The 2013-2014 NFL season is finally underway. So far, Week 1 has been very interesting for a lot of teams. There have been some surprises and some teams and players are looking unable to fulfill this year’s expectation.
Here are a few things we should all take away from Week 1 of the 2013-2014 NFL season:
Courtesy: Washington Post
Peyton Manning Will Be A MVP Candidate
Last season, Manning was just short of winning MVP, right behind Adrian Peterson. Though, if Peyton Manning plays each week like Week 1, many teams and defenses could be in a lot of trouble. Playing at such a high quality level could also help Manning find himself winning another MVP award to add to his trophy shelf. During Week 1, Manning had a completion percentage of 64.3%, threw for 462 yards, had zero interceptions and threw seven touchdown passes.
A. Peterson Will Have a Hard Time Breaking Single Season Rushing Record
Last season, A.P. fell just 9 yards shorts of breaking Eric Dickerson’s single season rushing record. Peterson publically stated that he ‘will definitely break’ Dickerson’s record this year. He broke off his first run of the year for 78 yards but finished the game with only 93 yards rushing on 18 attempts. This means after his 78 yard run, he only averaged 1.13 yards per carry on his next 17 carries. To break Dickerson’s single season rushing record, A.P. will need to bust more than one long rush per game. There is no reason why he shouldn’t have rushed for well over 100 yards against the Detroit Lions. While I do agree that he is the best running back in the NFL, that could run for over 2,000 yards this year, I think Dickerson’s record has a good chance of not being broken.
Something Is Wrong with the Giants
From the start the Giants looked ‘off’; and usually at the end of the game it is Tony Romo throwing all the interceptions in a sloppy-style football game. Tom Coughlin’s offense might be in a lot of trouble. Eli threw three interceptions and David Wilson had two fumbles. It’s hard to believe that the Cowboys won, with Dez Bryant only receiving for 22 yards and being scoreless. This game is a good sign for Cowboys fans and a bad sign for Giants fans.
Jets are Lucky to Have Geno Smith
In a peculiar ending, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ‘gave up’ the game to the Jets with a late penalty, which gave the Jets a chance at a field goal opportunity to secure victory. Jets fans are fortunate though, Geno Smith is bringing hope back to the Jets and Rex Ryan’s job. Smith didn’t look too bad in his first NFL start. He had one interception but threw for 256 yards, one touchdown and had a completion percentage of 63.2%. Smith also ran for 47 yards on six attempts.
Courtesy: USA Today
The Ravens Should of Never Let Anquan Boldin Get Away
Boldin had a great debut for the 49ers. He caught 13 passes for 208 yards and had one touchdown reception. Boldin helped lift the 49ers over the Green Bay Packers. He has become a very big asset to San Francisco and his presence could help the 49ers to a return to the Super Bowl. The Ravens traded Boldin because they were extremely tight on salary-cap space. Exploring the trade of other players might have been a better idea. The Ravens offense seemed to miss Boldind against the Denver Broncos. Also, with the injury to Jacoby Jones’ MCL, the Ravens will miss Boldin’s presence even more.
Reggie Bush is a Not Just a Good Fit but a Great fit in Detroit
Reggie Bush was signed as a free agent to the Detroit Lions. In his first game, he averaged 4.3YPC and ran for a total of 90 rushing yards. He also made four receptions for 101 yards. One of his receptions went for 77 yards and a touchdown. He fits better in the Lion’s offense than he did with the Saints offense or the Dolphins offense. Reggie Bush has won a Super Bowl, so he knows what it takes. Reggie Bush has dramatically improved the Lions offense and chances at winnings a Super Bowl.
What Happened to the Patriots Offense?
Playing against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1, the New England Patriots offense looked completely out of rhythm. The Patriots had to fight for points against a weak Bills defense that was missing their starting safety Jairus Byrd and starting corner back Stephon Gilmore. The Patriots barley got by the Buffalo Bills, but a win is a win. Tom Brady appeared to have trust issues with whom to go to during passing options, even thought the Patriots Week 1 finishing numbers were respectable, I do not think their offense will be as solid as last year.
The Steelers and Big Ben Are in Big Trouble
The Pittsburg Steelers lost to the Tennessee Titans 16-9. The Steelers were completely shut down by the Titans. Before the season started, I was thinking the Big Ben was due for a solid year. This Sunday, the Steelers looked completely out of sync on offense. You could tell that Roethlisberger missed Mike Wallace. He only threw for 191 yards. The Steelers offensive line allowed Roethlisberger to be sacked five times. To make things worse, their starting center, Maurkice Pounce, had a season ending injury by tearing his ACL. The Steelers problems did not end there. It was impossible for them to get anything going on the ground. Flat out, they could not run the ball; they finished the game with 32 rushing yards. Pittsburgh only got 14 first downs this week. Zero, of them came from rushing.
RG3 Should of Played in the Preseason
Everything and anything bad that could of happen to the Washington Redskin’s offense happened early in the game on Monday Night Football. From the start, RG3 looked nervous and out of sync with the Redskin’s offense. It was apparent that missing the entire preseason took its toll on RG3. It was a rough start not just for RG3; Alfred Morris was also responsible for two fumbles and a safety. Mike Shanahan has a season opening game winning percentage over 70% but Chip Kelly did a good job at keeping his style of play secret until the game started. As the game continued, we began to see glimpse and moments of the ‘familiar’ second overall draft pick. The Redskins will have to hope RG3 can find his rhythm back sooner than later. The good news for Redskins’ fans, Washington’s defense is looking very strong and they closed out the game on a strong note.
Chip Kelly Can Change the NFL
No one was sure what to expect from Chip Kelly, all you could go on is film from his days coaching at Oregon. The lighting speed of the Eagles offense eventually exhausted the Redskin’s defense and impressed all spectators. Kelly is leading one of the fastest offenses in the NFL, using options that are not normally seen in the NFL. Michael Vick looked to be in sync with the offense, as Philadelphia is off to a great start of the season. LeSean McCoy plays a very prominent role in the Eagles offense as well, he ran for 184 yards. Eagles fans should be concerned for Vick’s health, he took a beating and a still needs to do a better job at protecting his body. With a new era of quarterbacks emerging in the NFL, it is interesting to be able to watch a new style of offense taking over in Philadelphia. Chip Kelly’s first NFL win is definitely an eye opener.
All statistics credited to profootballreference.com
