A full week of regular-season NFL motion is nearly within the books. And, boy, has the beginning of the 2024 marketing campaign been flush with drama: From the Miami Dolphins overcoming a pregame police incident and edging the Jacksonville Jaguars to the New England Patriots beautiful the Cincinnati Bengals with a serious upset, Week 1 is already promising a roller-coaster trip to the subsequent Lombardi Trophy.
Amid all of the motion, listed here are a few of Sunday’s largest winners and losers:
Winner: Mike Zimmer
The previous Minnesota Vikings coach caught some comprehensible flak for latest commentary about his outdated squad, however his Cowboys protection was lights out towards the predictably shaky Cleveland Browns, chasing Deshaun Watson all around the discipline on the highway to kick off the 2024 slate. The efficiency took the strain off a newly paid Dak Prescott even when Dallas’ offense did not want the enhance.
Loser: Deshaun Watson
The Cowboys have been at all times going to be a tricky attract Week 1, however Watson is now in 12 months 3 of his polarizing Browns tenure, and Sunday was an opportunity to make an announcement about each his availability and playmaking means. He did keep on the sector regardless of a banged-up entrance. He as soon as once more struggled mightily to search out any rhythm as Kevin Stefanski’s signal-caller, nevertheless.
Winner: Sam Darnold
In his first go-round because the Vikings’ quarterback, the ex-New York Jets castoff was sensible and regular in an ideal recreation script beneath Kevin O’Connell, going 19 of 24 to coast previous the New York Giants … in his outdated East Rutherford stomping grounds, no much less. It will not at all times be this straightforward, however Vikings followers will take victories once they can get them after dropping J.J. McCarthy earlier than his rookie 12 months might start.
Loser: Panthers followers
Talking of Darnold, is there any probability Carolina devoted may truly favor the journeyman to Bryce Younger proper now? That is harsh, however so is watching the Panthers offense, which has a brand new director in Dave Canales however seemed as hapless as ever in a 47-10 stomping by the hands of the rival New Orleans Saints. It might be one factor if Younger was flashing promise in a nasty state of affairs. It is merely ugly proper now.
Winner: Matt Eberflus
Sunday wasn’t essentially the inspiring debut he may’ve wished for No. 1 total draft decide Caleb Williams (14 of 29, 93 yards), however everybody anticipates the rookie quarterback will enhance. Moreover, the Chicago Bears coach’s protection confirmed up when it mattered most, embarrassing Will Levis down the stretch to steal a gut-it-out victory from the Tennessee Titans.
Loser: Zac Taylor
The Cincinnati Bengals could also be an AFC contender by 12 months’s finish. They virtually by no means appear like one in early September beneath Taylor’s path. Tee Higgins was lacking, sure, however with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase at your disposal, you muster 10 factors towards the rebuilding New England Patriots? The place was the creativity? The downfield photographs? The dedication to the run as soon as it began working?
Winner: Derek Carr
Most followers may’ve stated they most well-liked the upside of Bryce Younger to the identified unevenness of Carr going into Week 1. However, wow, did the quarterbacks look worlds aside in dwell motion, with Carr zipping the ball throughout Carolina’s secondary in a blowout win. Lacking simply 4 of his 23 throws, the veteran could also be growing old and neglected, however he made the Saints appear like a possible division winner out of the gate.
Loser: Brian Daboll
Is it the Giants coach’s fault that he is making an attempt to revive Daniel Jones for the second time in three seasons? Which will fall extra on the entrance workplace, however ultimately, Daboll is paying for it simply as a lot, if no more. As Massive Blue’s play-caller, he had principally no solutions for the Vikings in New York’s house opener, permitting Sam Darnold and Co. to totally outplay his squad even amid low expectations.