Week 1 Is Over, So What Did We Learn?

Yesterday concluded one of the most highly anticipated events in American history, week one of the NFL season. Starting with Denver’s rout of the “champs” on Thursday and ending with yet another San Diego meltdown last night, we’ve now seen all 32 teams play a meaningful game. That being said, what did we gain from it? What we take from the 16 contests we watched over the weekend? Well, I’ll tell you.

Denver Broncos vs. Baltimore Ravens

·         All those starters Baltimore’s defense lost? Yeah, they mattered. Peyton Manning tied an NFL record with 7 touchdowns passes. Last season, the Ravens hadn’t allowed seven touchdowns until week 10.

·         Wes Welker’s dominance is Denver has officially begun. Right from the start Manning seemed to look Welker’s way for his first, second, and third read. This team may have no further need for Erick Decker.

Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots

·         The Patriots don’t need to worry about a lack of talent on their roster. Danny Amendola and Shane Vereen will continue to spark the offense until the team’s rookie receivers come along.

·         Nevermind. Amendola, who missed time in the week 1 contest, is “almost certainly” out for week 2. Vereen was placed on IR (designated to return) today, meaning he won’t be around until after week 8. Still no sure timetable for Gronk’s return. It may be time to hit the panic button.

·         EJ Manuel may be able to guide Buffalo to seven wins this season with the help of a mostly formidable defense and explosive ground attack.

Carolina Panthers vs. Seattle Seahawks

·         Russell Wilson still throws the sexiest deep ball around, which he proved with his game-deciding touchdown pass to Jermaine Kearse.

·         Carolina’s defense is going to stifle some offensive units this season. Wilson and Marshawn Lynch, two of this league’s most dynamic players, struggled against them all morning. Don’t sleep on these guys.

·         Luke Keuchly is an absolute beast. Don’t forget it.

Chicago Bears vs. Cincinnati Bengals

·         This Bears defense hasn’t changed much. With two interceptions from “Peanut” Tillman and a forced fumble by Tim Jennings, you can count on this unit to continue dominating, especially when it counts.

·         Andy Dalton needs to show more in his third pro season. Although he hit A.J. Green for two touchdowns on Sunday, Dalton also threw two picks which prevented Cincy from really pressing their advantage when they had a large lead.

·         Jay Cutler looks rejuvenated under rookie coach Marc Trestman. Even when the Bears were down 21-10, Cutler stayed calm and led the team back to 24-21 win.

Cleveland Browns vs. Miami Dolphins

·         In their home opener against the Dolphins, the Browns looked just like the Browns. Brandon Weeden struggled getting the ball to his receivers, although tight end Jordan Cameron had a nice 25 fantasy points. Cleveland’s offense and defense must improve.

·         A game against the Browns is hard to use as a measuring stick for any team because, well, they’re the Browns. However, it’s safe to say that ending a game with one reception is not what Miami had in mind for Mike Wallace against ANY team.

·         We might get to see rookie and former Gator playmaker Mike Gilislee in light of Lamar Miller’s poor week 1 showing.

Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings

·         ADRIAN PETERSON WILL DESTROY US ALL

·         Reggie Bush could also destroy some stuff, but not everything. Put him down for a few major cities.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Oakland Raiders

·         After almost having a heart attack on Sunday morning, I asked my buddy Sergio this question: “When was the last time you watched a Raiders game and felt suspense?” Terrelle Pryor will touch all of our hearts this season

·         The hype around Andy was no fluke. A fourth quarter game-winning comeback drive is not a bad way to start your sophomore campaign.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Kansas City Chiefs

·         At this point, really the only reason the Jaguars stay even in the back of anyone’s mind is because their name includes alliteration. However, I doubt they’ll be making many waves this season. Their only star, Maurice Jones-Drew, doesn’t look able to bail out Gabbert this year. 0-16?

·         I was moderately impressed by Alex Smith, Jamaal Charles, and KC’s defense, but I’ll wait until their tougher week 2 test against the Cowboys to form my opinion on this squad.

New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons

·         This was another cardiac hazardous game. While it was great to watch, Atlanta’s final drive made me concerned for this offense. On the last play of the game, Matt Ryan threw in an interception in the end zone because he couldn’t find an open receiver. Red-zone struggles can kill any good team.

·         Rob Ryan’s done a great job with this defense which, by the way, was HORRIBLE last year. Holding an offensive juggernaut like Atlanta to 17 points is no small feat.

·         Sean Payton is back with a vengeance. Can we just skip to the part where he flips off Roger Goodell after New Orleans’ first playoff win?

New Jersey Jets vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

·         Geno Smith might be more arrogant than Johnny Manziel. After winning a game that was literally given to him by a fellow rookie’s dumb mistake, his stood above his teammates and spread his arms as if he were some sort of god. Man I hate the Jets.

·         Skinny Josh Freeman doesn’t look much better in a contract year. I hope he can prove us all wrong.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Tennessee Titans

·         What can I say about either team? They both looked sloppy, not good throwing the ball, and I can’t even tell if the low score was due to good defense or poor offense.

·         The Steelers will definitely feel the effects of losing center Maurkice Pouncey throughout the season.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers

·         Mike McCarthy said that his Packers would be ready to stop the read-option this season, and he was right. However, they weren’t ready to learn that Kaepernick is not a running quarterback; he’s a great quarterback who happens to be really fast.

·         Clay Matthews dodged a bullet in his sideline scuffle with San Francisco lineman Joe Staley. Cut the tough guy act, Clay. And maybe that hair, too.

·         ANQUAN BOLDIN WINS LIFE

St. Louis Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals

·         There are lots of insightful things I could say about both of these teams, but here’s the most important thing. I’m officially putting in my vote for Tyrann Mathieu as Defensive Rookie of the Year. Not that my vote counts, but either way. Honey Badger still doesn’t care.

·         I’m excited to see what happens when Mathieu comes up against the Seahawks and 49ers, which we’ll get to see twice. Will he be able to stop the demigods known as Marshawn Lynch and Frank Gore? I can’t wait to find out.

Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants

·         I’m not sure what to say about this game. There was a big moment for Tony Romo and he…he didn’t fold. He came through in the clutch. He didn’t lose the game for his team. Up is down.

·         I’m afraid for the Giants after this game, they don’t want to start David Wilson because he’s a fumbling machine, but they have to because their other running back is hurt. Oh, wait. I hate the Giants and this is hilarious to me. HAHAHAHA.

Washington Redskins vs. Philadelphia Eagles

·         This game made me afraid of two things. First, the Eagles offense might literally set some opposing defense on fire. Literally.

·         Second, and more seriously, I’m not sure how healed RG3 really is. He looked afraid to run, or just not allowed to, and even his passing game was dismal. Pride may be keeping the young star from admitting that his health isn’t where he thought it was.

·         Chip Kelly says his team didn’t play fast enough on Sunday night. What in the hell? Prepare yourself for the LeSean and Desean show.

San Diego Chargers vs. Houston Texans

·         Despite looking like a new improved team early on, as Ace Hood would say it was the “same sh*t, just a different coach” for the Chargers. They got off to a blazing start but faltered in the second half, allowing Houston to come all the way back and beat them.

·         Despite the comeback win, Houston wasn’t very impressive. I’ve never believed they were an AFC power (check their two games against the Patriots last year), but this is supposedly the year they prove me wrong.

·         Added bonus: I caught the end of the game at a pizza place, and the reactions of the Chargers fan there were priceless. Priceless.

·         We shouldn’t set the expectations too high for Mike McCoy in his first season, but I do hope San Diego can get it together for at least a playoff berth.

Well, there you have it. Looking back on how long it took me to write this column, it will probably look different after this next week of games. Totally worth it though. Did you learn any lessons of your own? Sound off in the comments section or let me know on Twitter at @GSRudy.