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The 2024 NFL season is right here, and Week 1 has been wild. Within the early window, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams received his NFL debut, Jerod Mayo earned his first win because the New England Patriots‘ head coach and Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings shut down the New York Giants.
Our NFL Nation reporters are reacting to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every recreation and detailing the whole lot else you could know for each crew. Let’s get to it.
Leap to:
CAR-NO
JAX-MIA | PIT-ATL | ARI-BUF
HOU-IND | TEN-CHI | NE-CIN
MIN-NYG | GB-PHI | BAL-KC
Saints
Is that this Saints’ offense the actual deal? It was a strong debut for Klint Kubiak and the brand new Saints offense. New Orleans had 30 factors by halftime for the primary time for the reason that Drew Brees period ended. Taysom Hill was used closely, Rashid Shaheed confirmed off his pace and the safety held up for quarterback Derek Carr. Did the Saints merely pile on the hapless Panthers or will this be the brand new regular? They will must show that once more in Dallas subsequent week.
Describe the sport in two phrases: No errors. Carr had three touchdowns, Blake Grupe made all of his subject targets and the protection compelled a number of turnovers. The Saints badly wanted a quick begin in 12 months 3 of coach Dennis Allen’s tenure, and so they have been virtually excellent in that regard, leaping everywhere in the Panthers and by no means letting up. The Saints set a franchise document for many factors in a season opener.
Eye-popping superior stat: Per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats, cornerback Alontae Taylor had the crew’s high pace in one of many blitzes, topping out at 20.64 miles per hour. It is a good indicator of how Taylor, who had three sacks, may take a step ahead in his third season. — Katherine Terrell
Subsequent recreation: at Cowboys (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Panthers
Are the Panthers and second-year quarterback Bryce Young actually as unhealthy as they seemed? Possibly worse. The Saints aren’t among the many elite and dominated all phases. Younger confirmed little enchancment from final season underneath new coach Dave “Quarterback Whisperer” Canales. He was intercepted on his first play and began the second half with one other. His new targets did not assist. The protection stunk it up, too. The Saints had a 59-yard landing move on their opening drive. The move rush was non-existent. The run protection was porous. What a meltdown.
Greatest gap within the recreation plan: Failing to set the tone with their dashing assault. Throwing on the primary play (an interception) and digging a 23-0 deficit did not assist. It put extra strain on Younger, who was ineffective regardless of new ideas to get him out in area. Younger completed with a 36.2 passer score, finishing 13 passes on 30 makes an attempt for 161 yards, two interceptions and 0 passing TDs. Carolina mustered solely 58 yards on the bottom.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Complete embarrassment. The 31-3 halftime deficit for Canales was the second-largest for a coach in his first recreation since Brian Flores and the Dolphins trailed 42-10 to Baltimore in 2019. It might solely go up from right here. — David Newton
Subsequent recreation: vs. Chargers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Payments
Can the Payments lengthen this second half efficiency to Week 2? The Payments did not have the ball for a very long time within the the primary half, nevertheless it was a landing drive proper earlier than halftime and one instantly after that began to maneuver the sport in Buffalo’s favor. Quarterback Josh Allen led the Payments to attain three second half touchdowns with 9 gamers catching a move and 10 focused. Allen joined QB Steve Younger as the one gamers to have a number of dashing and passing touchdowns in 4 video games, after a fumble on the primary drive of the sport. It took a bit for the Payments offense to get in a groove and reduce the penalties. Persevering with the second half efficiency on a brief week will likely be vital.
Shopping for or promoting Greg Rousseau‘s breakout efficiency: Shopping for. Rousseau’s three sacks, together with one strip-sack, was an enormous begin to his fourth season and the step ahead that the Payments have been on the lookout for from him. Rousseau had a career-high six pressures within the recreation, as his teammates mixed for eight.
Early prediction for subsequent week: Cornerback Taron Johnson left the sport with a forearm harm within the first half, and that leaves some uncertainty with a Thursday assembly in opposition to the Dolphins in Week 2. The Payments are possible going to want Cam Lewis to once more step up in an enormous manner like he did within the second half in opposition to the Cardinals (eight tackles) as Johnson is a key a part of this unit. — Alaina Getzenberg
Subsequent recreation: at Dolphins (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Cardinals
How do the Cardinals repair their protection in every week? It isn’t a straightforward repair however adjustments are wanted, each to the personnel and recreation plan, if the Cardinals need their protection to match the output of their offense. The Cardinals must discover a method to maintain the perimeters contained and forestall cellular quarterbacks from making performs occur in area when the pocket collapses. Arizona gave up 14 performs of 10 yards or longer, so limiting explosive performs would assist be the distinction between defending huge leads and shedding them.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Soften down. The Cardinals had management of the sport till 25 seconds remained within the first half. They led 17-3 when the Payments scored a landing proper earlier than the half. Then Arizona’s protection, which had a 17-10 result in shield, have been outscored 21-3 because the Payments took the benefit earlier than DeeJay Dallas‘ kickoff return helped Arizona pull inside three.
Early prediction for subsequent week: Arizona will reshape the way it rushes the passer with an emphasis on defending the sting to comprise the Rams’ offense from getting exterior. Nevertheless, to get there, the Cardinals may undergo some rotational adjustments on protection, with extra taking part in time from Dennis Gardeck as a doable change. — Josh Weinfuss
Subsequent recreation: vs. Rams (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Steelers
Who will begin at quarterback for the Steelers in opposition to Denver? Russell Wilson‘s aggravated calf harm gave Justin Fields an enormous alternative to begin in opposition to the Falcons, which he become a 17-of-23 efficiency for 156 yards. Fields additionally rushed 14 occasions for 57 yards. Although he aired it out sparingly and waited till the second quarter to take his deepest pictures, Fields nonetheless appeared extra comfy as the sport went on. The offense, which rushed for greater than 130 yards, largely hummed with Fields, however Steelers starters haven’t historically misplaced jobs due to harm. Fields’ playmaking, mobility and regular enchancment all through the sport may problem that precedent.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Well timed protection. Whereas self-inflicted wounds stored the Steelers from capitalizing on huge performs with touchdowns, the protection swarmed QB Kirk Cousins and restricted the injury. The secondary bought large interceptions from newcomers DeShon Elliott and Donte Jackson to spoil Cousins’ Falcons debut, and T.J. Watt appeared to be in midseason type with a fumble restoration, two quarterback hits and a deal with for loss. He had a handful of different would-be game-changing performs wiped away by penalties, too.
Eye-popping superior stat: With the Steelers’ offense unable to complete drives ultimately zone, kicker Chris Boswell took care of enterprise with six subject targets — together with ones of 51, 56 and 57 yards — to turn into the primary Pittsburgh kicker to make three subject targets of fifty+ yards in a recreation in franchise historical past, in keeping with ESPN Stats & Data. The six subject targets additionally tied a franchise document for many subject targets made in a recreation. — Brooke Pryor
Subsequent recreation: at Broncos (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Falcons
Will this offense want extra time to click on than initially thought? The Falcons gave Cousins $100 million assured coming off a torn Achilles to guide an offense that includes top-10 draft picks in Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts. And Atlanta introduced again its total offensive line. Nevertheless it did not appear like the Falcons had absorbed new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson’s system. Cousins threw two interceptions, the latter crushing a fourth-quarter drive. The Falcons managed solely 45 yards within the second half and fumbled a foul snap to squash a first-half drive.
Eye-popping superior stat: Atlanta labored out of the pistol set on 52% of its performs, in keeping with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Cousins had by no means taken greater than 10 snaps out of the pistol in a recreation throughout his 13-year profession. He was 2 of 4 for 15 yards and an interception throwing out of the pistol.
Describe the sport in two phrases: In progress: The entire Falcons’ offseason adjustments — together with post-camp acquisitions of edge rusher Matthew Judon and security Justin Simmons — made for an uneven efficiency on each side of the ball. The Steelers have been 8-of-17 on third down and issues may have been worse had Pittsburgh not had 9 penalties for 60 yards. — Marc Raimondi
Subsequent recreation: at Eagles (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Dolphins
How involved ought to the Dolphins be about their run recreation? The backfield of Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane was outgained by QB Tua Tagovailoa‘s 11-yard scramble for many of Sunday’s recreation as Miami’s offensive line struggled to open holes for both again. Jacksonville was the NFL’s ninth-best protection in opposition to the run final season, however this was a poor efficiency for a Dolphins offense that averaged the sixth-most dashing yards per recreation in 2023. Miami’s inside offensive line misplaced two starters from a season in the past, and Sunday did not add extra confidence within the unit transferring ahead.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Star dependent. The Dolphins spent the offseason hoping to diversify their offense and never be overly-reliant on wideouts Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. But, Hill and Waddle accounted for 211 of Miami’s 400 yards in opposition to the Jaguars — together with Hill’s game-changing 80-yard landing to chop Miami’s 10-point deficit. When all else failed, the Dolphins seemed to their two home-run hitters, who salvaged an in any other case unproductive day offensively.
Eye-popping superior stat: The Dolphins’ protection recorded 10 quarterback pressures, in keeping with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. It additionally recorded three sacks, none greater than Emmanuel Ogbah‘s and Jaelan Phillips‘ throughout the Jaguars’ first drive after Miami tied the sport late within the fourth quarter. In his first recreation since tearing his Achilles final November, Phillips recorded a sack and three pressures. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Subsequent recreation: vs. Payments (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Jaguars
Can the offensive line maintain up? That was the most important query getting into the season, and it did not change after Sunday. With the sport tied and the Jaguars having an opportunity at a game-winning drive, OTs Anton Harrison and Cam Robinson gave up sacks on consecutive performs. Brief yardage was a difficulty as nicely. The playmakers are in place for the offense to achieve success — particularly with the addition of receiver Brian Thomas Jr. — however there isn’t any likelihood at consistency if the road, which ranked twenty ninth in move block win price in 2023, continues to wrestle.
Shopping for or promoting operating again Tank Bigsby‘s breakout efficiency: Shopping for. The Jaguars talked all offseason about the necessity to get second-year Bigsby extra work. They stated it final season, too, nevertheless it by no means occurred. It did on Sunday: He had profession highs in carries (12) and yards (73). He additionally delivered huge performs, ripping off runs of 17 and 26 yards. Travis Etienne Jr. continues to be the lead again, however Bigsby confirmed he deserves a much bigger function. It is probably not a 50-50 cut up, however Bigsby will likely be a major a part of the offense.
Eye-popping superior stat: Per ESPN Analytics, the Jaguars had a 92% likelihood of successful the sport earlier than Etienne fumbled the ball contained in the 5-yard line that the Dolphins recovered ultimately zone. That might have given the Jaguars a three-score lead. As a substitute, the Dolphins scored on an 80-yard landing move on the subsequent play, and the Jaguars by no means superior previous their very own 48-yard line on their remaining three possessions. — Mike DiRocco
Subsequent recreation: vs. Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Texans
May the explosive performs allowed turn into a development? The Texans scored 29 factors, however the protection allowed Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson to have three 50-plus-yard completions. Richardson had a 60-yard landing to huge receiver Alec Pierce and a 54-yard rating to Ashton Dulin within the fourth quarter. With the lengthy record of Professional Bowl-level quarterbacks on the schedule, it is a difficulty that would forestall the Texans from reaching their ceiling.
Eye-popping superior stat: Stroud was pressured on 38% of his dropbacks and sacked 4 occasions. That is one thing that needs to be fastened if the Texans need to maintain Stroud wholesome all through the season. It is going to additionally restrict the effectiveness of gamers round Stroud in Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell.
Shopping for or promoting operating again Joe Mixon‘s breakout efficiency: Shopping for. Mixon was the perfect participant on offense for the Texans as he completed with 159 dashing yards and a landing. He helped maintain the Texans’ offense on schedule when the passing recreation was a bit shaky as Stroud completed with 234 yards, nicely wanting his 2023 common of 274. — DJ Bien-Aime
Subsequent recreation: vs. Bears (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Colts
What occurred to the Colts’ run protection? The Colts allowed their most dashing yards since Week 17 of the 2022 season (213), an alarming statistic contemplating Indy’s run protection has been a power. Houston’s offensive line persistently moved the Colts’ defenders up entrance and created operating lanes for Joe Mixon. That allowed Mixon to common greater than 4 yards earlier than contact per rush at one level throughout the recreation. The Colts allowed 5.3 dashing yards per keep on Sunday after limiting opponents to 4.1 in 2023.
Shopping for or promoting huge receiver Alec Pierce’s breakout efficiency: Shopping for. The 2022 second-round decide had been maligned at occasions prior to now two seasons for his underwhelming play. However as a deep risk who lacked a big-armed quarterback, it was onerous to see his actual worth. With Richardson again within the lineup, Pierce tapped into his deep-ball potential and caught passes of 60 and 57 yards.
Eye-popping superior stat: Richardson is the fifth quarterback to have a number of completions of 50-plus air yards in a recreation since ESPN started monitoring air yards in 2006. Richardson’s completions to Pierce traveled 58 and 56 yards, respectively. The Colts had hoped to carry again the specter of the deep ball with Richardson’s return. And he demonstrated that skill in a exceptional manner in his first recreation of the season. — Stephen Holder
Subsequent recreation: at Packers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Bears
What went fallacious for the offense in Caleb Williams’ debut? Williams turned the primary quarterback drafted No. 1 general to win his NFL debut since 2002 however did not look very comfy all through. That was mirrored within the first half by three off-target incompletions on throws of 15 or extra yards and a number of passes that have been batted down by defenders. The Bears received the sport regardless of producing simply 148 yards of offense and needed to depend on particular groups (three subject targets by Cairo Santos and a blocked punt that security Jonathan Owens returned for a touchdown) and a pick-six to generate their scoring output.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Late breakthrough. Chicago’s protection put the ending touches within the fourth quarter when a third-down blitz led to a 43-yard pick-six by Tyrique Stevenson. The defensive breakthrough got here after the unit, which ranked No. 1 in opposition to the run final season, let Tennessee rush for 115 yards within the first half. There’s loads to scrub up, however the protection delivered on the finish.
Greatest gap within the recreation plan: Not sufficient run assist. The coaches implored Williams to play level guard on early downs. It is onerous to try this when the run recreation failed to offer the rookie with a lot assist. Chicago totaled 84 dashing yards (3.8 yards per try), and it wasn’t till Williams scrambled for a primary down within the third quarter that the run recreation had any impact in opposition to the Titans. — Courtney Cronin
Subsequent recreation: at Houston (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Titans
The place was the passing recreation after including two huge time WRs? The Titans’ passing assault fell wanting expectations after including the highest free agent receiver in Calvin Ridley and veteran slot specialist Tyler Boyd. Dangerous safety and a banged-up DeAndre Hopkins have been a part of the issue. Quarterback Will Levis missed an enormous alternative on a deep throw to Ridley within the second quarter, and the offense went chilly after ending the primary half with a 17-3 lead. Levis completed 19-of-32 passing for 127 yards and a landing. He additionally threw two interceptions, and no receiver caught greater than 5 passes.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Oh no! That is what Titans coach Brian Callahan was considering after three performs modified the sport. The final one was a pick-six after Levis tried to throw the ball away. Chicago bought one other landing on a blocked kick that was returned. The momentum began to shift within the second quarter on a 66-yard punt return.
Greatest gap within the recreation plan: Particular groups execution. The unit was an enormous drawback, which led to 2 scores for Chicago. The primary rating got here after DeAndre Carter returned a punt 66 yards to arrange a 40-yard subject purpose. Then there was Owens’ landing return on the blocked punt. — Turron Davenport
Subsequent recreation: vs. Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Patriots
What can the Patriots do to generate extra explosive performs? With out an elite separator amongst their skill-position gamers, the Patriots’ finest likelihood at success is to string collectively sustained drives and put on down the opposition. That was the plan in opposition to the Bengals, and in opening a 10-0 first-half lead and ending plus-2 within the turnover differential, they performed many of the recreation on their phrases. However this can be a robust method to stay within the NFL over a 17-game season. Their longest completion to a receiver was to Tyquan Thornton for 17 yards.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Mayo mentality. The Patriots need to be a hard-nosed, disciplined and essentially sound crew underneath new coach Jerod Mayo, and people have been the substances that contributed to Mayo incomes his first profession victory.
Shopping for or promoting defensive finish Keion White‘s breakout efficiency: Shopping for. The second-year versatile defensive lineman/edge rusher, who’s elevating into an expanded function following the commerce of Matthew Judon, totaled 2.5 sacks. The move rush, led by White, made life difficult for Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. — Mike Reiss
Subsequent recreation: vs. Seahawks (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Bengals
Can quarterback Joe Burrow push the ball downfield extra usually? The preseason carried over into Week 1. Coming off a wrist surgical procedure that ended his season a yr in the past, Burrow was hesitant to push the ball downfield towards the tip of coaching camp. On Sunday, 16 of his first 20 move makes an attempt have been inside 5 yards of the road of scrimmage, per ESPN Stats & Info. Within the third quarter, he lastly unleashed a deep move down the proper sideline to Andrei Iosivas, which prompted a move interference penalty.
Greatest gap within the recreation plan: Planning for Week 1. The Bengals began out stale once more. For the second straight season opener, the Bengals have been held scoreless within the first half. The truth is, they trailed by 10 or extra for the third straight season and have not scored a landing within the first half of the opener since 2021. The chemistry, particularly on offense, wasn’t there — with the absence of WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) noticeable.
Eye-popping superior stat: At one level, Patriots operating again Rhamondre Stevenson had greater than 24 dashing yards over expectation, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Cincinnati was unable to cease New England’s dashing assault early within the recreation, which allowed the Patriots to construct and shield a lead. — Ben Child
Subsequent recreation: at Chiefs (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Vikings
Is that this the actual Sam Darnold? In his first Week 1 begin in three years, Darnold produced one among his finest NFL video games, finishing 19 of 24 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Earlier than his arm was hit on a fourth-quarter move, forcing an interception, he had a passer score of 142 — which might have been a profession excessive. No conclusions must be drawn off one begin, however Darnold did the whole lot the Vikings may have hoped for, most notably throwing a pinpoint 44-yard move to receiver Justin Jefferson and conserving his cool in opposition to an lively Giants move rush. It was the type of recreation that ought to remind everybody why Darnold was the No. 3 decide of the 2018 draft.
Shopping for or promoting Andrew Van Ginkel‘s breakout efficiency: Shopping for. The linebacker did not get a lot consideration amongst a flurry of free agent signings this spring, however Sunday confirmed how worthwhile he may be to Brian Flores’ protection. He recorded a sack and a pick-six, sniffing out QB Daniel Jones‘ brief move whereas gearing down his move rush accordingly. It was no shock to those that have seen him make comparable performs in coaching camp.
Describe the sport in two phrases: New starting. The 22-point win was the Vikings’ largest margin of victory since coach Kevin O’Connell was employed to begin the 2022 season. They’ve received 20 video games over that stretch, however 17 of them have been by one rating. In a yr when pundits have universally picked them to complete final within the NFC North, it was a notable growth. — Kevin Seifert
Subsequent recreation: vs. 49ers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Giants
Is that this an indication of what is to come back for the Giants this season? The Giants have been blown off the sector by Minnesota within the opener. They heard boos after their second offensive play, once more whereas leaving the sector at halftime and persistently all through the second half. The issue is New York and Jones seemed very very like final season with their offensive struggles, which included one pick-six and one other interception. There is no such thing as a getting previous this actuality: Subsequent week vs. Washington is already a must-win recreation, or else this season will get ugly.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Profoundly disappointing. How else are you able to describe getting smoked at house by Darnold and the Vikings? It took the Giants’ protection till 1:15 remaining within the first half to pressure an incompletion. The destiny of this crew (particularly the protection) rests on its move rush. Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux mixed for 4 tackles, one QB hit and no sacks.
Greatest gap within the recreation plan: The place have been the downfield passes the Giants spent all summer season practising? They did not try a single move over 20 air yards within the first three quarters. That they had six makes an attempt (three completions) on intermediate routes (10-20 yards). The offense did not look any totally different with Brian Daboll because the playcaller than it did final season with Mike Kafka. — Jordan Raanan
Subsequent recreation: at Commanders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Eagles
Is that this what we must always anticipate from RB Saquon Barkley transferring ahead? It was nearly as good of a debut because the Eagles may have hoped for with Barkley dashing for over 100 yards and scoring three touchdowns. He impacted the sport as a runner and a receiver, highlighted by his 18-yard landing reception alongside the left sideline within the second quarter. With top-end playmakers like Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith on the roster, Barkley is aware of there will likely be quieter nights forward, personally, to permit for others to shine. However Friday despatched a message to the league that Barkley intends to make his seventh NFL season one to recollect.
Eye-popping superior stat: Hurts and the Eagles struggled in opposition to the blitz final season, however Friday’s efficiency provided promise that issues may very well be turning round. Hurts was 6-of-8 for 91 yards and a landing in opposition to the blitz whereas additionally scrambling as soon as for 8 yards and a primary down. With middle Jason Kelce retired, Hurts has assumed extra of the safety obligations. He handed his first take a look at.
Shopping for or promoting linebacker Zack Baun‘s breakout efficiency: Shopping for. Baun led the best way with 15 tackles, two sacks and a pair of quarterback hits. His takedown of QB Malik Willis with three seconds remaining sealed the win for Philly. The previous Saint performed totally on the skin in New Orleans, however defensive coordinator Vic Fangio believed he had the talent set to excel at off-ball linebacker. Early returns counsel his instincts have been on level. — Tim McManus
Subsequent recreation: vs. Falcons (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Packers
Can the Packers win with out QB Jordan Love? Common supervisor Brian Gutekunst did not suppose they may with Sean Clifford because the backup popping out of coaching camp — or on the very least, he thought Malik Willis was a greater possibility as a result of he traded for him on the finish of camp. Whereas Clifford was re-signed to the apply squad, Willis served because the backup within the opener and took the ultimate two snaps after Love left injured. Whoever fills in for Love over the subsequent three to 6 weeks, whereas he recovers from an MCL sprain in his left knee, will at the least have playmaking talent place gamers round him in operating again Josh Jacobs (18 touches for 104 whole yards) and receivers Jayden Reed (4 catches for 138 yards plus a 33-yard landing run), Romeo Doubs (4 catches for 50 yards) and Christian Watson (one landing).
Describe the sport in two phrases: Worldwide harm. The Packers have performed two video games as a part of the NFL’s worldwide sequence, and each occasions left that nation with an injured quarterback. Two years in the past, Aaron Rodgers sustained a damaged thumb on the ultimate play of the Packers’ Week 5 loss to the Giants in London, and it impacted him for a lot of the remainder of the season. After taking part in two worldwide video games over three seasons, the Packers most likely hope they keep stateside for the subsequent a number of years.
Eye-popping superior stat: New Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has preached an aggressive fashion, however at occasions it backfired. He blitzed Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts 9 occasions, in keeping with ESPN Stats & Info, and on these performs, Hurts accomplished 75% % of his passes for 91 yards and a landing and scrambled for 8 yards and a primary down. Final season, Hurts threw eight interceptions in opposition to the blitz. — Rob Demovsky
Subsequent recreation: vs. Colts (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Chiefs
Is the large play actually again? The Chiefs are off to a very good begin in that class. That they had 5 move performs of 23 yards or extra in opposition to Baltimore, largely via yards after the catch. Kansas Metropolis ought to profit when it will get Marquise Brown again within the lineup. One in all its sooner receivers, Brown did not play in opposition to the Ravens due to harm. Xavier Worthy‘s 21-yard landing run was longer than all however one of many Chiefs’ dashing TDs final season.
Shopping for or promoting Worthy’s breakout efficiency: Shopping for. Worthy scored a landing on a 21-yard run the primary time he bought the ball in an NFL recreation. He later caught a 35-yard landing move. Whereas he will not all the time rating twice in a recreation, search for Worthy to have this sort of influence. He will not essentially get a excessive quantity of touches, however he’ll profit from these he will get.
Eye-popping superior stat: Vast receiver Rashee Rice, who caught seven passes for 103 yards, had 69 of these yards after the catch. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was usually capable of finding him when he was transferring up the sector with a defender trailing him. — Adam Teicher
Subsequent recreation: vs. Bengals (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Ravens
How do the Ravens rebound from an emotional last-second loss to the Chiefs? Baltimore has to maneuver on rapidly due to its robust early schedule. The Ravens’ subsequent 4 opponents mixed for a 40-28 document (.588) final season. After subsequent week’s house opener in opposition to the Raiders, the Ravens play two division winners: on the Cowboys and residential in opposition to the Payments. Baltimore then performs on the Bengals, who’re thought-about the Ravens’ chief competitors within the AFC North. There’s little margin for error for the Ravens, who historically begin robust underneath coach John Harbaugh.
Are you shopping for or promoting tight finish Isaiah Likely‘s breakout efficiency? Shopping for. Doubtless was QB Lamar Jackson‘s favourite goal within the opener, setting profession highs in receptions (9) and receiving yards (111). Doubtless practically caught his second landing with no time remaining to probably win the sport for the Ravens, however his proper foot was dominated out of bounds. This efficiency was a carryover from final season, when Doubtless scored six touchdowns in his remaining seven video games.
Greatest gap within the recreation plan: The Ravens’ brief passing recreation. Within the first half, Jackson removed the ball rapidly within the flats to common 1.3 air yards per move try, which restricted big-play alternatives. However when trailing within the second half, Jackson started to stretch the sector extra, averaging 10.7 air yards per try, resulting in 10 factors within the fourth quarter. — Jamison Hensley
Subsequent recreation: vs. Raiders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
