The first week of the NFL season always brings a wave of hot takes and overreactions. While it’s tempting to make sweeping judgments based on a single game, it’s important to remember that the NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint. Let’s dive into some of the biggest overreactions from Week 1 and separate the hype from reality.
Are the Eagles Offense Unstoppable?
One of the biggest storylines coming out of Week 1 was the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive explosion against the Green Bay Packers. They racked up over 400 yards of total offense and put up 34 points, leading many to believe this offense is destined for greatness.
Jalen Hurts throws a pass during the Eagles vs. Packers game.
While the Eagles offense certainly looked impressive, it’s important to consider the context of the game. The field conditions were less than ideal for both teams, and Jalen Hurts, despite the impressive stat line, threw two interceptions that he’d likely want back.
The Eagles’ first two drives resulted in minimal yardage and a turnover, highlighting that even elite offenses can have slow starts. However, their ability to bounce back and dominate the time of possession battle against a playoff-caliber Packers team speaks volumes about their potential.
With a favorable upcoming schedule, the Eagles have a chance to build momentum and solidify themselves as an offensive powerhouse. However, it’s crucial to see how they perform against tougher defenses before crowning them as unstoppable.
Are the Titans in Trouble with Will Levis?
The Tennessee Titans raised eyebrows by selecting Will Levis in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and his Week 1 performance against the Chicago Bears has sparked concern among fans and analysts alike.
Levis struggled to connect on deep passes, missing several opportunities to connect with a wide-open Calvin Ridley. One particularly glaring miscue involved Levis failing to step up in the pocket and deliver an accurate throw to Ridley, who had beaten his defender.
Will Levis throws a pass during the Titans vs. Bears game.
Furthermore, Levis threw a costly pick-six that proved to be the difference-maker in the game. While it’s still early in his career, Levis’ Week 1 performance exposed some areas of concern, particularly his decision-making and accuracy.
The Titans’ defense played exceptionally well against the Bears, keeping them out of the end zone and limiting them to a mere 148 total yards. This defensive performance only amplifies the pressure on Levis to elevate his game. It remains to be seen whether Levis can make the necessary adjustments to live up to his draft position, but his Week 1 performance suggests that the Titans may face an uphill battle.
Are the Bengals in Trouble After Week 1 Loss?
The Cincinnati Bengals, known for their explosive offense led by Joe Burrow, suffered a surprising defeat at the hands of the New England Patriots in Week 1. This loss has raised questions about whether the Bengals’ Super Bowl window is closing.
While losing to a supposedly inferior opponent is never ideal, it’s essential to recognize that the Patriots, under Bill Belichick, are known for their defensive prowess. They executed a game plan that effectively neutralized the Bengals’ offensive weapons and forced them into uncomfortable situations.
Joe Burrow looks to pass during the Bengals vs. Patriots game.
The Bengals’ offensive struggles were compounded by the absence of Tee Higgins, who missed the game due to injury. However, even without Higgins, the Bengals’ offensive performance fell short of expectations. They converted a dismal four out of 11 third-down attempts and struggled to establish a consistent rhythm.
The Bengals’ Week 1 loss is undoubtedly a cause for concern, but it’s premature to hit the panic button. Their upcoming schedule features challenging matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and a rematch with the Patriots. These games will provide a more accurate gauge of the Bengals’ true potential.
It’s crucial for the Bengals to address their run defense, which was exposed by the Patriots’ ground game, and find ways to move the ball more effectively, especially on third down. If they can make these adjustments, they have the talent to rebound and compete for a playoff spot.
