NFL Week 1 Review

[bayala]

What an opening week of football! Read and discuss all the talking points from this week's action. 

Eagles vs Falcons

NFC championship rematch that was a snooze fest in the first half before a climatic finish that was near identical to their last meeting. The return of the “Philly Special” brought the game alive and it was the Eagles defence that got them over the line. Atlanta starting to build a reputation of choking in tight games.

Steelers vs Browns

What a game this was. Big Ben did everything in his power to gift a “W” to the browns and Denzel Ward. Tyrod Taylor brought some much needed quality and poise to the QB position in Cleveland. If it wasn’t for the running of James Connor the Steelers would have lost this one. If he continues this form Bell could be hitting FA next season.

Colts vs Bengals

Andrew Luck was a little bit shaky on his return. Some good and bad moments to be expected after spending so much time out. Colts looked to have the game wrapped up before a late surge from the Bengals flipped the game. If Mixon and Ross continue their form throughout the season the Bengals can be much improved on last year.

Dolphins vs Titans

A lot off the experts had the dolphins as one of the worst teams in the league and the titans as a team on the rise. Well the Dolphins played a great all round game in which both teams scored of kick returns. Mariota and Gabbert were terrible for the titans. Kenny Stills had a huge game getting the better of Malcom Butler twice.

49ers vs Vikings

Dalvin Cook had some big plays and some brain fades. Cousins’ would have turned some heads back in Washington. Pair that with a mean defence and you’ve got a serious contender for this year’s title. I think the 49ers lack of quality in the WR and RB positions which will hurt them this year.

Patriots vs Texans

Gronk and Brady had a field day whilst Watson struggled. The Texans defence had its moments with Matheu playing some good football. Hoverer, it was their own struggles on offense and special teams that hamstrung their game. Look for the Texans to improve next week as the Patriots juggernaut continues on. 

Saints vs Bucs

Didn’t see this coming. I’m a diehard Bucs fan and did tip them but wasn’t expecting a career night for Fitz in a shootout against Brees.  Defence was poor by both teams but especially the Saints. Haven’t seen that amount of space afforded to Bucs WR’s and TE’s in a long time. Looking forward to seeing how both teams perform next week.

Jaguars vs Giants

Great defence triumphs over average offense. Calais Campbell had a field day for a Jags defence that generated enough points to cancel out Bortles’ turnovers. The Giants offense looked good at times with Barkley and Beckham coming up with some huge plays. However, Manning doesn’t have the arm strength anymore to force the ball downfield when chasing a game. 

Ravens vs Bills

The bills could be the worst team in the league this year. They were atrocious in all 3 areas against the Ravens. Surely Allen will overtake Peterman very soon. Hard to say if the Ravens were really good or the Bills were just really bad. I think we’ll get a better gauge on both teams after their next performance.  

Chargers vs Chiefs

Alex who? Mahomes with a brilliant game in charge of an electrifying offense. Tyreke Hill and D’Anthony Thomas might be the most explosive tandem in the league. Chargers were solid without being great. How well both team’s defences can perform this year will make or break them.

Broncos vs Seahawks

A battle of which offense could stop shooting itself in the foot first. The Seahawks O-Line is still terrible and allowed Von Miller and co. to feast on Russell Wilson. Keenum did his best to keep the Seahawks in the game by throwing 3 picks before a perfect ball to DT for the go ahead score.

Cardinals vs Redskins

AP turned back the clock putting on a vintage performance. Thompson, Reed and Smith all impressive for the Redskins. Sam Bradford was… Sam Bradford. The Cards are wasting their time and talented offensive pieces by playing him.

Panthers vs Cowboys

Panthers run game looked good and I bet they wish they could clone Cam Newton. Cowboys left it too late in this one and looked more like last years team as opposed to the Cowboys of 2016.

Packers vs Bears - Game of the week

Wow what a game. A true tale of two halves. Mack had one of the best halves of football I’ve ever seen. First player since stats were recorded in 1982 to have an Int, TD, forced fumble, fumble recovery and sack in a half. Trubisky was playing well and when Rogers was taken off in a cart it looked like it was all over for the Packers. Kizer threw two picks and even the commentators had started to talk about the season being over for the Packers. Cue the return of Rogers. On one leg he hobbled around in the pocket and delivered a cool, calm and collected 4^th quarter comeback. Legend.

Lions vs Jets

Ouch… Stafford was terrible and where was the run game? The Jets defence harassed them all night and looked to have improved again on last year. Darnold overcame his early hiccup (pick-6 on his first NFL throw) to settle nicely into the game. Bigger tests to come for the Jets and the Lions need to bounce back.

Rams vs Raiders

The return of Jon Gruden. Out coached by the younger Mcvay and older Phillips. The rams looked good without having to get out of first gear. Pressure on Gruden already after trading arguably their best player for two future firsts. Needs to show that he learnt some new tricks during his time away.

 

Here are our FOH tipping comp leaders after Week 1. 

 

[jlb]

Nice write up. Niners were somehow only down 8 after they shot themselves in the foot numerous times. Could very well have won that game. But you're right, rb and wr will be an issue. Perhaps a call to Dez and Pitt for Lev Bell would Suffice?? Would never happen. Shanahan doesn't value rbs that way. And I am fine with that. On the rise regardless. 

[alloy]

Along with Ken...HTTR!!!

[bmf30180]

8 hours ago, bayala said:

Atlanta starting to build a reputation of choking in tight games.

Some things in Atlanta never change.

[joshhooper7]

In the battle of Tom vs Father Time, Tom still wins!

[bayala]

10 hours ago, jlb said:

Nice write up. Niners were somehow only down 8 after they shot themselves in the foot numerous times. Could very well have won that game. But you're right, rb and wr will be an issue. Perhaps a call to Dez and Pitt for Lev Bell would Suffice?? Would never happen. Shanahan doesn't value rbs that way. And I am fine with that. On the rise regardless. 

Shanahan and Bell would be a scary combination

[El Presidente]

Bucs = Conference Leaders  

[OllyBond]

Well I was way off with my picks in week 1. Hoping to bounce back next week. Fun idea, and nice right up. 

[filltang]

I can't even gather myself to talk about my Lions... this is about how I'm feeling right now.