NFL Week 1 Recap
by Klayton Carr
During the offseason, 10 NFL teams changed their starting quarterbacks, including the Browns, Colts, Raiders, Saints, Jets, Steelers, Giants, Titans, Seahawks, and Vikings. In addition, the draft saw Heisman finalist two-way player Travis Hunter go to the Jaguars, as well as Heisman runner-up Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty get drafted by the Raiders.
The Games
Eagles vs. Cowboys
The NFL season kicked off on Thursday with the defending champs, the Eagles, taking on the Cowboys. Although the Cowboys hired new head coach Brian Schottenheimer and put up a good fight, keeping it close most of the game, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts ran in 2 touchdowns to lead his team to a 24-20 victory.
Chiefs vs. Chargers
On Friday, the season continued with a division rivalry matchup. With the Chiefs’ No. 1 receiver Rashee Rice out, and their No. 2 receiver Xavier Worthy injured early in the game, the offense struggled to get moving. By the time they found their rhythm, it was too late. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert threw 3 touchdowns to secure a 27-21 win.
Buccaneers vs. Falcons
NFL Sunday kicked off with another division rivalry. With 2 minutes left, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield led a touchdown drive to take a 23-20 lead, but a missed extra point gave the Falcons one last chance. They drove downfield into field-goal range, but kicker Younghoe Koo missed, and the Buccaneers held on to win.
Bengals vs. Browns
This game also came down to the wire. The Browns made costly mistakes with a missed extra point, a missed field goal, and two interceptions. The Bengals’ offense struggled as Joe Burrow threw for only 113 yards and 1 touchdown. The Browns had one last chance, but quarterback Joe Flacco was picked off again, sealing a 17-16 Bengals win.
Dolphins vs. Colts
The Colts dominated the Dolphins 33-8. Newly acquired quarterback Daniel Jones threw for 272 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 2 more. The Colts scored on every offensive drive, never giving the Dolphins a chance.
Panthers vs. Jaguars
This was pure domination by the Jaguars, who won 26-10 behind running back Travis Etienne’s 143-yard performance.
Raiders vs. Patriots
Both teams had new head coaches: Pete Carroll for the Raiders and Mike Vrabel for the Patriots. The Raiders’ defense held Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye in check, forcing an interception. Raiders quarterback Geno Smith did just enough to lead his team to a 20-13 win.
Cardinals vs. Saints
The Saints faced a tough offseason after All-Pro quarterback Derek Carr retired due to a shoulder injury. Forced to rely on second-year QB Spencer Rattler, the offense struggled. Down 20-13 in the final seconds, Rattler’s last throw to Juwan Johnson fell incomplete, giving the Cardinals the win.
Giants vs. Commanders
The Commanders dominated from start to finish. Quarterback Jayden Daniels threw for 233 yards and a touchdown to secure a 21-6 win.
Steelers vs. Jets
This offseason, the teams swapped quarterbacks—Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers and Justin Fields to the Jets. The result was a shootout. The Jets led 32-31 before Steelers kicker Chris Boswell nailed a 60-yard field goal to make it 34-32. On the Jets’ final drive, Fields’ pass to Garrett Wilson was broken up by cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The Steelers won 34-32 with Rodgers throwing for 244 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Titans vs. Broncos
A sloppy game saw Broncos QB Bo Nix throw 2 interceptions and Titans rookie Cam Ward manage only 112 yards passing. Despite mistakes, the Broncos controlled the clock late and held on for a 20-12 win.
49ers vs. Seahawks
A defensive battle saw the Seahawks force 49ers QB Brock Purdy into 2 interceptions. Still, San Francisco managed to grind out a 17-13 victory.
Lions vs. Packers
The Packers dominated thanks to newly acquired linebacker Micah Parsons, who recorded a sack as the defense shut down the Lions’ offense in a 27-13 win.
Texans vs. Rams
The Rams’ defense shined, holding the Texans to just 9 points. Though the Rams’ offense wasn’t great, it was enough for a 14-9 win.
Ravens vs. Bills
An early game-of-the-year candidate, the Ravens jumped out to a 40-25 lead with 4 minutes left. But a Derrick Henry fumble shifted momentum. Bills quarterback Josh Allen led his team on a furious comeback, scoring 16 straight points, capped by a game-winning field goal to win 41-40.
Vikings vs. Bears
The Bears led 17-6 in the 4th quarter, but Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy scored 3 straight touchdowns to rally for a 27-24 comeback win.
