The NFL returned in incredible fashion this past week. Between some incredible games, amazing atmospheres with fans back in the stadium, standout performances from established stars and newcomers alike, Week 1 was an absolute blast. If all 18 (yes, remember it’s 18 now) weeks of the regular season are like this, I cannot wait to see what else is in store for us. Let’s recap what happened in all 16 games:
Buccaneers 31-29 Cowboys 
The kickoff game was unlike anything I expected, but that was perfectly fine. This was still an incredible game, and the Cowboys still lost. Win-win! This should have been an easy one for the Bucs, but no team can be flawless, especially in Week 1. It started out nearly flawless, though, as Tampa took an early 7-0 lead on a picture perfect drive from QB Tom Brady. Dallas would bounce back on an impressive play by WR CeeDee Lamb, who took a nice pass from QB Dak Prescott 22 yards to the endzone to tie it early. Dak looked pretty good in his first game back, but you could tell his shoulder issues were giving him a lot of trouble. In the first half, the teams would trade touchdowns again, and thanks to some fortunate turnovers on mistakes by the Bucs RBs, Dallas led 16-14 late in the first half. But, Brady delivered a beautiful deep ball to WR Antonio Brown for a 47-yard score to take a 21-16 lead into the break. The second half was more of the same back and forth action, with both Dallas WR Amari Cooper and Tampa TE Rob Gronkowski catching their second touchdowns of the game, and the score heading into the 4th was 28-26 in favor of the Buccaneers. The Bucs would go on a long, time-consuming drive that reached the Cowboys’ 10 yard line which was going to all but ice things, but WR Chris Godwin fumbled the ball, and the game was right back on. Prescott led his team right down the field to set up the go-ahead FG with 1:24 left in the game, which Greg Zuerlein nailed from 48 yards out, seemingly redeeming himself for his earlier struggles (2 missed FGs and a missed XP). But, any time on the clock is too much time for Tom Brady, who marched the Bucs down the field with ease to the Cowboys’ 20 yard line, where Ryan Succop hit the game-winner. It was an incredible, back-and-forth affair full of offense and just enough sloppiness to keep things interesting. Both QBs were stellar, as Brady threw for 379 yards and 4 TDs (he also had 2 INTs, but neither of them really count as one was on a dropped screen and the other was on a Hail Mary), and Prescott threw for 403 yards with 3 TD passes and 1 INT. But neither team was without their problems. Tampa was extremely sloppy, with the aforementioned fumbles and drop making this game significantly closer than it ever needed to be. Meanwhile, Dallas could not run the football whatsoever, as RB Ezekiel Elliott only carried the ball 11 times for 33 yards. You simply cannot ask Dak to throw the ball 58 times a game 17 times in a season and expect good results. I’m sure this won’t happen much with either team for the rest of the season, as the Cowboys won’t have to face many defenses this strong, and no team stays as careless with the football as the Buccaneers were on Thursday night. This was a great game between two good football teams, and the better team won in the end. I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season.
Eagles 32-6 Falcons 
Well, this one was a bit shocking. To me, there are two major things that stuck out in this game: the play of Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, and the ineptitude of the Atlanta Falcons. Hurts had a lot of questions coming into this season, between his playing ability to whether or not he could be an effective leader of this team. He looked incredible in both facets on Sunday. Granted, this Falcons defense is one of the worst in football, but I will give credit where credit is due, because Hurts passed the eye test as well by all accounts. In the first quarter, he threw an absolute dime down the sideline to his old college teammate and Eagles first-round selection WR Devonta Smith for an 18-yard touchdown to go up 7-3 on what was Smith’s first NFL catch. In the second, with just 2 seconds left in the half, he escaped very tight pressure and threw an absolute laser to TE Dallas Goedert in the endzone to go up 15-6, and Philly never looked back. Hurts would add another score in the second half, and finished with a statline of 264 yards, 3 TDs, and no turnovers on 77% completion. So many Eagles, Smith, WR Jalen Reagor, RBs Miles Sanders and Kenneth Gainwell just to name a few, really showed up and showed out in Atlanta on Sunday for one of the more impressive wins I saw in Week 1. But, again, this is in large part due to the fact that the Falcons are an absolutely pathetic excuse for a team and a franchise. As I’ve stated time and time again, this team did nothing to address any of their seemingly infinite number of issues, and it showed in a big way on Sunday. The Falcons never reached the endzone, only scoring 2 FGs, both of which coming in the first 15:08 of the game. Their defense was porous as always, and the offense, which is supposed to be the bright spot, was absolutely stymied with only 260 total yards. I always thought this was one of the worst teams in the NFC, but this bad? Good lord.
Steelers 23-16 Bills 
The Pittsburgh Steelers pulled out the UNO reverse card on me this week. This game pretty much went the exact opposite of how I predicted it. Well, at least in a way. It was the Bills who got that late score to make this a one-possession final, but I never could have accounted for how we got there. Buffalo took a 10-0 lead into the break, thanks to a 3-yard laser from QB Josh Allen to WR Gabriel Davis in the back of the endzone with 22 seconds left in the first half. The second half, however, was all Steelers, especially on the defensive side of the football. A pair of 3rd quarter FGs made it 10-6, and an early, impressive 4th quarter touchdown catch by WR Diontae Johnson gave Pittsburgh a 13-10 lead. On the ensuing possession, the defense forced a 3-and-out, and the special teams blocked the punt for a touchdown to suddenly go up 20-10. This was one of the definitive turning points of Week 1, and it all but locked up the game for the Steelers. That’s because their defense was absolutely suffocating the potent Bills offense. Even when Buffalo would drive it into Steelers territory, they had to settle for FGs late in the game, and it allowed the Steelers to hold on to win it. Their offense was virtually nonexistent, as they were outgained by Buffalo by 119 yards, but it didn’t matter. It goes to show how valuable a good defense is in this league. And it once again proves my point about how one-dimensional the Bills are. It will be their downfall.
Bengals 27-24 Vikings 
This one was a lot of fun. The return of Joe Burrow was awesome to see, and it’s safe to say that the Bengals signal-caller is just fine. It helped that his former college WR1 and Bengals first-round pick Jamarr Chase was able to burst onto the scene in a major way. Chase caught Burrow’s second touchdown of the second quarter: a beautiful 50-yard pass down the near sideline to take a 14-7 lead with 35 seconds left in the half. Burrow would finish the game with 261 yards passing and those two touchdown tosses on 74% completion. He also got a big boost from his running game, as RB Joe Mixon had 127 yards and a TD on 29 carries. Minnesota’s offense did their thing as well, as the story of their day was QB Kirk Cousins and WR Adam Thielen. The two hooked up on two scores of their own, and a late touchdown run by star RB Dalvin Cook made it a 3 point game. Cousins led an impeccable late drive to set up a game-tying field goal, which K Greg Joseph nailed from 53 yards out to send the game to OT. Both teams went back and forth for a while, but a late fumble by Dalvin Cook set the Bengals up perfectly, and as time expired, rookie K Evan McPherson knocked one through the goalposts for a 27-24 victory. It was a very fun game, and I’m honestly really happy that the Bengals won the way they did. This game was everything they could have asked for, and while they won’t be a very good team this year, at least they have some things to look forward to. I hope it stays that way.
49ers 41-33 Lions 
It has only been one week, but the 49ers might have already won the title for “Worst Blown Cover” of 2021. This was a blowout, as I expected, right from the jump. The 49ers surpassed my predicted score in the first half alone. They scored 17 points in the last 2:25 of the half to go up 31-10 heading into the break. Coming out of the locker room, WR Deebo Samuel made a remarkable play to adjust to an underthrown football and turn it all the way upfield for a 79 yard score to punctuate a great game (9 catches, 189 yards, and that score). It was just going to be your run-of-the-mill NFL blowout, as with 2 minutes left in the game, San Francisco led 41-17. But, for some reason, only then did the Lions realize how to play football. They needed 3 touchdowns with 3 2-point conversions in 120 seconds to tie the game, and they had no business even coming close to that. They got the first of the three with 1:53 left on a 1-yard scamper by RB Jamaal Williams and a 2-point catch by TE T.J. Hockenson. Then they needed to convert an onside kick, which only happened FOUR (4) times in the entire 2020 season. So, naturally, they did it. Then they marched all the way downfield in the blink of an eye, and WR Quintez Cephus caught a TD and 2-point conversion. Detroit was 2/3 of the way there. They weren’t able to get the next onside kick, but they still had a chance. All the 49ers needed was a first down to end the game. They were able to get one thanks to a first down catch and run by Deebo Samuel, but he fumbled the ball, and of course the Lions recovered. Now, with a minute left and 70 yards to go, they just needed to do it one more time. Detroit would get all the way to the SF 24-yard line, but they ended up turning the ball over on downs with 17 seconds left to finally end the game. It could have been one of the most insane comebacks in NFL history, but instead, it was your average 8-point win (not like the spread was 8.5 or anything). Despite the blown lead, I really loved what I saw from the 49ers, but they were playing one of the worst teams in football, so I’ll wait a little bit to jump to any conclusions on them. And while I loved the fight that the Lions showed late, I don’t like that it took them 58 minutes to find that fight. They better hope they figure it out sooner in the rest of their games.
Cardinals 38-13 Titans 
Whew. I think we might have just witnessed the birth of something special on Sunday. This was all Cardinals all day, but moreover, it was the Kyler Murray show. The 3rd year Arizona QB put together one of the most electric, impressive performances I’ve seen in a very long time. Every time I saw the next thing he did, it just shocked me even more. Whether it was his first quarter dime (and I mean DIME) on the run to DeAndre Hopkins in the back of the endzone, his second quarter touchdown sprint, or his two incredible third quarter touchdown throws to Christian Kirk, one of which was a jump throw leaning back, Kyler was a complete highlight factory. Everyone on this offense was getting involved, and it all started with #1. We all know his unique skillset makes him one of the most dynamic players in football, but I don’t remember the last time it was on full display like this. I know it’s only Week 1, but in the early MVP conversations, I’d put Kyler right up there. If he can keep this up for a whole season, this team might be borderline unstoppable. It helped that his defense put together a masterclass, especially up front. DE Chandler Jones had a whopping FIVE sacks, and star Titans RB Derrick Henry, who ran for over 2000 yards in 2020, had only 58 on 17 carries. The Cardinals did what they had to do to improve from last year, and I think they are in prime position to do damage in the NFL’s toughest division. I am so excited to see what this team has in store. Meanwhile, the Titans better hope they sure up their offensive line, because their defense is still an absolute joke. If they can’t get Derrick Henry going, they can’t get anything going. If this is to be the story of their year, it will be a tragedy.
Seahawks 28-16 Colts 
There are only a few players in sports that you should never bet against at a certain period of time. One of those is Russell Wilson at the beginning of a football season. Last year was impressive enough, but this early encore was an incredible sight. Russ threw 3 touchdowns in the first half, including a 69-yard BOMB to WR Tyler Lockett, his second of the game, with 41 seconds left in the first half for one of the nicest touchdowns of the week. It was genuinely one of the most impressive deep balls I’ve ever seen, but I suppose I should always expect that with Russ. He’d add a fourth touchdown throw in the fourth quarter, and thanks to a very impressive performance by Seattle’s defense, this one was never in doubt. QB Carson Wentz didn’t look terrible in his Colts debut, but there was nothing he could have done to overcome Russell Wilson’s masterclass on the other side of the ball. The fact that the Seahawks were able to do what they did to a very solid Colts defense should strike fear into the hearts of teams around the league. But I can’t forget what I saw from this team last year. Russ started the season scorching, but the team eventually fell off when his back got tired of carrying them every week. If they can play this balanced for an entire season, not many teams will be able to stop them. If not, we already know how the story plays out.
Chargers 20-16 Washington 
Sigh. I still don’t know if I’ve calmed down from this game. I’m still just as infuriated as I was on Sunday afternoon, if not more so. Was this game extremely wacky? Yes. Did each team have every opportunity to win it? Absolutely. But that doesn’t change the fact that what transpired in Landover wasn’t ridiculous. I don’t even know where to start. How about the defense? This Washington D has been hyped up all season to be perhaps the best in the entire NFL. So they naturally gave up a touchdown on the opening drive of the season: a 10 play, 75 yard march from LA that took less than 6 minutes. Like a hot knife through butter. In all fairness, from that point on, the defense was not nearly as porous. But that doesn’t mean they didn’t struggle. It doesn’t help that the WFT offense was not doing their defense any favors whatsoever. 3 first half field goals are never going to cut it against a team as talented as the Chargers are. Moreover, it doesn’t help that QB Ryan Fitzpatrick went down in the second quarter, after taking a really tough hit on a throw that resulted in a hip subluxation. Enter playoff “hero” Taylor Heinicke, who definitely did his job. Heinicke drove the team right down the field on the opening possession of the second half, including a rainbow ball to WR Terry McLaurin, who made the catch of the week and maybe the best catch of his career, to set up an 11-yard touchdown toss to TE Logan Thomas to take a 16-13 lead. The rest of the game was nothing short of an absolute mess. On the ensuing possession, the Chargers marched all the way down the field once again, and on the 12th play of the drive, an incomplete pass by QB Justin Herbert was ruled a fumble that rolled out of the back of the endzone for a touchback. It was a very lucky break for Washington, who proceeded to do nothing with it. They did go on a long drive, but it resulted in a missed FG. The defense was able to step up again, as new CB William Jackson III stepped in front of an overthrown ball by Herbert for the game’s first real turnover. Unfortunately, Washington handed the ball right back to LA on an unlucky fumble by RB Antonio Gibson on the very next play, setting the Chargers up at the 3-yard line. Herbert delivered a gorgeous backshoulder touchdown throw to WR Mike Williams, who made a great catch to take a 20-16 lead. Washington wasn’t able to do much on their next possession, punting the ball away with just under 7 minutes to play. Surely this vaunted defense could get a stop in that time to give their offense a shot to win the game, right? Wrong. Very wrong. When facing a 3rd and 16 from their own 12, the Chargers somehow converted on a Keenan Allen catch and run. 3 plays later, they converted yet another 3rd down. Then, after another 3 plays, they moved the chains once again. And then, stop me if you’ve heard this before, they converted another 3rd down once again 3 plays later, this time to ice the game. It ended up being a 15 play drive that ate up the final 6:43 of the game, which included 4 separate 3rd down conversions. Herbert was making throw after throw after throw, finishing with 337 yards and a touchdown, and the Chargers receivers were making literally every single catch. The only way I can describe what I saw was that it was simply absurd. The Chargers converted 14 of their 18 3rd downs in this game. I don’t even want to think about that stat. They absolutely dominated time of possession, and while they deserved to win, I just can’t get over how pathetic of a performance this was by the WFT. Now, the team has to turn to Heinicke long-term, as Fitzpatrick is out for 6-8 weeks. See what happens when this team has expectations? Their season ends before it even gets to start. Such is life.
Panthers 19-14 Jets 
The Sam Darnold Bowl™ didn’t exactly live up to the hype, but it was still interesting to watch. There isn’t a whole lot to talk about here, but the two things I wanted to touch on have to be the two QBs. Sam Darnold looked very sharp in his first game in Carolina, throwing for 279 yards and a touchdown, a beautiful deep ball to his former Jets teammate Robby Anderson. It helped that RB Christian McCaffrey is back in full force, as he was unstoppable. CMC ran for 98 yards on 21 carries to go along with a team-high 89 receiving yards on 9 catches. This will be a fun Panthers offense, but they will only be as good as Darnold is. I think this was a good start. On the other hand, you had Zach Wilson making his NFL debut with the Jets. And, to be honest, he didn’t play too poorly. He got off to a rough start, but thanks to an early 16-0 deficit, he was able to just air it out and get his stats in the second half. He threw a couple very nice TD throws to new WR Corey Davis to go along with 258 yards, but only had a 54% completion rate. I still really don’t know what to make of Wilson yet, but I have to admit, this wasn’t the worst start ever. We’ll see where it goes from here.
Texans 37-21 Jaguars 
…What the heck? I really don’t know what to say here. I do know one thing for sure: the Jaguars should be absolutely embarrassed. There is no conceivable way this should have ever happened. Going up against the worst team in the NFL by a longshot, they got absolutely demolished. This game was 27-7 at halftime and 34-7 at one point. How, how, HOW is that possible? Did the Texans play a good game? Yes, they very much did. But how is that possible? This team is dreadful. Are the Jags still just as bad as they were a year ago? Is the Urban Meyer experiment already a colossal failure? It might be too early to tell, but this was the worst sign possible, especially in Week 1. The #1 pick, QB Trevor Lawrence, didn’t look horrible, but he wasn’t without his shortcomings. While he did throw for 332 yards and 3 touchdowns, much of that was just statpadding. What stands out to me is the 3 picks and 55% completion. He wasn’t going up against a very good defense, but still struggled. I know for a fact that he’ll be just fine, but this wasn’t the start I imagined for him. If this is how the season is going to go for Jacksonville, it is going to be one of the ugliest displays we’ve ever seen. I can already sense a lot of impending doom with this team. Do you know how bad you have to be to let the Texans blow you out? The Jaguars are simply the proverbial slow-motion car crash of the NFL.
Chiefs 33-29 Browns 
This game was everything I hoped for and then some. It was a game that felt like the stakes were super high, and all of the brightest stars showed out to make the biggest plays. It was all Cleveland to start, thanks to their exceptional running game. The Browns got out to a 22-10 first half lead thanks to a pair of TD runs from RB Nick Chubb and some very solid play from QB Baker Mayfield. Not to mention their defense doing a good job of containing one of the most explosive offenses in NFL history. But, the second half was vintage Kansas City. A Travis Kelce TD and a Harrison Butker FG made it a 2 point game heading into the fourth, but the Browns bounced right back with another rushing TD, this one from former Chief Kareem Hunt, to make it a 2-score game again with 10 minutes to play. Then, the Mahomes Magic was activated. The Chiefs QB launched a “screw it” ball 50 yards downfield while rolling out of the pocket in the direction of WR Tyreek Hill, who somehow lost his defender, adjusted to the football, hauled it in, turned it upfield, and naturally outraced everyone in the state of Missouri for a 1 play, 75-yard lightning strike to cut the lead right back down to 2. It was a vintage Chiefs play, and it gave KC the spark they needed. After getting a defensive stop on the next possession, the Arrowhead crowd was so jazzed up that the Browns punter fumbled the snap and was taken down at his own 17 yard line, setting up the Chiefs perfectly. They naturally took advantage right away, as Mahomes found Kelce once again to take the 33-29 lead. The Browns had the opportunity to win it, but with the game on the line, Baker Mayfield made an errant throw that was picked off to seal the deal. Baker was simply trying to do too much, and paid the price for it. This was a spectacular game that felt like a playoff game, and I truly believe we’ll see these teams play again in January. This was my AFCCG prediction, and I’m not backing down on it at all. What I saw from Kansas City was exactly what I always expect out of them. And, even in defeat, I really loved what I saw out of the Browns. They proved to me just what I wanted them to: they can go toe to toe with anyone. This team will only get better and better, and I think they’re destined for huge things in 2021.
Dolphins 17-16 Patriots 
This was the closest thing to a mirror match I think I have ever seen in an NFL game before. I mean, seriously, these teams are virtually exactly the same. They both have great rosters from top to bottom and are led by two young Alabama QBs who are still trying to figure it out in this league. The only difference is, this was the debut for Patriots QB Mac Jones, whereas this was the start of year 2 for Tua Tagovailoa in Miami. Both young signal callers held their own in this game, but it was dominated by the defenses. While the QBs made plays with some help from their playmakers, this game was always going to come down to whoever could get the crucial stops. Up by 1 in the 4th, it had to be Miami’s D to get the job done. With under 8 minutes to play, Jones led New England on an impressive drive down the field to put his team in position to, at the very least, kick a go-ahead FG. They got all the way inside the Miami 10 yard line, but it was not to be. RB Damien Harris had the ball knocked out by LB Jerome Baker on a simple run up the middle, which was recovered by the Dolphins. It didn’t ice the game, but it was pretty damn close. To Tua and the offense’s credit, they were able to keep moving the chains in the final 3:31 of the game to put the game on ice and pull off the upset in Foxboro. It was a classic, defensive battle that we should get used to seeing between these two rivals. Again, the offenses held their own, but for two teams that pride themselves on defense, it had to be that side of the ball to win the game. I have no doubt that both of these teams should have their fair share of success this season, and I’m looking forward to their next matchup.
Saints 38-3 Packers 
I have no idea what to say about this one. I am simply too perplexed. I have been watching football for a very, very long time, and I have never seen something like this. Did the Packers have a turbulent offseason? Absolutely. Nobody is disputing that. But they worked out all their kinks. Aaron Rodgers is back, as is the rest of the team. There shouldn’t be any major issues here. But there are glaring issues, and that glare is blinding me. This game was never close. Not even for a second. The Saints had their way with the Packers on both sides of the ball from start to finish. It did not even matter that they were without their legendary starting QB and star WR of yesteryear. This was one of the best performances from New Orleans I have seen in a while. And I still can’t wrap my head around it. QB Jameis Winston was sensational in his first Saints start, putting up one of the funniest statlines I’ve seen. On just 14 completions, Winston threw for 148 yards and 5, yes, FIVE touchdowns against the defending 1 seed in the NFC. Everyone on the Saints offense was doing their thing, and it was honestly awesome to watch. It’s not even like the Packers defense is bad, as it was a top 10 statistical unit in football last season. But the Saints defense was much, much better. On that note, the Packers offense with the defending MVP at QB, the best statistical WR in football, and a RB who they just gave $48 million to, did approximately nothing. Green Bay accumulated a grand total of 229 total yards. Their leading rusher, A.J. Dillon, ran for 29. The aforementioned statsheet-stuffing Davante Adams only caught 5 passes for 56. And Rodgers, after all the offseason drama, only completed 15 passes for 133 yards and 2 very ugly INTs. I genuinely do not understand what I was watching. Is this what the Packers are now? Has all the hoopla and drama ruined this team? Is Aaron Rodgers a cooked product? Are the Saints really just this good? It is way too early to tell what the truth is, but it’s safe to say this is the most confusing game I’ve seen in a long time. Who knows what the future holds for either of these teams.
Broncos 27-13 Giants 
As a whole, the Broncos looked like one of the better teams I saw in Week 1. From the jump, this was all Denver in East Rutherford. It was not remotely close. The decision to start Teddy Bridgewater at QB over Drew Lock is already looking like a galaxy brain move by HC Vic Fangio, as he looked extremely solid in his first start for Denver. Teddy Two Gloves threw for 264 yards and 2 touchdowns on a whopping 77% completion. The rest of the team looked just as good, on both sides of the football. RB Melvin Gordon III did his thing, running for 101 yards on 11 carries, punctuated by a 70 yard touchdown run in the 4th quarter. The defense, which is back healthy and ready to suffocate teams, did just that against an albeit weak Giants offense. They held New York to just 7 points, which came 6 minutes into the first quarter, until the game’s final play. They limited star RB Saquon Barkley to just 26 yards on 10 carries in his first game back from last year’s ACL injury. And outside of a first quarter touchdown catch and run by Giants WR Sterling Shepard, the secondary was limiting options for QB Daniel Jones all game long. The only problem for the Broncos in this game was the injury to star WR Jerry Jeudy, who got rolled up on late in the game and sprained his ankle. It looked like a break, so a sprain that will sideline him for 4-6 weeks is definitely dodging a massive bullet, especially since it seems like this team can definitely contend for a playoff spot in the AFC. I’m surprised I doubted them so much, but hindsight is always 20/20. This will be one of the more fun teams in football, and I’m excited to keep watching them. The Giants however, are still an absolute mess, and I have no idea when it’s going to get fixed. I don’t even think Daniel Jones is the main problem anymore. This team just isn’t as good as we thought they were. At least they have 17 more weeks to prove me wrong.
Rams 34-14 Bears 
As if the expectations in the City of Angels couldn’t get any higher. The Matt Stafford debut in LA on Sunday night was what every single Rams fan has been waiting for and then some. Right from the get-go, Stafford made his stamp on this team, as his second pass of the game was a gorgeous deep ball to WR Van Jefferson, who stumbled, but got up and ran in for a 67-yard touchdown that immediately set the tone for not just this game, but perhaps this season in LA. Stafford would deliver another gorgeous deep ball right at the start of the second half, this time to WR Cooper Kupp, who was seemingly in his own zip code, for a 56-yard score. The Bears hung around for a while, thanks to an earlier touchdown run by RB David Montgomery and a short, goal-line TD run by rookie QB Justin Fields, who only played a few snaps in this game, but it wasn’t enough to contain the Rams. They were simply too much on both sides of the ball. Even without Cam Akers, the running game thrived thanks to Darrell Henderson, who ran for 70 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Stafford would deliver one last dame, this time in the back of the endzone to WR Robert Woods, who tapped his toes for the cherry-on-top touchdown. Stafford finished with 321 yards and 3 TDs on 20-26 passing. He delivered on all of the hype that was built all throughout this offseason against a defense that is certainly no joke. As I said, the already high expectations are even higher now. Between his ability to elevate this offense to the next level and this defense’s ability to suffocate opposing teams, the Rams could be one of the forces in football this year. Meanwhile, the Bears have one simple thing to do: start Justin Fields. It’s just the right thing to do. Andy Dalton is a great guy and a solid QB, but he’s not the future, and he’s not right for this team right now. Stick with the guy you traded up for who is going to be your future, who literally showed promise in this game. You have a very good RB, solid WRs, and a great defense. You can win games. You just have to do the right thing.
Raiders 33-27 Ravens 
Did we just get the Game of the Year in Week 1? We definitely got a contender. Our first Monday Night Football game of 2021 was a thriller from start to finish, but this one really amped up late. Even with the plethora of RB injuries, the Ravens’ ground game got off to a hot start, with rookie RB Ty’Son Williams opening the scoring on a 35-yard scamper. The Ravens would double the lead thanks to an incredible play extension by QB Lamar Jackson, who then found WR Hollywood Brown for a 10-yard touchdown strike. The Raiders scored 10 quick points to end the half, and after a 3rd quarter FG by Baltimore, it was 17-10 going into the final 15. Vegas leveled for the first time all night on an impressive, weaving touchdown run by RB Josh Jacobs, but the Ravens bounced right back for another TD run of their own, this one coming from Latavius Murray, who was only signed this past Friday. On the ensuing possession, QB Derek Carr led his team right down the field, and after hitting his star TE Darren Waller on his millionth target of the game, he was able to spin and dive his way into the endzone to tie the game once again. With 3:44 left, the Ravens were in prime position to win it. That’s just what Lamar had in mind, driving Baltimore down to the 30 of Vegas, and with just 37 seconds left, K Justin Tucker booted the go-ahead FG right through the uprights to give the Ravens the lead. That was seemingly it, but Derek Carr had other plans. In just 3 throws, he put the Raiders on fringe FG range, and K Daniel Carlson hit his career longest FG from 55 yards out to tie the game and send it to OT. That’s where the craziness hit a new level. Vegas got the ball first, and they were moving down the field with ease. On a crucial 3rd down, Carr lobbed one up to WR Bryan Edwards, who high-pointed the ball, broke away from the DB, and stretched over the goal line for the game-winning touchdown. Or did he? Despite the teams coming out to congratulate each other on a game well-played, the officials determined that Edwards was short by about half a yard. All the Raiders had to do was punch it in from about a foot away. Simple enough, right? Apparently not. A Carr QB sneak on first down wasn’t enough, and after a false start on second down, Carr was forced to throw the ball. His throw to a wide open receiver went off his hands, then off a Ravens DB’s helmet, bouncing sky high, and eventually into the hands of another DB for an interception in the endzone. All of a sudden, a walkoff win became a situation where the Ravens only needed 3 to win it. It wasn’t meant to be for the crows, however, as Lamar Jackson fumbled the ball on a strip sack by Carl Nassib. 2 plays later, HC Jon Gruden sent out the field goal unit to try and kick a game-winning FG, but for some reason, took an intentional delay of game to back them up 5 yards. It ended up being a galaxy brain move beyond our comprehension, as he sent the offense right back out, and Carr found a wide open Zay Jones streaking across the field for the game-winning touchdown (for real this time). It was a great game for Carr, who threw for a league-high 435 yards to go along with 2 touchdown throws. It was a wild, wacky game full of drama and excitement that not only symbolized this week in football, but the NFL as a whole. It’s just a microcosm of what we missed so much in this league. I’m just so happy we’re back.
All stats taken from ESPN.
Raza Talks Sports 