NFL Week One: What We Learned

 

The Baltimore Ravens kicked off their season with a resounding 59-10 in Miami on Sunday afternoon. Dismantling a Dolphins team which looked more like a small college getting in the way of an SEC football machine. Lamar Jackson, when asked about his performance on Sunday said, “Not bad for a running back.” The tongue and cheek comment was issued in the post game presser after the blowout and a fantastic day for the sophomore quarterback. 

Week one’s are filled with overreactions so let’s just say it now, Lamar Jackson for MVP! Obviously we want to hold off and see what Jackson can do against a more formidable foe, but this already looks like a much improved passing attack in year two. 

1. Same Old Browns

Well here we are again, and Browns fans have to be feeling pretty low waking up Monday morning after the lopsided loss to the Titans in the home opener. After hearing about how good they are poised to be,  playoff aspirations, and holding the title of “Biggest Super Bowl liability.” Cleveland surely did not inspire confidence in week one.

To the delight of one former ESPN radio guy, Baker struggled and threw two interceptions. The Browns were crushed 43-13 in what can only be described as a disappointing start to the season. 

 

 

2. 19-0?

Anyone holding their breath for the end of the Patriots dynasty will apparently be turning purple if they have not already. This team looked great on both sides of the football last night and that is with Antonio Brown waiting in the wings. Tom Brady’s new roommate did not see the field last night but he is expected to make his debut next Sunday in Miami.

New England’s defense pitched a shutout in the first half and the Patriots rolled to an impressive 33-3 victory. (This defense allowed just three points in the Super Bowl.) Brady found seven receivers including newly instated Josh Gordan three times for 73 yards. With one of the easiest schedules in the NFL New England has still probably won’t run the table, but are now 18.5 point favorites in Miami this week. Oh, and you know, that AB guy is enroute.

 

3. Eagles Fly All The Way Back

The Eagles (-10) did not end up covering although they nearly did despite going into the half down 20-7. Philadelphia rattled off 14 quick third quarter points to get them a slim one point lead before allowing a late fourth quarter score that led to many crumbled Eagles tickets scattered throughout the floor of sportsbooks across the country.

DeSean Jackson, like he has been before, was the difference maker for this Eagles offense hauling in his 30th career 50+ yard TD pass. The Eagles defense also did a good job of settling down on defense allowing just the late fourth quarter score after the game was very much in hand. Division games are typically always close and there is a series of strong week one divisional underdog trends and this game played out similarly. 

4. Seattle Escapes…Barely

Seattle hosted what is expected by many to be the league’s worst in the Cincinnati Bengals. Seattle (-10.5) barely escaped their home opener with a one point victory. Andy Dalton quietly put on a show against his Seattle defense throwing for a career high 418 yards and two touchdowns. Not much is expected of this Bengals unit this year so this is certainly something significant to note going forward.

However, despite Daltons stellar day it was a big interception that did him in as the Bengals were knocking and in the Red Zone second half. The Seahawks will travel to Pittsburgh who also disappointed this week and both will be looking for improved performances, Seattle however will not have the benefit of playing at home. 

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