Not every player, coach or team can shine. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the more unremarkable moments and performances from Week 1:
Chicago Bears offense
Rookie QB Caleb Williams struggled in his debut, finishing 14-of-29 for 93 yards and 55.7 passer rating. Likewise, star WR D.J. Moore was a non-factor (5 receptions, 36 yards), as were several flashy offseason additions, WR Keenan Allen (4 receptions, 29 yards) and RB D’Andre Swift (10 carries, 30 yards).
If not for DB Tyrique Stevenson’s 43-yard interception return for a touchdown, sealing a 24-17 win over the Tennessee Titans, Sunday’s effort would have resulted in a loss. It’s early, but Williams and company have plenty to work on following a less-than-stellar start.
Carolina Panthers, QB, Bryce Young
In his second season debut, Young didn’t provide many reasons to believe 2024 won’t strongly resemble his forgettable rookie year. In a one-sided 47-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints, the former No. 1 overall pick finished 13-of-30 for 161 yards, two interceptions and a 32.8 passer rating.
Even at the start of year two, Young didn’t look much different from the inaccurate, unsure, rhythm-less quarterback he was as a rookie.
Jacksonville Jaguars, RB, Travis Etienne
The third-year back isn’t solely to blame for Sunday’s 20-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins. But his monumental mistake in the second half turned the tide.
Etienne fumbled in the end zone with the Jaguars up 17-7 and 2:19 remaining in the third quarter. The Dolphins scored a touchdown on the next play en route to 13 unanswered and the victory.
New York Giants defense
The G-Men couldn’t stop QB Sam Darnold or the Minnesota Vikings offense in a 28-6 defeat. The former No. 3 overall pick completed his first 12 pass attempts, throwing for 208 yards (19-of-24) with two touchdowns.
The Giants offense shouldn’t be let off the hook, either, as it managed only 240 total yards, guided by another underwhelming performance from QB Daniel Jones (22-of-42, 186 yards, two INT). Regardless, despite having a respectable defensive line led by Brian Burns, the team’s inability to pressure Darnold (sacked once) or slow him down stands out.
Atlanta Falcons offensive line
In Sunday’s 18-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, shaky offensive line play failed QB Kirk Cousins and the Falcons.
Cousins threw for only 155 yards (16-of-26) with a touchdown and two interceptions while being hit seven times and sacked twice in his debut. Likewise, RB Bijan Robinson struggled to get going, averaging 3.8 yards per attempt (18 carries, 68 yards).
Cleveland Browns, QB, Deshaun Watson
The Browns’ $230-million man continued to look vastly overpaid following a horrendous outing in a 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The 28-year-old averaged just 3.8 YPA, throwing for 169 yards (24-of-45) with a touchdown and two interceptions.
The Cowboys’ defense is talented, but the Browns are surely expecting more from their highly-compensated QB.
Las Vegas Raiders offense
There were concerns about the unit ahead of the season, all of which seemingly came to fruition in a 22-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The Raiders tallied 296 yards, averaging 6.1 YPA through the air and only 3.2 YPA on the ground.
Led by QB Gardner Minshew, the attack looked unspectacular and lacked an identity, which will have to change soon if the Raiders hope to compete.
Cincinnati Bengals, QB Joe Burrow
Fully healthy after an injury derailed his 2023 season, the former Pro Bowler looked anything but in a 16-10 loss to the New England Patriots. Burrow was efficient (21-of-29) but averaged only 5.7 YPA (164 yards) and looked unwilling to let plays develop or push the ball down the field.
There’s a lot of season to go, but Burrow looked less-than-ordinary on Sunday, especially without injured WR Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd, who was lost in free agency this offseason.
