Overreactions after Week 1 of the NFL season 2024: Kirk Cousins benched already? Cowboys made mistake paying Dak?
The primary Sunday afternoon slate of the NFL season is accomplished, with some wild outcomes. The Miami Dolphins got here again to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Cincinnati Bengals had been upset by the New England Patriots, and the Los Angeles Chargers earned the primary win of the Jim Harbaugh period by defeating the Las Vegas Raiders.
Week 1 actually had its surprises and comebacks. Three groups trailed by a minimum of 14 factors and got here again to win in Week 1, essentially the most on the opening weekend in 45 years. 9 video games had been determined by one score-or-less, showcasing how aggressive the league is each week.
With the Sunday afternoon slate full, there have been loads of overreactions from the video games. Let’s dive into the largest ones and debate if they really are overreactions or not.
The Panthers are the worst group within the NFL — once more
Overreaction or actuality: Actuality
What a begin to the Dave Canales period in Carolina. The Panthers had been steamrolled by the Saints of all groups, trailing 30-0 within the first half earlier than even scoring some extent (Carolina misplaced 47-10), Bryce Younger seemed just like the worst quarterback in soccer once more, going 13 of 30 for 161 yards with two interceptions and a 32.8 passer score.
The Panthers had been 1 of 10 on third down, averaged 3.5 yards per play and had 3.9 yards per cross try within the blowout loss. The protection allowed 6.1 yards per play because the Saints scored on every of their first 9 possessions.The Saints aren’t precisely a powerhouse within the league, both.
Carolina is the worst group within the NFL once more. Sunday was one other embarrassing day for the franchise.
House-field benefit is out of attain for Cincinnati
Overreaction or actuality: Overreaction
Dropping to the Patriots is unacceptable for a group with Tremendous Bowl aspirations just like the Bengals, who continued their string of getting off to notoriously sluggish begins. Joe Burrow threw for 164 yards and nil touchdowns because the offseason distractions with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins loomed massive for the Bengals. Cincinnati did not rating on its first 5 possessions, punting 3 times, fumbling and having a turnover on downs earlier than getting on the scoreboard.
The Bengals must beat the Chiefs subsequent week if they need a shot at home-field benefit within the AFC. They preserve placing themselves in pointless holes.
The Giants will not win greater than 4 video games
Overreaction or actuality: Actuality
Appears like one other yr the Giants are going to be one of many worst groups within the NFL. Their efficiency towards the Vikings was embarrassing, particularly since their offense seemed simply as unhealthy as final season. Daniel Jones had one other horrendous efficiency as he threw two interceptions (together with a pick-six by Andrew Van Ginkel) because the Giants averaged 3.5 yards per cross try.
The offensive line allowed 5 sacks and 12 quarterback hits, additionally not a components to win video games. The Giants nonetheless have a nasty quarterback and a poor offensive line. They’re going to be lucky to win greater than 4 video games, they usually’d be good to not in the event that they wish to win sooner or later.
Overreaction or actuality: Overreaction
Cousins actually seemed like a 36-year outdated quarterback coming off a torn Achilles in his debut with the Falcons. He threw for 155 yards with two interceptions because the Falcons averaged 4.5 yards per cross try as a group. Consider the Falcons gave Cousins $180 million assured to place up 10 factors in 10 possessions.
The Falcons held Cousins again within the preseason and it confirmed, as Cousins seemed like he hasn’t performed a snap in practically a yr. Cousins will get time to determine issues out, however just a few extra video games like that can unleash the hounds in favor of Penix. Cousins should look over his shoulder after this efficiency.
The Bears haven’t got a operating again
Overreaction or actuality: Actuality
Chicago thought it improved at operating again by giving D’Andre Swift $8 million a yr, pairing him with Khalil Herbert so as to add a dynamic 1-2 punch to its offense. Swift had a six-yard run on his first carry and 9 carries for twenty-four yards the remainder of the way in which (10 carries for 30 yards whole).
Swift and Herbert mixed for 12 carries for 34 yards, 20 of which got here on a Swift run. Take that away and the duo had 11 carries for 14 yards. It is only one sport, however the Bears high two operating backs had been ineffective behind their offensive line. Swift and Herbert must be higher if Caleb Williams going to have any success in yr one.
Buccaneers are nonetheless the most effective group in NFC South
Overreaction or actuality: Actuality
Tampa Bay did play the worst group within the NFC East final yr (by report) in Washington, but the Buccaneers took care of enterprise in dismantling the Commanders. Baker Mayfield did not miss a beat in throwing for 289 yards and 4 touchdowns, whereas the veteran protection held Washington to only one landing on its first 5 possessions (not counting the top of the half).
Not counting the top of the sport kneel down, the Buccaneers scored on seven of their first eight possessions — with three touchdowns within the second half. Mayfield discovered the dependable Mike Evans for 2 scores and showcased the speedster rookie Jalen McMillan on a 32-yard landing.
The Buccaneers are the group to beat within the NFC South. They demonstrated they will nonetheless be good primarily based on their Week 1 efficiency.
Overreaction or actuality: Overreaction
Jerry Jones paid Prescott too late, however didn’t make a mistake paying him. The Cowboys did give Prescott $60 million a yr with $231 million assured, the very best deal for a quarterback in NFL historical past. Primarily based on how Prescott performed final common season, he deserves that cash since that is the market charge for quarterbacks now.
Prescott was advantageous in Week 1, throwing for 179 yards and a landing in a dominant efficiency by the Cowboys protection and particular groups. He additionally did not should be nice in Week 1.
The Cowboys obtained Prescott signed, which is nice. Prescott nonetheless must show he can win in January, similar to the Cowboys.