NFL Week 1 recap
Bills vs. Rams
September 9th
This game had all the makings of the perfect start to the season. The reigning Superbowl champions against one of the most highly-fancied offences in the league, rated by many as the team that could be its successor.
The hype around the Bills was more than justified in Week 1 with a dominant win led by Quarterback Josh Allen who threw for 297 yards, four touchdowns and 56 rushing yards to boot. Anyone who put money on Allen would have walked away happy (unless it involved getting to 300 yards). Stefon Diggs totally outplayed Rams CB Jalen Ramsay, showing he will be a big target for Allen as the season plays out.
Los Angeles had more than a few concerns to come out of this one, not least their lack of impact in the running game with just 52 yards on the ground for the night. Anyone backing the LA offence would have come away shaking their heads, and there is plenty to correct if they are to have any chance of defending their title.
Buccaneers v Cowboys
September 12th
Dallas usually has the title as the team that can serve up anything, but there were more than a few similar questions around Tampa Bay after a curious pre-season from Tom Brady. The veteran Quarterback raised a few eyebrows with his approach in the lead-up to the season, and despite his decorated career, he had some doubters.
But in the end, the Buc’s defence dictated the night, holding the Cowboys to just three points thanks to some intense pressure. Leonard Fournette led the charge for the Bucs and some astute betters, breaking the 100-yard rushing barrier.
At the same time, the Cowboys were left to ponder another potentially underwhelming season, made worse by Dak Prescott’s hand injury that should rule the Quarterback out until at least the middle of the season. It might be worth looking at alternatives for the NFC East Division as there are not a lot of positives going for America’s team.
Broncos vs Seahawks
September 13th
Possibly the most eagerly-anticipated game of Week 1 was the prospect of Russell Wilson going up against the team he had just left.
As it happened, it was Wilson’s successor at Seattle, journeyman Geno Smith, who relished running the show with his new team, finishing with 195 yards and two touchdowns.
The Broncos were inconsistent with their rushing game and will have to look at how to best pound the rock after an underwhelming performance.
In the end, the Seahawks came away with the win, thanks largely to some bizarre playcalling by new Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett who blew the chance by not allowing Wilson the opportunity to make a play on a late fourth and down, costing Denver the game and leaving Seahawks fans more than a little smug at the way events turned out.
After significant changes in the off-season, Seattle still has plenty to prove, but a win is a win and could set them up for more success as the season plays out.
