Surprises and unexpected defeats are usually commonplace in Week 1 of the NFL season. NFL. It seems that for this 2023 season opener there has been no exception.
The Highs and Lows of an NFL Sunday
The Cincinnati Bengals were favored to win their first game. However, those who bet on the Cincinnati team may have forgotten what happened the last time they visited Cleveland. History repeated itself and the Browns defeated the Bengals 24-3.
On the other hand, the final statistics would seem to indicate that the Jacksonville Jaguars came away with a seemingly comfortable double-digit victory. However, on the field, that was not the case at all. The Colts appeared to be headed for the upset, as they held a 21-17 lead going into the final quarter.
But the Jaguars pulled out a 31-21 win over the Indianapolis team. The same responsibility that dismays the Colts also falls on the Minnesota Vikings, who have only themselves to blame for an embarrassing 17-20 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
For his part, DeAndre Hopkins made an important decision this preseason. The player could have taken less money and joined a contender, or he could have sought a big contract in a tough situation. He opted for the latter and it doesn't seem to have worked out for him in the best way.
Despite the efforts of Hopkins and company, the New Orleans Saints pulled out a resounding 16-15 victory over the Memphis Titans. Similarly, the Pittsburgh Steelers' first offensive unit was on the field for five series in the preseason and scored five touchdowns.
However, Pittsburgh once again suffered major deficiencies on the field. The Steelers could not hold on and it was the San Francisco 49ers who came away with a solid 30-7 victory.
The night culminated with one of the biggest surprises of the season. The Dallas Cowboys put on a mammoth performance. Based on the numbers alone, it would seem that Dallas' rivals, the New York Giants, would not have been on the field.
Week 1 of the NFL ended with the Cowboys' 40-0 thrashing of the Giants at MetLife Stadium in New York.
Zac Taylor speaks to the media after Week 1. https://t. co/A7TUHtnQrv
- Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 10, 2023
High Expectations for Rodgers to Face Bills Tonight
Aaron Rodgers' debut in front of Jets fans will be the center of attention as New York looks to start the regular season on the right foot after months of high expectations. The game, scheduled for tonight at MetLife Stadium, is one of the most anticipated games of Week 1.
The Jets have done an incredible job building multiple waves of starting level quarterback chasers. That means every time they take the field, if they can't get consistent pressure, it will be a surprise.
Buffalo has an offensive line that, while it may have improved from last year, is still not one of the best offensive groups in the league. The way they operate on offense also does not utilize the quick passing game.
That's why experts believe it could be a big day for players like Quinnen Williams, Jermaine Johnson and the rest of New York's defensive line.
All eyes will be on Rodgers and how he looks in a different green for the first time in over two decades. Rodgers joins a Jets team loaded with offensive weapons and has enough protection in front of him to give them opportunities for success.
