had a profound impact on the Rams in Week 1. Stafford completed 24 of 38 passes for 334 yards, earning a passer rating of 91.3, despite not recording any touchdowns or interceptions. His ability to remain unscathed, with no sacks, while connecting with receivers like Tutu Atwell and Puka Nucua for over 100 yards each, rejuvenated the Rams’ offense. While it’s uncertain if the Rams can replicate their Super Bowl LVI success, having Stafford back provides a genuine opportunity for victories.
San Francisco 49ers: Brock Purdy’s triumphant return: Despite concerns surrounding a previous elbow injury, Brock Purdy orchestrated the 49ers’ offense effectively in his first game back. Following a torn UCL and subsequent surgery, Purdy completed 19 of 29 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions, achieving a passer rating of 111.3. Utilizing a game plan that kept Purdy comfortable in the pocket, the 49ers benefited from his steady performance. Notably, the team has yet to lose a game when Purdy starts and finishes.
Seattle Seahawks: Offensive line injuries create challenges: The Seahawks faced significant adversity in their season opener, losing both starting offensive tackles, Charles Cross and Abe Lucas, to injuries in the second half. Cross left the field with a toe injury, while Lucas suffered a knee injury. The severity of these injuries remains uncertain, but their absence during the second half had a detrimental impact. Seattle struggled, running 14 plays for only 12 yards and punting four consecutive times. The Seahawks’ hopes hinge on the return of Lucas and Cross to stabilize the offensive line.
