Week 1 of the new NFL season served up plenty of entertainment as well as some big questions as we got our first look at each team between Thursday and Monday.
The Kansas City Chiefs kicked their title defence off by beating the Baltimore Ravens in what was a statement of intent while the other Super Bowl team from last season – the San Francisco 49ers – also scored a commanding win.
Rookies were given their first glimpse of NFL action and while some stood up to be counted, others sunk under the pressure.
Read on as we take a look at the five top stories from the first round of action.
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Life after Belichick begins for Patriots
The New England Patriots pulled off the biggest upset of the weekend, beating the Cincinnati Bengals 16-10 on the road.
Everyone, even Patriots fans, probably expected Joe Burrow and the Bengals to sweep them aside in front of a home crowd, but it turned out to be an excellent performance under new head coach Jerod Mayo.
Rhamondre running everywhere 😮💨@dreeday32 | @NextGenStats pic.twitter.com/ie94OzEA8k
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 9, 2024
A solid defence, alongside the efforts of Rhamondre Stevenson – who averaged 4.8 yards per carry – was enough to get their new era underway.
The Bengals may not have had Tee Higgins, but they had no idea how to deal with the elite defence on display from New England.
Jacoby Brissett got the nod over No.3 draft pick Drake Maye in the end, and although he only averaged five yards per attempt, thanks to Stevenson’s rushing efforts, it was enough.
The question now is, can they do it again when the Seattle Seahawks come to town this weekend?
Watson on borrowed time for Browns
It was not a good day for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, they lost 33-17 to the Dallas Cowboys despite being favourites.
Questions have once again been raised about quarterback Deshaun Watson’s position in the team.
Deshaun Watson and the Browns have not been able to get anything going vs the Cowboys defense today. pic.twitter.com/7jzncjyjBv
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 8, 2024
He had 24 out of 45 completions, totalling 169 yards and an average of 3.8 yards per attempt.
And with two interceptions and six sacks, it really is hard to see a way back for the 28-year-old.
It feels like this Browns team is being wasted as they have an exceptional defence, but are being let down on their scoring drives.
They cannot afford to cut Watson due to cap restrictions, but it may be worth looking into other options this season, before it is too late.
Shaky start for Williams in Chicago
There is no hiding the fact that the Chicago Bears only beat the Tennessee Titans because of their defence and special teams.
Everyone tuned in to watch No.1 pick Caleb Williams suit up for the first time in the NFL as a Bear but it was a rough day for him.
Comeback complete ✔️ pic.twitter.com/G5Px9tBoFM
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 8, 2024
His completion rate was below par and he did not necessarily meet the eye test, but it is worth remembering that it is not only Williams that is new to this Bears offence.
Ultimately, he did enough to get over the line, but he does have a lot of team-mates to thank.
The Bears forced a number of turnovers against the Titans and safety Jonathan Ownes turned a punt into a score to seal the deal.
And if they can continue doing that every week, Williams will have all the time he needs to settle in at his new home.
No fairytale return for Rodgers
Monday Night Football did not disappoint unless you are a New York Jets fan.
The long-awaited return of Aaron Rodgers was not enough for the Jets to pull off an upset against the San Francisco 49ers, losing 32-19 on the road.
“There’s a lot to build on.” pic.twitter.com/GlmZqCYyVZ
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 10, 2024
But, there was a snippet of what could be with the former Green Bay QB finally playing on the East Coast.
Having given away the ball on his fourth snap of the game, Rodgers and the Jets responded by putting together a commanding 12-play, 70-yard drive to the 49ers endzone.
It was such a good period for the Jets that fans were raving about it on social media, suggesting it is the best their team has looked in 10 years.
However, it was just a small glimpse at perhaps what is to come from Rodgers and Co, and they certainly did not maintain it for much more of the match.
49ers can cope without McCaffrey
Most punters were shocked when Christian McCaffrey was listed as inactive for the 49ers, but fans from the West Coast did not have to worry.
Even against a strong Jets defence, Brock Purdy was able to deliver play after play, thanks largely to the help of Jordan Mason.
Mason madness on MNF! pic.twitter.com/ZS0tH1EJfl
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 10, 2024
He was the man to fill in for the revered running back and he clocked 147 yards and a touchdown, with 28 total carries.
He appears to be the latest man to rise from the ashes of irrelevancy into the spotlight and it will be music to Kyle Shanahan’s ears.
It also means they do not have to rush McCaffrey back from his Achilles injury.
