Week one is officially in the books
Football is back. If your team started 0-1 this weekend, by all means, be upset. However, do not forget to be thankful that we had football on Sunday at all. The feeling we get in the pit of our stomach when our teams lose is almost comforting. It’s familiar, and although it may hurt, it will only make it better when our teams bounce back and win next time.
That being said, if your team starts 0-2 it may be time to panic and start preparing for the draft. Week one in the NFL was sloppy, messy and a whole lot of fun. There were blowouts, kickers blowing games and even a few upsets. Here are some big takeaways from the NFL’s opening weekend.
Tompa Bay has a long way to go
The Saints experienced defense gave the Bucs offense fits, as Tom Brady and his new supporting cast could never get into rhythm. Brady played decently (especially considering the man is 43 years old), but it seems it may be a few weeks before the Bucs offense really gels.
A lack of preseason seemed to effect more teams than others. The Saints, coming off their third straight division title, picked up right where they left off from their 13 win campaign a season ago. However, drop a 43-year-old in his first new offensive system in 20 years, and sure, there will be kinks.
Don’t fret Bucs fans, your team will be fine. Outside of a late November matchup with the Chiefs, the hardest game on Tampa Bay’s schedule may already be behind them. Double-digit wins and a possible division title may still be in fold.
The Patriots are legit contenders in the AFC
Hear me out here. Are they in the same class as the Ravens and Chiefs? No, of course, they aren’t, but who else is there in the AFC? The Bills? Texans? Titans? Yawn. Cam Newton looked healthy for the first time in years, and the Patriots secondary is still elite.
Is it so crazy to think that a Bill Belichick coached team can take advantage of what may be the weirdest NFL of all time? If the Patriots defense can anchor the team like last season and Cam Newton looks anything like he did pre-injury, a deep January run could be in the cards.
The Cardinals are following the championship formula
The 2013 Seahawks did it. The 2017 Eagles did it. The 2019 Chiefs did it. The 2018 Rams almost did it. The formula is to find your quarterback, surround him with as much talent as you can while he’s still on his rookie contract and win the Super Bowl.
Kyler Murray looks like a budding superstar, and after a blockbuster trade for Deandre Hopkins and addressing their issues on defense via the draft, Arizona might be the NFL’s new darling. The only thing that could stop Arizona from rolling to 11+ wins is the division they are in. The NFC West is loaded and has a legit chance to send three teams to the playoffs.