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The NFL season is finally underway, with all 32 teams playing their first games of the season. As always there were some blowout wins, a few narrow victories and a couple of upsets.
Today I am going to go through the major talking points from the first week of NFL action.
1. The Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills were expected to be one of the worst teams this year, but no one imagined they would be as bad as they were on Sunday night against the Baltimore Ravens. Granted, the Ravens have a very strong defensive unit and have improved on the offensive side of the ball. But still, you wouldn’t have expected such a blowout victory like the 3-47 scoreline that was on the board at the end of the 4th quarter.
Nathan Peterman was the sacrificial lamb for the Bills. The Bills hierarchy didn’t want to throw rookie, Josh Allen, in against one of the best defenses in the league. So poor Nathan Peterman had to dust off the memories of his 5 INT display against the Chargers last season, and take the snaps under center to start the 2018 campaign.
It was a disaster as many expected. Peterman finished with a 0.00 QB rating, 24 yards on 18 attempts and 2 INTs. He wasn’t given much help from his O Line, which is one of the worst in the league and his receivers struggled to get separation. He was hooked after the Ravens accumulated a huge lead, meaning Josh Allen was given a brief run out.
Shady McCoy struggled to get anything going on the ground, with just 7 attempts before being rested. There was no need to risk the Bills' prize asset in a game that was well and truly lost.
The only way is up, right? Look for Allen to be the starter in week 2.
2. Fitzmagic!!
Well, not many people saw this result coming. Not only did the Bucs upset the odds by beating the Saints 48-40 in an absolute slobber knocker, but the bearded veteran, Ryan Fitzpatrick, threw for 417 yards and 4 TDs! It was an incredible display from Fitzpatrick, who also added a score with his legs to lead all QBs in fantasy scoring with an outrageous 42.28 points.
It was a shambolic display from both defenses, with WRs Michael Thomas, Chris Godwin, Desean Jackson, Mike Evans and Ted Ginn all having big days. If Fitz manages to keep up a solid level of play, then Jameis Winston may struggle to reclaim his starting spot.
The resurgent Bucs get a tough Eagles defense next, with the Saints welcoming the Cleveland Browns to Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Both teams will have to improve on the defensive side of the ball if they want to have successful seasons.
3. Aaron Freaking Rodgers
Packers fans went from absolute despair to pure elation in the space of 3 quarters during Sunday night's late game. The highly hyped Bears rolled in to Lambeau with all the confidence in the world, after acquiring defensive player Khalil Mack via trade with the Oakland Raiders.
They got out to a big lead and even more importantly, Aaron Rodgers was carted off with a knee injury, much to the despair of cheeseheads around the world. Then midway through the 3rd quarter, with the Packers trailing by 20 points, Rodgers sauntered out of the tunnel to take his place under center.
We all knew what would happen next. Rodgers led the Packers to a field goal and 3 TDs to win the game 23-24 in one of the best comebacks in recent years. Not only that, but he did it on one leg. Incredible.
4. Tyreek the Freak
Wow. What a start to the season Tyreek Hill made. He took his first touch, a punt return, 91 yards for a touchdown. Then a few minutes later he took a slant route 58 yards for another TD. He would finish the game with 7 receptions for 169 yards, 2 TDs as well as the punt return TD.
It was a highly impressive display from Hill, where he truly looked unstoppable. His speed is a gamechanger and makes him so hard to cover, regardless of whether it's man or zonal coverage. Many people were down on Hill this offseason, me included, and thought he wouldn’t have what it takes to become a true WR1 and a top 12 receiver in this league. Well Tyreek, I apologise, I was very, very wrong.
5. James Conner > Leveon Bell
Okay, I’m joking, but what an awesome individual display it was by James Conner in the absence of Bell. Bell must have been slightly put out when he saw that another back could have just as much success behind that awesome Pittsburgh offensive line.
Conner took his opportunity with both hands, totalling 192 yards on 31 carries and 5 receptions. Conner also found the end zone two times as well as playing 100% of the Steelers' offensive snaps. The only blot on his report was a fumble in the 4th quarter which ended up taking the game in to overtime, with the matchup eventually ending in a draw. Regardless, it was an impressive display from the back up running back.
As of Wednesday evening (UK time), Bell hasn’t reported to Steelers practice, therefore Conner will be the workhorse back against the Kansas City Chiefs.
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