The Inexperienced Bay Packers began life with out Aaron Rodgers with a formidable 38-20 win on the Chicago Bears on the primary Sunday of the brand new NFL season.
Tom Brady’s return celebrations on the New England Patriots had been ruined by the Philadelphia Eagles, whereas the Dallas Cowboys embarrassed the New York Giants with a 40-0 shutout.
The San Francisco 49ers dominated the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins edged an exhilarating shootout on the Los Angeles Chargers.
Joe Burrow had a nightmare simply days after signing his report new contract, however not as a lot because the New York Giants after their humbling at residence – primarily right down to a Dallas defence that had seven sacks and two turnovers.
Packers show all you want is Love
Inexperienced Bay misplaced their talisman Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets in the summertime, however quarterback Jordan Love confirmed why the Packers drafted him with a positive three-touchdown outing as, within the NFL’s oldest rivalry, they beat Chicago for a ninth time in a row.
It was solely Love’s second NFL begin however he confirmed poise and precision at Soldier Subject to silence their greatest rivals – who had anticipated huge issues after seeing Rodgers depart and making wholesale adjustments.
San Francisco make a press release
The 49ers fell only a recreation in need of the Tremendous Bowl final season however confirmed why they might go all the best way this time with a dominant 30-7 victory on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Their QB Brock Purdy, often called Mr Irrelevant because the final choose of the 2022 draft, wanted elbow surgical procedure after being injured in that NFC Championship recreation in Philadelphia, however returned with a bang to begin his second NFL season wanting sharp.
Purdy has now gained all six of his common season begins, and appears to have proven his emergence final season was no flash within the pan.
“Purdy shut some haters up,” mentioned star defensive finish Nick Bosa, who signed an enormous new contract on the eve of the season because the chief of top-of-the-line defences within the league. “He is precisely who we thought he was.”
Eagles spoil Brady’s return
Tom Brady gained six of his seven Tremendous Bowls throughout 20 years with the New England Patriots, and he was honoured with a half-time ceremony to announce he can be going into the workforce’s corridor of fame subsequent June.
“One factor I’m certain of, and that may by no means change, is that I’m a Patriot for all times,” Brady instructed followers at Gillette Stadium as he sported his well-known Patriots shirt.
This present Patriots squad is less than Brady’s outdated requirements although, and despite the fact that they made life powerful for the Eagles the guests all the time appeared able to greater than their 25-20 victory if wanted.
Dolphins edge Chargers in Hollywood blockbuster
An early recreation of the season contender was performed out simply down the highway from Hollywood in Los Angeles because the Chargers had been simply pipped 36-34 by the Miami Dolphins – as each side confirmed they’re groups to observe this season.
Justin Herbert threw a landing and ran in one in all three for the Chargers, however in a recreation of seven lead adjustments the explosive Miami assault had the ultimate phrase, when Tua Tagovailoa related with Tyreek Hill inside the ultimate two minutes.
Tagovailoa has had his damage points, however he threw three touchdowns on Sunday and a whopping 466 yards – with two of these scores and 215 yards going to lightning fast receiver Hill – who’s nicknamed ‘Cheetah’ for a motive.
Burrow’s huge contract let down
Joe Burrow would have needed to exit and present why the Cincinnati Bengals made him the highest-paid player in the league, however as a substitute recorded the bottom yardage whole of his profession as they misplaced 24-3 to native rivals the Cleveland Browns.
Shedding six weeks of pre-season to a calf damage little question had some influence on Burrow’s meagre 82-yard passing show, however very like when he signed his five-year deal value $275m, he dealt with it in typical level-headed vogue.
“Week one would not outline anyone’s season,” mentioned Burrow, who was taken out of the sport within the fourth quarter because the Bengals waved the white flag. “Clearly, not excellent on the market. Anyone that watched noticed that.
“However we’ve been on this spot earlier than and are available again stronger and had nice years. That is what we’re going to do.”
Tough begin for rookie QBs
Three quarterbacks had been drafted within the prime 4 spots this yr they usually all began, and misplaced, on their NFL debuts however all confirmed not less than some promise.
Prime choose Bryce Younger mentioned “I’ve to do a greater job of executing” after throwing two interceptions within the Carolina Panthers’ 24-10 loss on the Atlanta Falcons, whereas CJ Stroud was sacked 5 instances and misplaced a fumble because the Houston Texans had been overwhelmed 25-9 on the Baltimore Ravens.
“For his first outing, CJ was in a tricky place to play,” mentioned Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans.
Anthony Richardson virtually bucked the development in his Indianapolis Colts debut as they led going into the fourth quarter earlier than dropping 31-21 at residence to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Richardson appears the dynamic dual-threat quarterback each NFL workforce is after, however after taking an enormous hit proper on the finish of the sport, the 21-year-old must attempt to defend himself extra now he has stepped up from the school recreation.
Elsewhere within the NFL, the Los Angeles Rams shocked the Seattle Seahawks 30-13, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers upset the Minnesota Vikings 20-17 on the highway and the New Orleans Saints edged the Tennessee Titans 16-15.
The Washington Commanders gained their first recreation beneath new possession, 20-16 over the Arizona Cardinals, whereas the Las Vegas Raiders gained 17-16 on the Denver Broncos.
