The first 16 games of the NFL season have wrapped up, and we’ve seen a bunch of changes and improvements from a range of teams. Here’s a few:
The Jets and Chargers might not be as bad as expected
Both these teams started the season low on the power rankings (Jets were commonly 32nd) however both showed a bit of promise in Week 1.
New York actually won a game with rookie quarterback Geno Smith as starter, and despite the late hit that aided them to victory, they solidly outplayed (22 first downs to Tampa’s 12) a Buccaneers team that looked to be on the rise.
San Diego’s offense was heavily criticised during the preseason, but they hung up 28 points against a top-five Houston defence in quick fashion.
They still lost, but nobody thought it would be that close. Another team that showed a big jump – Detroit Lions.
A 37-year-old quarterback is still young enough to be the MVP
Peyton Manning opened the NFL season against the Super Bowl champions Baltimore with a bang, throwing a record-tying seven touchdowns in the game.
It’s the first time since 1969 a quarterback has thrown seven in one game. If he keeps this up (not likely, but it’s fun to think about) he’ll pass Tom Brady’s record for 50 touchdowns in a season halfway through the first quarter of Week 8.
Manning had a total of 462 yards from 42 attempts (and won).
Fumbling gets you benched
We saw on three occasions over the weekend where starting running backs fumbled multiple times and were subsequently relieved of their duties by coaches.
Patriots starter Stevan Ridley, who had over 1,200 yards last season, had a very ugly no-contact fumble in the second quarter that was returned for a touchdown.
Ridley did not see the field again. New York Giants RB David Wilson fumbled twice against the Cowboys and was subsequently removed from the game.
You might have read that storyline after Week 1 of the 2012 season – Wilson also fumbled in the season opener last year, and was benched for half the season.
Thirdly, Steelers back Isaac Redman, who inherited the starting role with an injury to Le’Veon Bell, fumbled twice against the Titans.
Redman later got back into the game, but only due to a season-ending injury to LaRod Stephens-Howling.
Giving up a safety is the most pathetic looking play in the NFL
Let’s face it, giving up a safety is usually more embarrassing than having a fumble or interception returned for a score.
This week, NFL teams gave us four examples for our amusement. Starting with the simplest, the Jaguars were able to block a Chiefs punt that went out of the back of the endzone for a safety.
It ended up being the only points the Jaguars could muster in the game.
Josh Freeman unable to handle a snap, and was forced to clear the ball out the back of the endzone against the Jets.
Then there was Alfred Morris’ dropped pitch from RGIII, and finally the saddest of all – Titans kick returner Darius Reynaud couldn’t decide if he wanted to return a kick or not, so he entered the field of play, and took a knee.
The Jaguars and Browns have not improved
There was a good deal of hope and promise surrounding these two teams prior to the season opening – Browns quarterback Brandon Weedon had played well in the preseason, and the Jaguars had star running back Maurice Jones-Drew back from injury.
After the final whistle on Week 1, both teams look exactly the same as in 2012, which is to say, not great.
Brandon Weeden threw three interceptions and was sacked six times on the way to a 13-point loss to the Dolphins.
Jones-Drew couldn’t make anything happen on the ground (15 carries for 45 yards) as Blaine Gabbert struggled with two picks and a completion rate of 46 percent.
The Jaguars actually only advanced past their own 36-yard line once the whole game. Ouch.
Distant Knight
Guest
What I learnt from week 1: - Rex Ryan is a lot funnier when the Jets are losing - the Chargers choking is less fun without Norv face - the Jaguars will be starting Teddy Bridgewater next year - the stench of Al Davis may finally be fading from the Raiders... Shame about that $50 million of dead money on their cap... - the chip on Peyton Mannings shoulder is almost as big as his chin - could not be happier about not having to watch or hear about Tebow - Ravens are stuffed now that Flacco got paid - Eagles will be fun to watch all year, although the NFL need to change the injury rule from sitting out a play to sitting the rest of the series - Contenders will be Niners, Seahawks, Packers, Broncos, Patriots
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
Completely disagree about the Jets. They got piggybacked by a stupid penalty and, quite frankly, a bad Tampa Bay team. They'll get beaten soundly by New England at Gillette tomorrow. As for the Chargers, it was almost like a Jekyll and Hyde kind of scenario. They looked awfully good in the first 3 quarters, and then awfully bad in the last quarter. I think the biggest takeaway from that game should be that the Texans might not be as good as everyone tries to make them out to be.
Alfred Chan
Expert
The Raiders are going to be a lot better than I gave them credit for. They should win a game this season...
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
Yeah, Boldin was huge. First player ever to catch over 100 yards on debut for three different teams!
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
Good point, losing after having a lead was kind of their thing in 2012. Was impressed by their first half effort though.
Black Serenade
Guest
I think one of the main things we learned (or was reinforced, anyway) is how potent San Fran are with Kaepernick's bullet arm and Boldin catching everything that came his way. I think they are even more of a favourite than Denver this year. But don't write the Ravens off just yet (even if they inexplicably traded Boldin out before the season began)!
Steve
Guest
Surely the talking point from the Chargers game is that they can blow a 21 point lead? That even when 21 points down, other teams don't fear or respect them, and with good reason. You're right enough on the Jets, but honestly, the Chargers were an embarrassment.