Optimism made method for disappointment — and in some circumstances, dismay — because the 2024 NFL common season kicked off and 16 groups stumbled out of the gate with a defeat.
Some groups misplaced in slender, heartbreaking vogue (the Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Rams) whereas others delivered listless performances (the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants).
But it surely’s an extended season. Some groups will promptly resume their Tremendous Bowl quests. Others will take a step in the best course even when title hopes stay unrealistic. After which there are these that may battle to shake off the ills that plagued them in Week 1 and spend the season toiling towards a prime draft slot.
So, your group misplaced. What do you do? How apprehensive must you be? Is there an actual trigger for concern? Or had been these losses merely small hiccups?
Right here’s a have a look at every of the 16 groups that misplaced in Week 1 and their prospects going ahead.
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Outcome: Misplaced 27-20 to Kansas Metropolis Chiefs.
Response: Calm down.
Sure, the Ravens are taking part in the may’ve-should’ve-would’ve recreation after yet one more loss to Kansas Metropolis. And sure, they confirmed they’ve some issues to work on to realize championship type. However they may possible rebound in a giant method Sunday in Baltimore in opposition to the Raiders, and their prospects for contending for a prime AFC playoff seed stay sturdy.
Outcome: Misplaced 16-10 to New England Patriots.
Response: Calm down.
Stumbling out of the gate is frequent for the Bengals. It makes much more sense this yr, provided that Ja’Marr Chase has been distracted by his contract dispute, and that Joe Burrow’s different prime large receiver, Tee Higgins, was sidelined with a hamstring harm. Jerod Mayo and the Patriots protection performed properly, however this Bengals group definitely wasn’t at full power.
As famous, although, we’ve seen this film earlier than. The Bengals at the moment are 1-10 within the first two weeks of the season since 2019, when Zac Taylor grew to become coach. Since 2021, they’ve all the time roared again to life to contend. Can they do it once more?
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Indianapolis Colts
Outcome: Misplaced 29-27 to Houston Texans.
Response: Be inspired.
The Colts held their very own in opposition to a tricky division opponent, and second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson delivered some fireworks whereas passing for 2 touchdowns and dashing for an additional. Richardson, who missed all however 4 video games final season due to shoulder surgical procedure, additionally confirmed off his arm with completions of 60 and 54 yards. He nonetheless must work on contact for shorter to intermediate throws. It’s a loss, however the Colts performed exhausting, and there have been loads of different shiny spots.
Outcome: Misplaced 18-10 to Pittsburgh Steelers.
Response: Reserve judgment.
The Falcons and new coach Raheem Morris definitely hoped Kirk Cousins would shine in his Atlanta debut. However some rust is to be anticipated given their prime free-agent addition hadn’t performed since tearing an Achilles tendon in Week 8 final season. The offensive line didn’t precisely assist Cousins, surrendering seven quarterback hits and two sacks. Hope stays, nonetheless. Atlanta’s protection did maintain the Steelers to zero touchdowns, and the Falcons do have a roster stuffed with gifted younger gamers. Cohesion would possibly simply take just a few weeks.
Outcome: Misplaced 34-28 to Buffalo Payments.
Response: Reserve judgment.
The Cardinals confirmed promise early on this recreation; they took it to Buffalo and led 17-3 late within the first half. Then their second-half possessions went like this: punt, fumble, subject aim, landing, punt, turnover on downs. After passing for 131 yards within the first half, Kyler Murray accomplished solely 5 passes for 31 yards and was sacked thrice. Josh Allen torched the Arizona protection for 4 touchdowns (two dashing, two passing), together with three within the second half.
The collapse is troubling, particularly because the second half featured lots of the Cardinals’ identical defensive struggles of the previous. It’s additionally startling that rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. had just one catch for 4 yards. Persistence is important with the Cardinals, who’re nonetheless rebuilding. By midseason, the offense ought to discover a rhythm. The defensive shortcomings could prolong longer, nonetheless.
Outcome: Misplaced 26-20 to Seattle Seahawks.
Response: Reserve judgment.
If Sean Payton desires to dial up 35-45 cross performs for rookie Bo Nix each week as he would for Drew Brees, then that is going to be an extended and painful yr for the Broncos. Payton insists that wasn’t his plan coming into Sunday’s loss to Seattle — a recreation Denver led 13-9 at halftime. So, search for the coach to attempt to put collectively a extra balanced assault in Week 2. Payton was important of his group’s cross safety, and his receivers for repeated drops. It’ll take Nix time to develop, so it’s unwise to closely criticize the rookie even after a two-interception, 26-for-42, 138-yard efficiency. His coach and teammates wanted to help him higher.
Outcome: Misplaced 20-17 to Miami Dolphins.
Response: Reserve judgment.
The intestine response is to fret. The Jaguars blew a 17-7 halftime lead, went scoreless within the second half once they had the prospect to place away a often explosive Dolphins group and managed solely 12 yards within the fourth quarter. However Jacksonville did transfer the ball properly early within the third quarter, marching 94 yards just for Travis Etienne to fumble simply earlier than crossing the aim line when Miami’s Jevon Holland punched the ball out.
Who is aware of how issues would have performed out from there, had the Jaguars prolonged their result in 24-7. It’s troubling that Trevor Lawrence (12-for-21 for 162 yards and a landing) nonetheless can’t take over video games regardless of being in Yr 4 and regardless of incomes $55 million per season. However we’ll reserve judgment slightly than panic simply but. If these struggles prolong a lot previous Week 3 or 4, then concern is an appropriate response.
Outcome: Misplaced 24-17 to Chicago Bears.
Response: Mood expectations.
Be ok with the way in which this younger group jumped out to a 17-0 lead. Be ok with the matches the protection gave prime choose Caleb Williams (93 passing yards) and the Bears’ offense (148 whole yards, 2-for-13 on third down). However fear about Will Levis’ ball safety points and decision-making. The second-year QB can undoubtedly sling it, however a fumble and two interceptions crippled his group. If the Titans are to power their method into the AFC South image, they’ll want Levis to play higher.
Carolina Panthers
Outcome: Misplaced 47-10 to New Orleans Saints.
Response: Fear.
The Saints’ offense could have made nice strides underneath the course of latest play-caller Klint Kubiak, nevertheless it’s not THIS good. Earlier than Sunday, New Orleans’ most factors in a season opener was 45 in 2009.
The Saints appeared like a well-oiled machine in opposition to the Panthers. However much more regarding for Carolina is how poorly second-year quarterback Bryce Younger performed, going 13-for-30 for 161 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions whereas getting sacked 4 instances (thrice by cornerback Alontae Taylor). Dave Canales was supposed to return in and repair the primary choose of the 2023 draft, however Younger appeared simply as misplaced Sunday as he did final season. This definitely isn’t any fast repair.
Outcome: Misplaced 33-17 to Dallas Cowboys.
Response: Fear.
It’s extraordinarily worrisome that Deshaun Watson appeared as unhealthy as he did. Certain, he has rust to work off after lacking all however six video games final season with a shoulder harm that required surgical procedure. However Watson continues to seem like a shell of himself. He accomplished 24 of 45 passes for 169 yards, a landing and two interceptions, with a passer ranking of 51.1 in Sunday’s loss.
The Cowboys’ protection is aggressive, and Cleveland’s line struggled with that strain. However the Watson of outdated was nice at escaping cross rushers, extending performs and delivering clutch passes. Watson on Sunday did show some escapability, however he couldn’t end performs with chain-moving completions. All through the sport, Watson settled for brief passes, averaging 3.8 yards per try (down from 6.5 the final two seasons and a league-leading 8.9 common in 2020).
The Browns are in a tricky spot due to the large contract they gave Watson and the large lifeless cap hit they must soak up in the event that they minimize him. But it surely’s inconceivable to not marvel how lengthy Kevin Stefanski will have the ability to afford to stay with Watson when he has strong-armed Jameis Winston on the prepared. If Stefanski was in a position to place Joe Flacco for a playoff run and success final season, he definitely may obtain one thing related with a serviceable quarterback.
Outcome: Misplaced 34-29 to Philadelphia Eagles.
Response: Fear.
Primarily due to the uncertainty dealing with quarterback Jordan Love, who suffered an MCL sprain late in opposition to the Eagles. Love’s harm means the Packers should flip to Malik Willis, who was traded to Inexperienced Bay two weeks in the past however stays a undertaking after two seasons in Tennessee. The Packers may actually battle to tread water in Love’s absence. Willis has appeared in simply 12 video games in his three-year profession, throwing no landing passes and three interceptions, with a 48.7 passer ranking.
Las Vegas Raiders
Outcome: Misplaced 22-10 to Los Angeles Chargers.
Response: Fear.
The Raiders closed out final season with an encouraging stretch, and that degree of play satisfied Mark Davis to take away the interim tag from Antonio Pierce’s title. However Pierce’s first recreation as official head coach of the Raiders was dismal, disjointed and perplexing. Gardner Minshew gained the beginning quarterback job however wasn’t nice, with an interception and misplaced fumble to only one landing. Kicker Daniel Carlson missed a subject aim, the protection let J.Ok. Dobbins gash it for 135 dashing yards and Pierce made some head-scratching choices. There’s nonetheless time for this unit to enhance over the course of the season, however this loss falls within the disheartening class.
Los Angeles Rams
Outcome: Misplaced 26-20 (OT) to Detroit Lions.
Response: Fear.
The Rams displayed nice fortitude regardless of coping with rampant accidents alongside their offensive line after which at receiver. Second-year professional Puka Nacua reaggravated a proper knee harm within the second quarter and is now on injured reserve, which means he’ll miss a minimum of the following 4 video games. Regardless of having to plug backups into key roles, the Rams remained within the recreation and rallied to take a fourth-quarter lead earlier than dropping in extra time.
Sean McVay all the time has his group well-prepared, however this rash of early accidents is worrisome. No Nacua for a minimum of the following month will diminish the Rams’ firepower, and a patchwork line will topic Matthew Stafford to a larger threat of harm. Sunday evening, he appeared to repeatedly shake off ankle and again accidents. If wholesome, Stafford ensures the Rams have an opportunity in opposition to nearly any group. But when they’re unable to maintain their quarterback wholesome, the season may shortly take a flip for the more severe.
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New York Giants
Outcome: Misplaced 28-6 to Minnesota Vikings.
Response: Fear.
It’s going to be an extended yr. Daniel Jones accomplished simply 22 of 42 passes for 186 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions (one returned for a landing). Combining Sunday’s outing with final season’s six video games, Jones has thrown simply two touchdowns and eight interceptions since he signed that $140 million extension. It’ll be attention-grabbing to see how for much longer Brian Daboll sticks with Jones earlier than giving Drew Lock a shot. If that leash is lengthy, the Giants very properly could possibly be a last-place end.
Outcome: Misplaced 32-19 to San Francisco 49ers.
Response: Fear.
A rusty Aaron Rodgers and the struggles of an offense that generated 266 yards and simply 13 factors (till Tyrod Taylor directed a landing in rubbish time) weren’t even probably the most regarding parts of the Jets’ loss. It’s how poorly the protection carried out.
Jets coach Robert Saleh understands Kyle Shanahan’s offense properly, having coached in opposition to it throughout their time collectively in Houston and once more in San Francisco. Saleh is aware of each Shanahan tendency and, together with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, ought to have been in a position to put together the Jets accordingly. And but the 49ers gashed New York’s protection for 401 yards, 32 factors and 24 first downs. Christian McCaffrey’s backup, Jordan Mason, rushed for 147 yards and a landing on 28 carries within the first begin of his profession. The 49ers didn’t commit a single turnover and gained the time of possession battle 38:40 to 21:20.
Whereas the offense can blame its sluggish begin on Rodgers’ want for re-acclimation after an Achilles harm worn out his 2023 season, what excuse does the protection have? The Jets view themselves as Tremendous Bowl contenders. However they confronted the Tremendous Bowl runners-up, who had been lacking key items and acquired trounced. Not on the identical degree.
Outcome: Misplaced 37-20 to Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Response: Fear.
Jayden Daniels confirmed promise whereas dashing for 88 yards and two touchdowns and passing for 184 yards on 17 of 24 makes an attempt. It’s a bit of regarding that he missed large receiver Terry McLaurin on one deep shot and in any other case related with him simply twice for 17 yards. A few of that, although, has to do with Kliff Kingsbury’s play choice.
Extra regarding is that Washington’s protection now has new leaders in head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., but exhibited many acquainted struggles. The protection didn’t get stops on third down and had only one sack and no takeaways whereas additionally taking part in poorly in cross protection. Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield was in midseason type, passing for 289 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Rebuilding is a course of, particularly when the inspiration is as shaky as Washington’s has been within the final two decades-plus. Any hopes for a fast turnaround really feel farfetched.
(High photographs of Joe Burrow and Brian Daboll: Jason Mowry and Ed Mulholland / Getty Pictures)