NFL Week 1 Over Reactions
Ahhhhh. The first week of the NFL season has come and gone and now it’s time to do what every frenzied NFL fan loves to do - overreact!
Week 1 was exciting providing viewers with a much-needed respite from everything else the world has to offer right now. That said, here’s a look at the biggest overreactions from the NFL’s opening week.
It’s Those Browns Again
Once again, there was plenty of Cleveland hype in the offseason. Baker Mayfield this, Nick Chubb that. Myles Garrett is a beast, and on and on.
Then, the Browns opened the season with Baltimore. Mayfield completed 53 percent of his passes for 189 yards. The offense was awful. The defense gave up 38 points. Didn’t the Browns hire head coach Kevin Stefanski because he was an offensive wizard?
While the Browns certainly won’t win a division title, they do have the talent to win more games than last season’s six. Remember, when betting the 2020 NFL season, it’s only Week 1.
Tom Brady Is Washed Up
Oh no! Tom Brady threw two interceptions - one a pick-six - in a loss to New Orleans on Sunday. He’s 43 years old and he’s just not the same quarterback he once was.
Duh, no kidding he’s not the same. Washed up? Hardly.
Brady scored the game’s first touchdown on a two-yard run and then threw two touchdown passes. One of his receivers, Mike Evans, played hurt and you have to remember the Bucs were playing the three-time NFC South champion Saints.
Hold your horse. Brady isn’t done just yet.
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The Patriots Will Be Just Fine
With Brady starting in Tampa, New England started someone else - Cam Newton - at quarterback for the first time in nearly two decades.
Newton performed admirably rushing 15 times for 75 yards and two touchdowns. He was efficient in the passing game going 15-of-19 for 155 yards. Newton did not throw an interception and led a run-heavy Patriots offense to a 21-11 victory over Miami.
Now, if Newton runs the ball 15 times a game this season, New England might be in trouble. Newton was plagued by injuries the last two seasons and exposing him to hits in the run game might not be wise.
Plus, there’s the Patriots schedule over the next six to seven weeks. Beginning next week through November 1, New England will face Seattle, both teams that played in last year’s Super Bowl (Kansas City and San Francisco), and Buffalo.
No, they won’t be just fine.
Aaron Rodgers for MVP
Rodgers was outstanding in Green Bay’s win over Minnesota. His Packers won by 9 after going into Minnesota opening as a 3-point dog at most online sportsbooks. The former two-time NFL MVP went 32-of-44 for 364 yards and four - count them - four touchdowns. He did not throw a pick and was not sacked.
Awesome. Rodgers is back and he’s gunning for his third MVP.
Not so fast, my friend. Yes, Rodgers is good. He’s one of the best, but not the best.
On Sunday, he went up against a Vikings defense that didn’t have its three best cornerbacks from last year - Trae Waynes, Xavier Howard, and Mackensie Alexander.
In their place, Minnesota played Cameron Dantzler, Holton Hill, and Mike Hughes. None of the three are over 23 years old and, prior to Week 1, the trio combined for a whopping total of nine NFL starts.
Week 1 was child’s play for Rodgers. Yes, he’s good, but not MVP good.
But now it’s on to another week, and here’s 2020 NFL Week 2 best bets.
