By: Nick LaPorte, 9/9/2019
After the NFL returned in typical fashion on Sunday, the football world turned upside down in some ways. My thoughts on the Packers win over Chicago are here, and I’m not ready to write a eulogy for the Bears or a hype-piece for that Packers just yet. Both teams faced staunch defenses. But, as for the rest of the NFL, I’m ready to overreact. Feel free to reference this later on when I’m 99% wrong.
1. Brady Is Better at 42 Than at 41
The absolute beatdown the Steelers took in Week 1 was just the most recent example of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady using their extra weeks of preparation to destroy their opponent. Don’t believe me? Watch the most recent Super Bowl, when the two combined to shut down a historic offense and win their 6th ring together. Brady and Belichick are reaching rarified air; they’ve certifiably passed the Don Shula and Dan Marino pairing, and definitely has proven more successful than the Bill Walsh pairing with Joe Montana and Steve Young.
To put this one in perspective, Brady won his first ring as a 25-year old replacement of Drew Bledsoe. Since then, Brady has won another 5 rings and defied Father Time over and over again. Last year, the Patriots turned to a run-heavy offense and Brady looked like he may have lost a step. He put an end to that debate last night, and as long as he stays on the field he will be in contention for MVP. We know he cares about winning more than anything; with the most talented Patriots team since 2007, Brady has a chance to win another MVP award en route to a potential 7th ring.
2. Still Too Early to Judge 2018 Draft QBs
After 5 QBs were selected in the 1st round 2 drafts ago, we all wondered which, if any, of those QBs would join elite company. #1 pick Baker Mayfield took over for the Browns last year and won 7 games, setting the rookie passing TD record. Bills’ QB Josh Allen established himself as a runner, and Sam Darnold of the Jets had a 2:1 TD/INT ratio. Lamar Jackson, the late 1st rounder for Baltimore, won 6/7 games as a rookie and made the playoffs. Only Josh Rosen, drafted by the Cardinals and traded in the off-season to the Dolphins, hadn’t showed any signs of Pro Bowl potential.
In week 1, it was Lamar Jackson who stood above the rest, tossing 5 TDs in a beatdown against the Dolphins. Jackson entered 2019 with questions about his ability to find WRs open, but he silenced those critics at least for one week. Rosen, on the other side, entered for one drive and threw an INT, not contributing. Darnold and Allen faced off, and although Darnold had shown more flashes as a passer, it was Allen’s unique skill set that let the Bills come back and win. Mayfield entered 2019 with high hopes; the Browns were the favorites to win the division and Mayfield had a slew of offensive weapons. Mayfield responded with his worst game yet, throwing 3 interceptions and turning the ball over 4 straight times in the 2nd half, en route to a 43-13 loss to the Titans.
The important thing to remember is that it’s too early to judge these guys. We can see Mayfield finished 2018 strong, but hit a speed bump to start 2019. That doesn’t mean he’s bad now, but it also doesn’t mean he’s a surefire HOFer. Same with Jackson, who tore up a horrible Dolphins secondary. It takes more than 1 great day to become an elite QB. Each of these QBs still have the same potential they did a week ago, and it’ll take a few more seasons before we know which ones really become franchise-QBs.
3. Dak Prescott is Ready for His Extension
With the Ezekiel Elliot drama surrounding the Cowboys for months, QB Dak Prescott has flown under the radar. The young QB is 33-16 as a starter and just finished his best game ever: 25/32, 405 yards, and 4 TDs, good for a perfect 158.3 passer rating. Prescott was untouchable, and the offensive line gave him plenty of time in the pocket. Prescott responded with a dominant performance, and he carried the team on his back with Elliot still getting into shape. Owner Jerry Jones claims Prescott is close to signing an extension, and after that game, I imagine Jones is hurrying to try and get this done. Prescott makes himself more valuable each time he steps on the field.
4. A Bad Day for Melvin Gordon and His Agent
While Elliot got his extension, Chargers RB Melvin Gordon didn’t report to week one because he refuses to play unless the Chargers meet his contract demands. The Chargers turned to Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson, and the 2 put up a combined 115 rushing yards, and 100 receiving yards, as well as 3 Ekeler TDs. Gordon would have been in good shape if Ekeler and Jackson struggled. But like James Connor last year with the Steelers, the Chargers have proven they can replace Gordon’s production. If Gordon wants to get paid, he’ll have to come to terms with the fact that his value isn’t as high as he thinks, or hope the Chargers trade him somewhere that needs a RB. Apparently Philly has asked…
5. Watson Was Good, Brees Was Better
It was a sluggish start for the Saints, but Drew Brees and his offense finally got on the board with a 2nd quarter field goal, and at that point trailed the Texans 14-3. Deshaun Watson rushed for a TD and also completed a pass to Hopkins for a TD before half. In the second half, Brees started to look like himself. Brees finished game 1 with 370 yards on 32/43 passing, to go along with 2 TDs. Watson was nearly as good, finishing 20/30 with 308 all purpose yards and 4 total TDs.
The difference in the game was the Saints had the ball last. Saints kicker Will Lutz gave the Saints a 6 point lead with 55 seconds remaining, and Watson received the ball on his own 25. Two plays later, Watson found Kenny Stills in the end zone for his 3rd passing TD, and an extra point gave the Texans a 1-point lead. But with about 30 seconds left, Brees got the ball and moved 35 yards to get into long field goal range. With 2 seconds left, Will Lutz nailed a walk off 58-yard game-winner. In a showdown like this, the QBs were so good that either could have won. But Watson left too much time for the Saints, and Brees made them pay.
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