I love the NFL and I don’t care who knows it. As sad as I am to see summer coming to an end, I couldn’t be more excited that the best league on the planet is back and in full swing.
As you might imagine, I have some thoughts about the first Sunday of the NFL season. Below, you will find my biggest takeaway from each game.
Takeaway: If the Cincinnati Bengals defense is actually this good, this team is a top-five Super Bowl contender.
Yes, the Bucs scored 27 points. But that total is misleading: Tampa Bays defense scored on a pick-six, and the offenses final touchdown came against a prevent defense with Cincinnati leading by two scores. The Bengals held Tampa Bay to 282 yards and forced four turnovers. If the defense is legit and Burrow stays healthy (he was sacked just once, another major positive), Cincinnati is extremely dangerous.
Takeaway: Theres no reason for Detroit to panic over a near-historic second-half collapse because the Saints might actually be good.
Obviously, blowing a 21-0 second-half lead is less than ideal. But Tyler Shough threw for 410 yards, Chris Olave played out of his mind and New Orleans erased that deficit despite committing three turnovers. Detroit still ran for 165 yards, sacked Shough five times and stopped the potential game-winning 2-point conversion. The Lions’ secondary is a concern, but that comeback probably says more about New Orleans than it does about Detroit.
Takeaway: Its going to be a long year in Tennessee.
Tennessee was outgained 367-195 at home by a Jets team starting Geno Smith at quarterback. The Titans had 112 yards through three quarters, and Cam Wards only touchdown came in garbage time. Robert Saleh inherited a bad roster, but neither side of the ball offered much reason for optimism. The Jets might be better than expected, but Tennessee still looks like one of the worst teams in football.
Takeaway: Derrick Henry continues to defy all laws of physics, gravity and aging in the NFL.
Henry is 32 years old, plays the most punishing position in football and just ran for 144 yards and three touchdowns. His second score moved him past Marcus Allen into third place on the NFLs all-time rushing touchdown list, behind only LaDainian Tomlinson and Emmitt Smith. Baltimore gained 506 yards and simply overpowered Indianapolis whenever it wanted. At some point Henry has to slow down. Right?
Takeaway: Well, one team had to win this game, but neither should be excited about their performance.
Neither offense produced more than 264 yards or 13 points; T.J. Watt supplied Pittsburgh’s second touchdown with a pick-six. The Falcons at least have the excuse that the two quarterbacks who were expected to start games this season, Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., missed the game with injuries. The Steelers got the win, but the offense was basically at full strength and didn’t look impressive at all. I don’t know how either fan base can feel good about this one.
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Takeaway: The Bears offense is definitely going to be good, but temper expectations after a clear outlier performance.
Caleb Williams accounted for four touchdowns, and the Bears had two 100-yard rushers. DAndre Swift and Kyle Monangai combined for 224 yards on the ground and four scores. Thats absurd production, regardless of opponent. This was the highest-scoring seas
