NFL week one wrap
With the exception of the Monday Night double header, Week One of the 2014 NFL season is in the books. After months of hype, football is back and big things are happening. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable stories emerging out of this exciting week.
The ‘Niners are Still a Force
After a disappointing preseason, reports of front office discord, and injuries and suspensions to key players, there was some chatter that the San Francisco 49ers were going to disappoint in 2014. While that may still prove to be true, it didn’t look likely as the ‘Niners rolled to an easy 28-17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. While most of the points came off four key Dallas turnovers, the ‘Frisco offense looked better than expected and the defense gave Tony Romo and company fits. It will be very difficult to hang with the defending champion Seahawks in the NFC West this year, but the ‘Niners showed on Sunday that they have the juice to do it once again.
The Patriots Can be Defeated in an Opener
While watching the Dolphins defeat the Patriots yesterday, it struck me as unbelievable that the Pats hadn’t tasted defeat in an opener since 2003. That is truly remarkable, and speaks volumes to the accomplishments of Brady, Belichick and company. With that said, that streak was broken yesterday, thanks to a big comeback win from the Miami Dolphins. The ‘Phins had one of the most tumultuous years in NFL history last season, but with the bullying scandal behind them, they look primed to compete in 2014. Thanks to strong defensive play and a sterling perfromance from fiery runner Knowshon “Clearly not a product of the Denver system” Moreno, they bested their divisonal rivals in exciting fashion. While this represents a hiccup for the Pats, it’s hard to imagine this setting them back too greatly. The AFC East still runs through Foxborough, and “Brady’s Bunch” should bounce back sooner than later.
Denver and Indy Could Pace the AFC
The Sunday night game looked like a blowout in the early going, and then something happened: the Indianapolis Colts–as they always seem to do–made it very interesting in the second half, mounting a huge comeback that came up just short as the Broncos held on for a 31-24 victory. This game showed that Indy’s Week Seven victory over the Broncos last year was no fluke; they can hang with the big boys, and this could be the year they accomplish big things. One thing is for certain: both Peyton Manning’s old and new teams are primed for success in 2014.
Don’t Write Off the Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have taken a lot of abuse from the media this offseason. In the midst of cap problems, the club had to let several key players walk away, essentially including the entire receiving corps. In Week One, the Panthers traveled to Tampa Bay to face a reloaded Bucs team. Oh, and one more thing: star quarterback Cam Newton was sidelined with a rib inury leaving Derek Anderson as the starter. Surely, this was the beginning of a very long and painful season for this franchise, right? Wrong. The Panthers won this game the same way they won 12 games last year, by playing superb defense and making plays on offense when necessary. Anderson played efficiently, and Cam Newton will be back in the lineup looking like Superman in no time. The Panthers have a chip on their shoulder and are out to prove everyone wrong. It looks like they just might accomplish that goal, even in a competitive NFC South.
The Falcons Make a Statement
Speaking of a competitive NFC South, the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints faced off in a divisional showdown that did not disappoint. Put simply, this game became a shootout as the Falcons picked up a thrilling 37-34 overtime victory over their rivals. Matt Ryan had one of the best games of his career throwing for 448 yards and three touchdowns, and having Julio Jones and Roddy White back at full health returned him back to his status as an upper echelon passer in the NFL. After a disappointing 2013, the Falcons are another team with much to prove, and they took a big step towards doing so yesterday. It’s early to be sure, but it’s looking like the Falcons are back, and that’s bad news not just for the NFC South, but the entire conference.
Thanks for reading, everyone.
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