[ad_1]
Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season — we noticed all of it.
Turnovers had been the secret with the Pittsburgh Steelers forcing 5 towards Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow — together with a pick-six. However the groups went backwards and forwards till the Steelers gained it in time beyond regulation with a subject aim.
A number of quarterbacks made debuts with new groups within the early window. Baker Mayfield performed his first recreation in a Panthers uniform towards his outdated staff, the Cleveland Browns. Matt Ryan — in his fifteenth season — led the Indianapolis Colts to a tie towards the Houston Texans. Commanders rookie Jahan Dotson caught his first — and second — profession landing cross from Carson Wentz, resulting in a win over the Jaguars. Within the late window, Patrick Mahomes appeared nearly as good as ever because the Kansas City Chiefs romped to a victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
Our NFL Nation reporters react with the most important takeaways and lingering questions popping out of this week’s matchups and stay up for what’s subsequent. Let’s get to it.
Soar to a matchup:
LAR-BUF | NE-MIA | CLE-CAR | BAL-NYJ
CHI-SF | JAX-WSH | PIT-CIN | IND-HOU
NO-ATL | PHI-DET | KC-ARI | GB-MIN
Table of Contents
What to know: New coach Kevin O’Connell had the Vikings able to play, even after a preseason during which starters performed sparingly or under no circumstances and a coaching camp that prioritized harm prevention over bodily reps. The Vikings’ protection was particularly violent, led by new exterior linebacker Za’Darius Smith, and batted quarterback Aaron Rodgers with 4 sacks. — Kevin Seifert
Did the Vikings catch the Packers without warning, or is that this success sustainable? It is a affordable query, given the truth that the Vikings had been debuting a brand new scheme that they’d studiously prevented giving any glimpses of through the preseason. Their defensive play could be sustained so long as the Vikings keep Sunday’s stage of physicality. Offensively, future opponents will examine how O’Connell bought receiver Justin Jefferson open for 9 catches, 184 yards and two touchdowns. They will need to proceed to evolve there. — Seifert
Subsequent recreation: at Eagles (Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET)
What to know: Season openers do not matter: No less than that is the best way the Packers appear to deal with them. This was nearly as unhealthy as final yr’s 38-3 Week 1 loss to the Saints and so they nonetheless managed to win 13 video games final season. Most groups devise recreation plans for normal season video games. It did not appear to be the Packers did a lot of that, at the least not when it got here to Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson (9 catches for 184 yards and two touchdowns). It is not just like the Packers did not know they wanted to cease No. 18, but it surely certain appeared like they did not strive. He wasn’t simply open, he was huge open. And why give cornerback Jaire Alexander a $30 million signing bonus this offseason if you happen to’re not going to him shadow the perfect receiver within the NFC North? — Rob Demovsky
What’s an even bigger concern, the Packers’ offense or protection? At this level, it is the protection. Coordinator Joe Barry had all 11 of his most popular starters accessible (12 if you happen to depend slot cornerback Rasul Douglas). On paper, this was alleged to be the perfect protection the Packers had in years. On the sector, it appeared like a paper tiger. No less than Aaron Rodgers & Co. had an excuse: No Allen Lazard (ankle), the presumptive No. 1 receiver; and neither beginning sort out, David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins, as they proceed to work their approach from knee accidents. It may need been totally different early had rookie receiver Christian Watson not dropped a would-be 75-yard landing cross on their first offensive play and had AJ Dillon not gotten stuffed on fourth-and-goal within the second quarter. — Demovsky
Subsequent recreation: vs. Bears (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
What to know: If the passing recreation goes to undergo with out wideout Tyreek Hill, upcoming opponents are going to wish to defend the Chiefs a lot better than the Cardinals did. Patrick Mahomes stated Kansas Metropolis would unfold the ball round and he delivered, finishing passes to 9 totally different receivers and throwing his 5 TD passes to 4 totally different gamers. — Adam Teicher
Will the cross rush be extra productive than final yr, when the Chiefs had been twenty ninth in sacks? The Chiefs have cause to be inspired after Sunday’s recreation towards the Cardinals, regardless that their stats weren’t excellent. They sacked Kyler Murray twice and pressured him 10 instances in 36 dropbacks, in response to NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. However the Chiefs did not put a lot emphasis on pressuring Murray, both, solely blitzing him 10 instances. — Teicher
Subsequent recreation: vs. Chargers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
What to know: The Cardinals picked up the place they left off final season — and that is not factor. Sunday was a mix of a scarcity of self-discipline, offensive ingenuity, strong tackling and constant safety of quarterback Kyler Murray. For all of the speak this offseason of getting over final yr’s late meltdown and profitable at house, none of it got here to fruition in a blowout loss to the Chiefs. — Josh Weinfuss
What do the Cardinals repair first? Determining the place to start out appears like a monumental process, as the problems that plagued the Cardinals towards the Chiefs aren’t new. The actual fact they’ve carried over from final season is a big concern. The very first thing Arizona wants to handle is the dearth of offensive manufacturing. Not sufficient performs had been run for A.J. Green, Marquise Brown and Zach Ertz early on, inflicting the offense to look caught, which led to Arizona scoring simply seven factors within the first three quarters. — Weinfuss
Subsequent recreation: at Raiders (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
What to know: That is Tyreek Hill‘s offense. Simply in case it wasn’t apparent earlier than, the Dolphins made it clear issues will run by way of Hill as he made his regular-season debut since being traded to Miami from the Kansas City Chiefs. He was focused 5 instances in his first eight routes, ending with 94 yards and eight catches on 12 targets.
How regarding was Miami’s efficiency on the bottom Sunday? One of many NFL’s worst speeding groups a season in the past, the Dolphins had 65 yards on 21 carries towards the Patriots — who had been the league’s Twenty second-best run protection in 2021. Miami additionally struggled to run the ball throughout coaching camp and the preseason. The distinction Sunday for Miami in comparison with final season is there may be now a reliable passing recreation to hold the offense when issues aren’t engaged on the bottom. As groups come to respect that passing recreation, the run recreation ought to open up; it isn’t fairly time to panic but. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Subsequent recreation: at Ravens (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)
What to know: Self-inflicted wounds price the Patriots in a recreation that was winnable. They had been minus-3 within the turnover differential, and did not convert on fourth-and-3, which primarily is one other turnover. When a type of turnovers is a strip sack that ends in a landing, and the opposite comes ultimately zone on a 50-50 ball (during which officers simply might have known as defensive cross interference), it hurts that rather more. It’s typically stated that earlier than a staff can learn to win, it has to find out how to not lose. That holds true for the Patriots after one recreation.
Can the offense enhance quick sufficient to present the staff an opportunity? The Patriots’ offense moved the ball — which was a promising growth based mostly on how the preseason went — however could not shut issues out constantly sufficient. It was notable that Kendrick Bourne, who was the staff’s second-leading receiver final yr with 55 receptions for 800 yards and 5 touchdowns, did not play till deep into the fourth quarter. He promptly caught a 41-yard cross down the left sideline. For an offense that’s in want of explosiveness, why is not Bourne taking part in extra? — Mike Reiss
Subsequent recreation: at Steelers (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)
Nelson Agholor fumbles cross from Mac Jones to present the Dolphins again the ball within the fourth quarter.
What to know: Lamar Jackson is not distracted by the dearth of a contract extension. Jackson dominated like he often does in a season opener, throwing three touchdowns and one interception. He performed unfastened, trying off his favourite goal, Mark Andrews, over the center and discovering Devin Duvernay 25 yards downfield ultimately zone. Jackson then stepped up for a 55-yard landing strike to Rashod Bateman (his first on a cross that traveled at the least 50 yards within the air). It was the kind of efficiency that the Ravens desperately wanted for an offense that’s with out its high two left tackles (Ronnie Stanley and Ja’Wuan James) and high operating again (J.K. Dobbins).
Can the Ravens keep this relentless strain on quarterbacks all season? After listening to all offseason how cross rush was the most important query mark (Baltimore ranked Twenty second in sacks final season), the Ravens recorded three sacks (one other was negated by a penalty) and 9 quarterback hits of their reunion with Tremendous Bowl-winning quarterback Joe Flacco. Justin Houston frequently crashed the sting, and Justin Madubuike collapsed the pocket from the center. The Ravens, although, wreaked havoc towards a Jets offensive line coping with accidents. Baltimore nonetheless has one thing to show Week 2 towards Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was sacked thrice towards the Patriots within the opener. — Jamison Hensley
Subsequent recreation: vs. Dolphins (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)
What to know: The seasons change, however the outcomes stay the identical: The New York Jets stink in September. They tied an NFL document with their thirteenth straight defeat within the opening month, with a mistake-filled 24-9 loss to the Ravens at house. The Joe Flacco-led offense fell flat, changing solely 2 of 14 third downs. The Jets upgraded their talent positions within the offseason, however you could not inform. There have been too many dropped passes, a few key fumbles and leaky cross safety from the reshuffled offensive line. The protection did some good issues within the first half, however the revamped secondary ultimately succumbed to Lamar Jackson, permitting three landing passes. The Jets had been totally outplayed within the second half, which does not replicate properly on coach Robert Saleh and his workers. It was a tricky task, going through the Ravens with a backup quarterback, however the Jets had been out of the sport by the beginning of the fourth quarter.
Can Flacco preserve the season alive till Zach Wilson returns? That is an enormous ask, contemplating the upcoming opponents — the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, each good defensive groups. Wilson, recovering from knee surgical procedure, is predicted to overlook at the least two extra video games. The Jets may very well be 0-3 by then except they present dramatic enchancment. “Joe Cool” was Joe Chilly towards the staff that drafted him, however he bought no assist from his supporting forged. The followers will scream for Mike White to exchange Flacco, but it surely’s too quickly for that. The Jets haven’t got a Flacco drawback; they’ve an all the things drawback. — Wealthy Cimini
Subsequent recreation: vs. Browns (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)
What to know: The Browns drafted Cade York within the fourth spherical for days like Sunday. With eight seconds left, the rookie out of LSU drilled a 58-yard subject aim, lifting the Browns to the dramatic victory. Cleveland may have loads of points to handle popping out of this recreation. However after years of struggling on particular groups, the Browns lastly have a kicker with the arrogance to ship big-time subject objectives.
Can Cleveland get extra from the passing recreation? Cleveland’s highly effective operating recreation — behind RBs Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt and an imposing offensive line — managed the sport. However the Browns might’ve put Carolina away a lot earlier had QB Jacoby Brissett capitalized by connecting with open receivers within the first half. Brissett transformed on some clutch third-down throws within the fourth quarter. However Cleveland will want extra out of its passing assault to stay within the AFC playoff image. — Jake Trotter
Subsequent recreation: vs. Jets (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)
What to know: The Panthers nonetheless do not know whether or not Baker Mayfield generally is a long-term resolution at quarterback, however they know they’ve a quarterback able to bringing them again within the fourth quarter — one thing they have not had the previous few years. Whereas Mayfield was superior to Sam Darnold in coaching camp, he was horrible towards his former staff for many of three quarters earlier than bringing the Panthers inside putting distance with some fourth-quarter heroics, together with a 7-yard scramble for a landing and a 75-yard landing cross to Robbie Anderson. He then led them to a go-ahead subject aim, solely to see his efforts thwarted by Cleveland’s 58-yard subject aim on the finish.
The place was operating again Christian McCaffrey within the recreation plan? The speak all offseason was that Mayfield and the Carolina offense can succeed provided that Christian McCaffrey stays wholesome. The plan was to observe McCaffrey’s snaps to advertise his long-term well being. However McCaffrey had solely 9 touches till Carolina’s closing drive, and 14 for the sport. He did come by way of with an enormous play on a display cross (plus a private foul penalty towards the Browns) to arrange a go-ahead subject aim, however Carolina wants greater than 57 yards from their star to win constantly. — David Newton
Subsequent recreation: at Giants (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)
0:33
Baker Mayfield launches a 75-yard TD to Robbie Anderson to place Panthers inside two.
What to know: Carson Wentz is a particular improve at quarterback, and at instances he confirmed why on Sunday. However he additionally confirmed why he has been maddening all through his profession. He threw two landing passes within the first half, executing well-designed play calls with pinpoint throws. Washington was rolling. However on consecutive performs within the second half, he threw interceptions, resulting in 10 Jacksonville factors. He missed some simple throws, crusing passes. Whereas there have been questions previously about how Wentz dealt with adversity, that is what he did after two miscues Sunday: He threw two extra landing passes. Give him credit score for responding.
The place is the defensive enchancment? Washington held Jacksonville to 22 factors, however the Jaguars missed some simple alternatives when quarterback Trevor Lawrence overthrew open targets for potential touchdowns. It allowed 383 whole yards, however at the least the Commanders intercepted a cross to finish Jacksonville’s hopes. Washington did higher on third downs — the Jags transformed 3 of 12 alternatives — but when the Commanders wish to take a step ahead, the protection should play higher. The Jaguars averaged 6.8 yards per run, the Washington cross rush was inconsistent, and cornerback William Jackson III must be higher in protection. — John Keim
Subsequent recreation: at Lions (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)
What to know: The Jaguars had been final within the NFL in turnover margin (minus-20) in 2021 however had been capable of work their approach again into this recreation as a result of they compelled three turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble restoration) and did not give the ball away. The 2 interceptions within the second half arrange 10 factors. Forcing turnovers — the Jaguars did that solely 9 instances final season — was a serious push through the offseason, and two of the turnovers had been by newcomers: Foyesade Oluokun and Travon Walker. The Jaguars are nonetheless looking for their approach offensively, however nothing helps a struggling offense greater than a ball-hawking protection. If the protection can proceed to try this, the Jaguars will proceed to be aggressive. –
Can Trevor Lawrence assist himself and quit on a play? Lawrence was twice flagged for intentional grounding, and in every occasion, he was combating to make a play with somebody both hanging onto him or in his face. Typically the sensible play is to eat the ball and take the sack — particularly since these sorts of throws are often off course and fairly dangerous. — Mike DiRocco
Subsequent recreation: vs. Colts (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)
What to know: A.J. Brown is in line for an enormous yr. He erupted for 10 catches for 155 yards towards the Lions, setting a document for many receiving yards in an Eagles debut. Quarterback Jalen Hurts focused Brown 13 instances — 9 greater than the subsequent closest receiving possibility. Hurts and Brown think about one another finest associates, and bought collectively “numerous instances” through the offseason to work on their connection. It is truthful to say that effort paid off.
What’s up with the protection? The Lions look to be an improved staff however the Eagles had no enterprise yielding 35 factors. Rush protection specifically was an issue, with the Lions rolling up 181 yards on 28 carries (6.5 avg.). The Eagles performed their starters solely briefly through the preseason and did not go reside a lot at coaching camp. Maybe that is why the protection appeared out of sync. Philadelphia higher hope so. — Tim McManus
Subsequent recreation: vs. Vikings (8:30 p.m. ET, Monday)
What to know: Philadelphia native D’Andre Swift was one of many vivid spots for Detroit, speeding for 97 of his career-best 144 yards within the opening half towards the Eagles. He grew to become the primary participant since Barry Sanders in 1996 with 100 speeding yards in a season opener.
Ought to Lions followers be involved with the 0-1 begin? Not an excessive amount of. The Eagles made the playoffs final season and no one is anticipating this Lions staff to be a postseason contender in 2022. It will be simple to get down after yet one more season-opening loss. Nevertheless, regardless of obvious defensive points, Detroit did battle again and make it a recreation late. — Eric Woodyard
Subsequent recreation: vs. Commanders (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)
0:25
Eric Moody explains what A.J. Brown’s early fantasy success means for managers going ahead.
What to know: Michael Thomas is again. The Saints appeared like they had been in large hassle within the first half with their offense unable to do a lot of something, however the huge receiver proved he nonetheless has rather a lot left within the tank regardless of not taking part in a recreation final season. Thomas’ two touchdowns within the second half had been a serious cause the Saints had been capable of come again regardless of trailing by 16 factors at one level within the second half. Thomas will clearly be a key a part of the Saints’ offense turning issues round from final yr.
Do the Saints have points within the trenches? Neither the Saints’ offensive line nor their defensive position will take pleasure in watching this recreation movie. The O-line’s points defending quarterback Jameis Winston had been one cause the offense struggled a lot within the first half. Whereas Winston’s 4 sacks weren’t fully on the road, it definitely contributed. On the opposite aspect, the Saints’ D-line was not capable of sack Marcus Mariota as soon as. — Katherine Terrell
Subsequent recreation: vs. Buccaneers (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)
What to know: Did that basically simply occur? What appeared like an enormous debut for quarterback Marcus Mariota in Atlanta and an surprising win was, what else, a double-digit fourth-quarter collapse. A 16-point lead was a loss. How? A reader’s digest: The protection went from aggressive to porous. The offense provided two of its least productive drives of the afternoon. And now the Falcons, who had an opportunity to go to Los Angeles with an enormous increase in Week 2, need to lament an actual alternative slipping away.
Sure, that strain is improved from final season, however is it sustainable? That is going to be an unknown for at the least a short time, however defensive coordinator Dean Pees was keen to ship rushers from each stage of the protection, which helped create issues, together with 4 sacks and eight quarterback hits. New Orleans got here again when the Falcons stopped creating strain (not the perfect resolution contemplating the fourth-quarter meltdown), however contemplating the Falcons subsequent face the Rams, who allowed seven sacks and 15 quarterback hits on Thursday, there may very well be extra alternatives coming. — Michael Rothstein
Subsequent recreation: at Rams (4:05 p.m. ET, Sunday)
What to know: The Bears confirmed they’re able to combating again regardless of a sloppy and ineffective begin. Within the first half, quarterback Justin Fields went 3-for-9 for 19 yards and an interception. Chicago’s cross safety was a multitude and the Bears bought previous their very own 35-yard line solely as soon as. It was a completely totally different story within the second half. Fields had a window to get the Bears again on this recreation by using his unbelievable playmaking potential to increase a play for Chicago’s first rating of the sport. Fields ended up going 5-for-8 for 102 yards and two landing passes within the second half, and the Bears’ offense scored touchdowns on three straight possessions to solidify their first win of the season.
How can the Bears get their talent place gamers concerned sooner? The Bears tried to decide to the run within the first half (19 speeding makes an attempt), and it made sense as a result of depressing climate and soggy subject situations, but it surely took too lengthy for Chicago to open issues up towards a 49ers secondary that bought caught in cement. Fields did not join with a large receiver till he turned a damaged play on third-and-long right into a 51-yard landing cross to Dante Pettis within the third quarter. He then discovered wideout Equanimeous St. Brown for an 18-yard landing that gave the Bears the lead, and Chicago put the Niners away by capitalizing off a turnover to punch in a 3-yard landing run by Khalil Herbert. This offense is a piece in progress, but it surely has to get its finest gamers concerned and help Fields far sooner in Week 2 at Inexperienced Bay. — Courtney Cronin
Subsequent recreation: at Packers (8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday)
What to know: If the 49ers are going to be the contender they consider they are often, they cannot afford the kind of foolish errors that price them Sunday’s recreation towards the Bears. On a moist, sloppy subject, factors at all times figured to be at a premium, however the Niners piled up quite a lot of self-inflicted errors that not solely stored Chicago within the recreation however put it in place to win. The Niners completed with 12 penalties for 99 yards. On Chicago’s first two scoring drives, the Niners had been flagged for 2 15-yard penalties, dropped an interception and picked up a holding penalty on a 3rd all the way down to preserve the chains transferring. Moments later, quarterback Trey Lance threw an interception. Fairly merely, the Niners aren’t constructed to beat so many pricey errors, particularly with Lance studying on the go.
How a lot does this loss damage the 49ers? The Niners had been hoping to start out quicker after they spent the second half of final yr desperately making an attempt to get again within the playoff combine. Positive, bizarre stuff occurs in Week 1 on a regular basis and it is a lengthy season, however that is the form of loss that may very well be significantly haunting for San Francisco. The schedule is just going to get harder because the season goes alongside, which implies the Niners had higher get the ship righted quickly or they’ll be taking part in do-or-die video games all through the ultimate half of the yr similar to they did in 2021. — Nick Wagoner
Subsequent recreation: vs. Seahawks (4:05 p.m. ET, Sunday)
What to know: The Colts now have not gained a season opener in 9 years. The Colts have discovered all method of the way to lose in Week 1 going again to 2014. Whereas they managed a tie Sunday, this recreation was related in that the end result was the product of a protracted listing of miscues starting from dropped passes to premature penalties to, most of all, the missed 42-yard subject aim try by kicker Rodrigo Blankenship in time beyond regulation that might have gained it. The Colts rallied from a 20-3 late-third-quarter deficit solely to come back away with nothing to indicate for it.
The place do the Colts go at kicker? The Colts weren’t assured of their place-kicking scenario to start with, which is why the staff added Jake Verity for preseason competitors. Verity carried out poorly in coaching camp and the preseason, giving Blankenship the win within the place battle by default. However he stays a legal responsibility for the staff as he has been unreliable in strain conditions for Indianapolis. Blankenship’s leg power has additionally been a difficulty. He is 1-for-4 past 50 yards in his two earlier seasons. The Colts need to keep away from getting right into a scenario like they did in 2019, when veteran Adam Vinatieri’s late-career struggles price the staff a number of potential wins. — Stephen Holder
Subsequent recreation: at Jaguars (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)
What to know: The Texans missed a golden alternative to beat the division favourite Indianapolis Colts, blowing a 17-point lead within the fourth quarter. It is the primary tie in Texans historical past. The Colts had 216 yards and 17 factors within the fourth quarter after being held to a few factors and 232 yards within the first three. The Texans’ protection allowed Colts quarterback Matt Ryan to go 12-for-19 for 146 yards and a landing, and operating again Jonathan Taylor gashed the protection for 70 yards and a landing on 9 carries. Then in time beyond regulation the identical theme continued because the Texans’ protection allowed the Colts to march into subject aim vary earlier than Colts kicker Rodrigo Blankenship missed a 42-yarder.
Is the primary and fourth quarter a sign of what the offense can be? Quarterback Davis Mills accomplished zero passes within the fourth quarter because the offense utterly disappeared with 12 yards and 0 factors. That helped the Colts to come back again and drive time beyond regulation. Within the first quarter, they produced solely 13 yards as Mills accomplished two passes for six yards. The operating recreation was additionally nonexistent all through the sport, ending with 77 yards (their common of 83 from 2021 was lifeless final within the NFL). — DJ Bien-Aime
Subsequent recreation: at Broncos (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday)
0:19
Jonathan Taylor will not be denied as he crosses the aim line to drag the Colts nearer.
What to know: When the mud lastly settled on the Steelers’ wild 23-20 time beyond regulation win, one factor was clear: This protection is healthier than marketed, however extra impactful than the end result of the sport was T.J. Watt leaving the sector with lower than 15 seconds left with an harm. He went straight to the locker room and seems to have a torn pectoral, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Joe Burrow dedicated 4 turnovers within the first half and one other within the second. Minkah Fitzpatrick, who blocked a late Bengals additional level try to ship the sport to time beyond regulation, scored the primary landing of the yr when he picked off Burrow’s first cross try and returned it 31 yards for a pick-6. The Steelers managed two extra interceptions and a fumble restoration within the first half, however the offense scored solely 10 factors off these turnovers. The protection additionally sacked Burrow six instances. For the Steelers to have success this season, they will want extra offensive help — whether or not it is placing factors on the board or extending drives to present the protection a break.
Is that this actually Mitch Trubisky‘s staff? This would be the largest query all through the season — particularly if Trubisky’s efficiency contributes to the offensive stagnation. The Steelers managed solely 231 yards of whole offense. Trubisky accomplished 21 of 38 makes an attempt for 194 yards and a landing, however a lot of his passes missed the mark, together with a handful that sailed too excessive. On an important third down within the fourth quarter, Trubisky’s cross bounced in between two receivers, and the Steelers got here away from one other compelled turnover with none factors. A lowlight of the preseason, the Steelers’ offensive line held up fairly properly, and Trubisky was sacked solely as soon as and hit 4 instances. However the offense could not keep possession and the Bengals held a 43:43-26:17 edge in time of possession. — Brooke Pryor
Subsequent recreation: vs. Patriots (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)
What to know: Cincinnati’s offense picked up proper the place it left off final season. And that was the primary offender in a 23-20 time beyond regulation loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers within the season opener. It featured a slew of sacks and an inconsistent offense. These issues stored the Bengals from profitable Tremendous Bowl LVI regardless of a really robust defensive effort, which the Bengals bought once more on Sunday. Cincinnati must get that challenge resolved if it desires to defend its AFC championship.
Ought to the Bengals be involved about Joe Burrow? Uh, no. Positive, Burrow objectively performed his worst recreation since getting into the league. He dedicated 5 turnovers — 4 interceptions and a misplaced fumble on a day when he was sacked six instances. However Burrow’s historical past, strengths and the resolve he confirmed to guide the Bengals down the sector on the finish of the sport present that there needs to be zero long-term considerations for the third-year participant coming off an emergency appendectomy in July. — Ben Child
Subsequent recreation: at Cowboys (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday)
What to know: The Payments performed removed from an ideal recreation and nonetheless walked away from the season opener towards the defending Tremendous Bowl champions with a 21-point victory. After three first-half turnovers, the offense responded in spectacular vogue with three straight landing drives and completed the sport changing 9 of 10 third downs, changing into the fourth staff previously 50 seasons to transform 90% of its third downs in a recreation. Along with the offensive success, the defensive position lived as much as the excessive expectations, ending with seven sacks on Matthew Stafford, together with two from Von Miller towards his former staff.
Will the Payments proceed to make use of quarterback Josh Allen as a rusher at this excessive of a stage all through the season? As soon as once more, Allen completed a Payments recreation because the staff’s main rusher with 10 carries for 56 yards and a landing. Whereas his stiff-arm close to the sideline was spectacular and caught consideration, the quantity of hits the quarterback is taking by way of the course of the season is one thing that the staff has talked about making an attempt to reduce, particularly early within the yr. “Limiting the hits, clearly slide and getting outta bounds — it is the utmost significance there,” Allen stated. “One of the best potential is availability, however once more, once I’m known as upon to do one thing for my staff, I am keen to do it.” Ought to Allen be speeding with a two-touchdown lead even when he’s efficient? Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey must proceed to work on the appropriate steadiness all through the season. — Alaina Getzenberg
Subsequent recreation: vs. Titans (7:15 p.m. ET, Monday)
What to know: It has been just one recreation, however Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford did not do a lot to finish the questions on his elbow harm and whether or not it’s affecting his recreation. Stafford was sacked seven instances by the Payments and threw three interceptions. He additionally struggled when concentrating on any participant however huge receiver Cooper Kupp, who accounted for greater than half of the Rams’ receiving yardage.
Do the Rams anticipate to see extra from two key gamers, RB Cam Akers and WR Allen Robinson II, going ahead? When Rams coach Sean McVay was requested about Akers’ involvement within the recreation, he stated, “We actually simply did not get in a lot of a rhythm tonight.” Akers performed 12 snaps on Thursday to Darrell Henderson Jr. ‘s 54. In McVay’s reply, he additionally introduced up that he needed to get Robinson extra concerned within the offense. Robinson was focused simply twice on 45 routes run, in response to NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. The 4.4% goal fee was the bottom of his profession. — Sarah Barshop
Subsequent recreation: vs. Falcons (4:05 p.m. ET, Sunday)