WEEK 1 - THE AFTERMATH

THE GOOD

Just give this man the great not the good. Aaron Rodgers fresh off another late game heroics does it again. Breaking the Bears hearts once more who thought ever so they were leaving Lambeau with a victory. Rodgers went down in the 2nd quarter with an apparent knee injury to comeback in the second half and play one of the best games of his career. A 20 - point comeback on the arms of (17-23 / 273 yards / 3 TDs) coming from Aaron Rodgers. Proving once more until the clock reaches 00:00, the game is far from over with Rodgers at QB. The whole team rallied around Rodgers presence back on the field, as the defense clamped down and Rodgers did what he does best.

Kirk Cousins was able to spread the ball around to (7) different receivers in his Vikings debut. Cousins (20-36 / 244 yards / 2 TDs) throwing a dime to the back corner catching Stefon Diggs in stride early for a touchdown and a bullet to only where Kyle Rudolph could score and seal the game for Minnesota. Backed behind an all pro defense from a season ago, that created (4) turnovers including a interception returned for a touchdown as well as (4) sacks on the day. Cousins was really just being plugged into an offense that was ready to go, with a defense like that, the Vikings looking at double digit wins again.

Ryan Fitzpatrick of the Tampa Bay Bucs stringed together a (21-28 / 417 yards / 4 TDs) game as well as (36 rush yards / TD) on the ground against a Saints team many were picking to be high Super Bowl favorites. Not only did the 14 year veteran have 0 picks, the Bucs kept Fitz clean all game allowing 0 sacks. They scored 48 points and for majority of the second half had the Superdome in New Orleans silent. Receivers Mike Evans and Desean Jackson combined had (393 rec yards on 12 catches and 3 touchdowns). Defense gave up 40, but time will tell quickly if Sunday was a one hit wonder.

The Rams came out a little slow but don't forget their starters didn't play a single down during the preseason. The second half was a tale of two tapes. They racked up (262 of their 365) total yards in the second half, balance of run and pass the whole game. Goff had 2 touchdowns and 0 turnovers. Gurley ran for (108 yards on 20 carries) and 3 catches including a 19 yard TD reception. Just one sack by their exclusive defense but they dominated up front with their new acquisitions including (3) interceptions; one taken to the house by Marcus Peters.

THE BAD

Now 10 seasons in Detroit and 10 years of mediocrity has been the results for the Lions over the past decade. Monday night, Matt Stafford reminded Lions fans of the porous team they have had. Formidable at best making the playoffs a few times during his tenure, however no postseason wins to show and quickly turned Matt Patricia head coaching debut into a disaster. Stafford accounted for (4) interceptions including his first pick - 6 in (73) games which was an NFL record for longest streak without a pick - 6. Detroit was one dimensional with just (39) rushing yards, the offense never got going, no rhythm as Stafford threw the ball (46) times mostly to the Jets defense.


Ezekiel Elliott only ran the ball (15) times for 69 yards. That is problematic when Elliott is your focal point on offense. Those (15) rushes were the third lowest in Zeke's career. Elliot must get more touches rushing and receiving for Dallas to win games. Even with all pro Travis Frederick out, the Cowboys gave up (6) sacks to the Panthers. Dallas has depth on their offensive line and woes like that should not be happening. Dak only had (170) yards passing to go alongside a fumble. Prescott never looked like he commanded the team as they didn't score until the fourth quarter.

The Saints moved up to draft Marcus Davenport and I do not believe I heard his name once. Marshon Lattimore and Kurt Coleman and company didn't have enough to slow down the receivers of Tampa Bay. New Orleans had Brees throw for over (400 yards) while Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas both got into the end zone totaling up over (300) yards combined rushing and receiving. However the defense reverted back to old habits. Getting beat in coverage off the snap, no initial pressure on the QB. Brees will have to put up (40) a night if the trend continues.

Former Heisman Trophy winner Deshaun Watson looked like a collegiate athlete back at Clemson on Sunday. The stud QB from a season ago had signs of rust and time off as he committed two first half turnovers and the Texans never fully recovered. Watson who is coming off ACL surgery last year couldn't replicate his stats from last years matchup with the Patriots. Houston's defense is back healthy and looks to be on track for a better season. With JJ Watt back in the mix and addition to Tyrann Mathieu who picked off Brady, the Texans will still be a force in the AFC South. Watson will bounce back, but Sunday was bad.


THE UGLY

Matt Ryan went (21-43 / 251 yards / INT) in the season opener as the Falcons failed again to get a late score to Julio Jones as they loss to the Eagles in deja vu fashion. Ryan was a shell of himself for the majority of the game. Sometimes forcing the ball, especially to Julio Jones. Jones was about the only consistent productivity Atlanta had on offense with (10 rec / 169 yards). However (15) penalties committed by the Falcons as they mustered up only (12) points for a team just 2 years removed from scoring at will averaging over (30.0 ppg) under then offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. Under Sarkisan, red zone issues (1/5) still not fixed and no balance on offense as they rushed the ball only (18) times. Something has to give.

The Cardinals offense was abysmal Sunday against the Redskins. Arizona totaled just (213) yards of total offense as Sam Bradford threw for just (153) yards and an interception. Running back David Johnson coming off season ending surgery a season ago only rushed the ball (9) times for 37 yards. Makes you question is he fully healthy because he needs more touches if Arizona wants success. The Cards only had 14 first downs, and never was in the game as they trailed (21-0) all the way until the 4th quarter. Arizona only had possession of the ball for (21 minutes) compared to Washington (39 minutes).


The Browns were seconds away from victory several times however ended up resulting in a (21-21) tie with the Steelers. Tyrod or Tuh-rod Taylor however you say it, went (15-40 / 197 yards / TD / INT). He did make usage of his speed leading the team in rushing with 77 yards and a touchdown. The Browns did run the ball well, but had multiple opportunities to win the game to where you think if #1 overall draft pick Baker Mayfield was in, maybe different results. On the flip side their defense was phenomenal, giving up some yardage but didn't fall apart causing (6) turnovers and (4) sacks and only allowing Pittsburgh with just 21 points. The thing is (37%) throwing and you still had a chance to win; a better passing percentage by another QB may have actually won you a the game for the first time since Dec 24 2016.

For a team to win (10) games a year ago, upgrades on both sides of the ball; the Tennessee Titans didn't do it for me Sunday. Losing 27-20 in an almost 8 - hour game, they lost the services of Marcus Mariota during the game as well as Delanie Walker for the season. Walker a leg injury and Mariota his elbow. Mariota didn't look good the time he did play throwing (2) interceptions. While his backup didn't give Tennessee any hope for tomorrow. The defense only had one sack but the additions of Malcolm Butler and Kenny Vaccaro picked off Tannehill twice. Dion Lewis ran the ball well with his split back time with Derrick Henry. Tennessee only scored two touchdowns, one a 4 yard rush by Lewis and the other a kick return. Offense looked nothing like it did in 2017.

The Jacksonville/NY Giants game to say the least wasn't pretty at all. Jacksonville coming off an AFC championship game appearance a year ago played to their strengths and found a way to win of course with their defense. The running game was altered for a bit with Leonard Fournette having hamstring issues was limited the whole game. Jacksonville let Bortles manage the game as both teams barely got over (300) total yards on offense. Eli Manning threw a pick - 6 early to Myles Jack which would prove to be costly. Rookie sensation Saquan Barkley emerged finally with a 68 yard run in the 4th quarter which finally gave the Giants a touchdown. Besides that burst he was basically an average back on the day. Odell Beckham Jr found his groove again but they remained the only consistent. The Giants loss the turnover battle as this game was mostly a FG shootout. Turnovers and penalties plagued both teams. However this could just be part of this week 1 hangover teams are having. Regardless or not, this game was ugly no matter who you was rooting for.

WHAT WE KNOW

Expectations were already high for young Patrick Mahomes as he takes over as quarterback of the Chiefs. After 5 seasons with Alex Smith the Chiefs have put the ball in the hands of their second year gun slinger. Mahomes threw for (256 yards) and( (4) touchdowns including a pair to dynamic wide out Tyreke Hill. Hill used his speed in special teams, his hands in the receiving game to post a fantasy level game (7 receptions / 169 yards / 2 TDs) as well as a 91 yard punt return for a score. The Chiefs posted (38) points on the Chargers on a night where Kareem Hunt (16 car / 49 yards) did not have the game we expected. Mahomes success came easier with the defense creating two turnovers. However that defense gave up over 500 yards in total offense. Kansas City has surrounded Mahomes with an arsenal of talent, the rest is on the progression of the young QB.

Alex Smith was bought over from Kansas City to bring a new feature to the QB position in Washington; a bit more consistency. Smith tossed two touchdowns and the game manager that he is,  had 0 turnovers as the Redskins offense looked in sync versus the Cardinals. Washington racked up (429) yards of total offense, had a well balance attack with Adrian Peterson who had (28 touches) with (156) total yards from scrimmage. Peterson found the fountain of youth alongside Smith finding a connection with a healthy Jordan Reed, this offense could be better than initially thought.

Case Keenum threw for (329 yards and 4 touchdowns), however he also had (3) picks on the other side. That is the thing with Keenum, you get what you can get. With a solid defense, almost as good as the one he had in Minneapolis, Keenum is more than capable to get the job done. Wide receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Demariyus Thomas looked at ease with Keenum throwing them the ball. Denver has always had a good defense, looks like their aiming for elite status again with Von Miller on sack/turnover duty once more. This   defense with a manageable offense could mean postseason hopes in the Mile High.

Phillip Rivers still has game. The 36 year old still can light it up with the best of them in the passing game. Los Angeles had over (541) yards of total offense while Rivers himself went (34-51 / 424 yards / 3 TDs). We all knew Rivers can put up huge numbers offensively with his weapons of choice to throw to but the emergence of Melvin Gordon the receiver. Gordon had 9 catches for (102) receiving yards, which could be huge long term. That defense was elite last season, just trying to stay healthy is the concern.

Besides the "Philly special" it wasn't much brewing with the Eagles offense on Thursday night. Reigning Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles was (19-34 / 117 yards / INT). That's not the recipe for success. The defense cranked it up a notch in the second half but a ton of penalties was almost costly for the Eagles. Trying to balance the offense while the defense holds fort seems to be the plan. Philadelphia knows they just need Foles to hold stride until Carson Wentz returns; however the question remains, when will Wentz return?

LOOKING AHEAD:

Mitchell Trubisky may didn't have the eye popping stats but he didn't turn the ball over. Trubisky played a solid game surrounded by the cast he has on defense, the Bears should be in most games. Khalil Mack bought over a spark from Oakland that Chicago needed. Still suspect in the secondary but if Jordan Howard production in the run game comes to life, finding mismatches with Tarik Cohen and speedster Taylor Gabriel and create some chemistry with his new #1 target Allen Robinson, this Chicago team can give some teams hell this season.

Jimmy Garoppolo is human ladies and gentlemen. The boy wonder himself finally lost a game as a starter in the NFL this past Sunday. The Minnesota Vikings game the 49ers QB all he could handle, but was in the game for most of its entirety. Jimmy G threw a pick 6 early in the third quarter and the rest was history. His pick 6 was one of (3) interceptions on the day for Garoppolo. He will bounce back next week but a weak running game, not enough weapons on offense as well as a defense that will need to cause turnovers and give the Niners offense a short field to work with is asking for a lot.


Welcome to the NFL rookie! Sam Darnold first NFL career pass was a interception ran back for a touchdown. He now joins Brett Favre and Jameis Winston as the other QB's to do this. Darnold shook the rust off that throw, took responsibility for throwing across his body, across the field and posted (16-21 / 198 yards / 2 TDs / INT). He played efficient, showed his athleticism in the open field, was patience in his progressions and reads while being efficient on 3rd downs as well. If that defense bodes well like this on a weekly basis, it will benefit Darnold and the New York Jets tremendously.

Carolina lost Greg Olsen to a reoccurring foot injury in the first half while offensive lineman Daryl Williams went down with an apparent knee injury. Both players are critical in the Panthers success offensively. Cam Newton had a positive start with 0 turnovers as he adjust to life under new offensive coordinator Norv Turner. Being said, he will need healthy bodies long term for success. Christian McCaffrey led the team in receiving while Newton led them in rushing. This is not ideal. The Panthers defense remains a constant with Luke Kuechly racking up (13) tackles and Carolina ended the day with (6) sacks.

Andrew Luck had his own red zone woes during the preseason as it continued to week one. He threw an interception early in the red zone that would prove to be costly and a late turnover by Jack Doyle ended Luck's comeback party. Optimism is Luck's throwing arm and motion as he went for (39-53 / 319 yards / 2 TDs / INT). Few signs of rust but the mechanics were there. He connected with his pal TY Hilton but a no rushing presence could limit success within the offense.

The Oakland Raiders made a move this off season that we will yet to see will pay off for them? As of now, the likelihood is not optimistic and neither will Raiders fans be whether there in the Bay or Vegas. Penalties all night, uncharacteristic of a Jon Gruden team. Derek Carr looked like David Carr with (3) picks including a pick - 6 late. Besides their opening drive that finished with the Marshawn Lynch run, the run but was all obsolete. Just one sack on defense as they couldn't stop the run nor the pass, hmmm, I wonder why?

James Conner the new running back long term for the Steelers? No LeVeon Bell on the depth chart heading into week 2. Conner coming off an impressive performance (31 rush / 135 yards / 2 TDs) to go with (5 rec / 57 yards) was one that woke up Steelers staff and fans alike, that life without Bell may not be that bad. JuJu Smith-Schuster and Antonio Brown put in their usually work load at receiver, but Ben played I guess you can say Ben played like Ben of late. Yet Roethlisberger threw for (335) yards he also threw (3) interceptions and (2) fumbles. The defense did their best with (7) sacks alongside an interception as they were gassed from their turnover prone offense. One thing we know Pittsburgh will win a lot of games and for now James Conner is the man behind Big Ben.

THE RUNDOWN:


49ERS - Jimmy Garropolo looked human for once losing his first career game since becoming a starter. Growing pains for the young QB however with a lack of running game and weapons around him, more of this Jimmy could be seen in the future.

BEARS - Khalil Mack showed why he was worth the $141 over 6 seasons and the $90 million guaranteed hauling in an INT returned for a TD and a strip/sack/fumble recovery. Trubisky and that offense have to stay on the field and find ways to score.



BENGALS -  Andy Dalton continues to do just enough as the Bengals squeak by the Colts.  They played well enough on both sides of the ball to get the W. Short week as they prepare for Baltimore on Thursday for a divisional clash.



BILLS - Nathan Peterman is (11/32 and 7 INTs) over his last 2 starts. Basically, that is not good, at all. Might as well throw Josh Allen out their, what's the worst that could happen?


BRONCOS - Case Keenum finally gives Denver an answer at QB. Von Miller still a beast (3 sacks / 2 forced fumbles) as the defense looks to be back. Keenum will keep them in games as long as the defense puts up this type of performance.


BROWNS - A tie is not a win Browns fans, it's still a tie; (0-0-1). Until that first column gets a W, then we can talk about wins.


BUCS - "Fitzmagic" was awesome for one game, as the Bucs display of talent was showcased as they rolled over New Orleans. Defending champs in town this Sunday and will be rested for 10 days. More "Fitzmagic?"


CARDINALS - Josh Rosen won't have to worry about when he will play if Sam Bradford doesn't get this offense going. A lot of dynamics and pieces in and out of the Cardinals offense but something has to give.


CHARGERS - Offense can play with the best of them on any given Sunday. Major injuries on defense could be detrimental in a tough AFC West. As long as they put up 400 yards and not allow over 400 total yards they will be fine.

CHIEFS - Tyreke Hill became the 3rd player in NFL History with a punt return TD and 150 yards receiving and a score. Defense gave up (500) plus yards in week 1. Must improve to help a young quarterback.



COLTS - Protection of franchise QB Andrew Luck is priority number one. Indy needs to keep Luck upright and it starts with the offensive line. Everything else should fall in place except run game and secondary woes could hurt.



COWBOYS - Cole Beasley is your leading receiver that's a problem. Ezekiel Elliott rushing the ball for just (15) times is a problem. Fix the problems Jason Garrett or are you the problem?



DOLPHINS - Ryan Tannehill played his first game in almost over 2 years and still looked mediocre at best. Not much depth at receiver and an unimpressive rushing attack could put even more pressure on Tannehill. Defense without Suh looks good however, who needs Suh anyways.



EAGLES - Offensively they must match intensity and sustain drives. Defensively, holes in the secondary could put blemishes on a solid defense. Their defense has the capability of creating good field position, but with Foles as we speak, will the offense capitalize?

FALCONS - With 2 all pros going down on defense the climb remains harder. How long do the Falcons give offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian a pass? When does accountability go on the head coach too? Too many weapons on paper to be scoring (12) points.



GIANTS - Barkley ended up with over (100) yards rushing but it took him a complete game. OBJ went for (11 rec / 111 yards) but what is after those guys? No Evan Engram sighting and Sterling Shepard I think played. Still need progression on o-line and Eli must play better.



JAGUARS - Jacksonville isn't asking much of Blake Bortles, just basically don't lose the game for them. No real threat #1 receiver so teams will be keying on the rushing attack of Fournette. The Jags offense will have to evolve as the season progresses or they wont make it back to the AFC title game.



JETS - Letting go of Teddy Bridgewater seems to been the right move, after one game. Just week 1 and there yelling J-E-T-S; hold your horses, divisional game vs Miami for young Sam Darnold is next, however the kid looks the part.

LIONS - 4 INTs, count em - 4 INTs for Stafford in his home debut is not a good sign for things to come. Stafford and offensive coordinator Jim BobCooter need to get it together ASAP. As well as finding a decent running back to put a wrinkle in the offensive playbook.



PACKERS - Rodgers pulls his magic out yet again. Packers defense played better but you still need more pressure on the QB to take some of the stress of their young secondary. What Rodgers did was great, but the Packers are hoping this isn't an every week theme.



PANTHERS -  Carolina players dropping like flies. They will need more than (7) catches combined from their wide receivers if Greg Olsen is out an extended period of time. Defense can't save you forever.



PATRIOTS - Brady had a solid game but not the best. Patriots lost another player as they continue to lose players due to injury or trades but like the patriots do, find ways to win. Addition by subtraction while they multiply in rings.



RAIDERS - Penalty after Penalty, no pressure on the QB, offensive line struggles; am I missing anything else? 33 points given up at home, opening night; whatever happen to Khalil Mack again?



RAMS - The money spent, off season trades and additions was well worth the efforts this summer. Mix of vets and youth make the Rams even scarier in 2018.



RAVENS - Ravens defense picking up from where it left off a season ago. Offense looking better with Flacco, especially with him looking over his shoulders at the depth chart at QB.

REDSKINS - Game managing 101 bought to you locally from Alex Smith. It isn't sexy but it finally gave Jay Gruden a win after going (0-4) in previous week 1 games. Maybe an established run game to go with it, Gruden at have the QB he needed all along.



SAINTS- New Orleans gave up over 40 points and lost another game to start the season. Offense looked potent once more but that defense was atrocious. Secondary was horrible and why did you move up in the draft again? 0 sacks vs Tampa.



SEAHAWKS - Russell Wilson threw for almost (300) yards but the Seahawks had three turnovers to go with that. Offensive line struggles continue to linger as Wilson was harassed all game and sacked (6) times. Their defense caused (3) turnovers however gave up (470) yards in the process. With just 64 yards rushing, this isn't your typical Seattle team anymore.



STEELERS - To tie with the Browns, not the best start, especially after holding court to a 21-7 lead into the 4th quarter. But once a gain their defense looked good, coming off an impressive sack total last year opening with (7) vs Cleveland. Bell or James Conner? Conner showed he can be just as valuable.


TEXANS - Not the best showing for Deshaun Watson but he also started slow in 2017. Coming off injury and readjusting a bit, but once he gets back on track, so will the Texans



TITANS - Marcus Mariota didn't finish the South Beach marathon game Sunday which is concerning for Titans fans. Even worst, arguably their best receiver Delanie Walker is done for the season as the injury list is filling up too fast for a wild card team in 2017.

VIKINGS - Kirk Cousins looked good as advertised however that Vikings defense is still the real deal. A new era of MIN/GB starts next Sunday, see how Captain Kirk plays in his first divisional road game before I push the LIKE button for the Vikes.