Optimism made means for unhappiness — and in some instances, dismay — because the 2024 NFL usual season kicked off and 16 groups stumbled out of the gate with a defeat.
Some groups misplaced in slender, wretched type (the Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Rams) date others delivered listless performances (the Carolina Panthers and Unutilized York Giants).
However it’s a protracted season. Some groups will promptly resume their Tremendous Bowl quests. Others will whip a take the appropriate action despite the fact that name hopes stay unrealistic. And nearest there are the ones that may try to shake off the ills that plagued them in Moment 1 and spend the season toiling towards a govern draft slot.
So, your crew misplaced. What do you do? How anxious must you be? Is there an actual motive for fear? Or had been those losses merely petite hiccups?
Right here’s a have a look at every of the 16 groups that misplaced in Moment 1 and their possibilities in the future.
GO DEEPER
NFL Moment 2 Energy Scores: Let’s overreact! Expenses glance tremendous, Browns are toast
Outcome: Misplaced 27-20 to Kansas Town Chiefs.
Response: Pause.
Sure, the Ravens are enjoying the may just’ve-should’ve-would’ve recreation then but some other loss to Kansas Town. And sure, they confirmed they have got some issues to paintings on to score championship method. However they’re going to most likely rebound in a heavy means Sunday in Baltimore in opposition to the Raiders, and their possibilities for contending for a govern AFC playoff seed stay stable.
Outcome: Misplaced 16-10 to Unutilized England Patriots.
Response: Pause.
Stumbling out of the gate is ordinary for the Bengals. It makes much more sense this yr, for the reason that Ja’Marr Chase has been crazy via his oath dispute, and that Joe Burrow’s alternative govern vast receiver, Tee Higgins, used to be sidelined with a hamstring shock. Jerod Mayo and the Patriots protection performed effectively, however this Bengals crew undoubtedly wasn’t at complete power.
As famous, although, we’ve detectable 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 turned into schoolmaster. Since 2021, they have got at all times roared again to past to contend. Can they do it once more?
GO DEEPER
NFL playoff projections 2024: The Athletic’s type predicts the grassland
Indianapolis Colts
Outcome: Misplaced 29-27 to Houston Texans.
Response: Be inspired.
The Colts held their very own in opposition to a tricky section opponent, and second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson delivered some fireworks date passing for 2 touchdowns and speeding for some other. Richardson, who overlooked all however 4 video games final season on account of shoulder surgical treatment, additionally confirmed off his arm with completions of 60 and 54 yards. He nonetheless must paintings on contact for shorter to intermediate throws. It’s a loss, however the Colts performed dry, and there have been enough quantity of alternative dazzling spots.
Outcome: Misplaced 18-10 to Pittsburgh Steelers.
Response: Keep judgment.
The Falcons and fresh schoolmaster Raheem Morris undoubtedly was hoping Kirk Cousins would glimmer in his Atlanta debut. However some rust is to be anticipated given their govern free-agent addition hadn’t performed since tearing an Achilles tendon in Moment 8 final season. The offensive sequence didn’t precisely backup Cousins, surrendering seven quarterback hits and two sacks. Hope left-overs, alternatively. Atlanta’s protection did book the Steelers to 0 touchdowns, and the Falcons do have a roster stuffed with gifted younger gamers. Concord may simply whip a couple of weeks.
Outcome: Misplaced 34-28 to Buffalo Expenses.
Response: Keep judgment.
The Cardinals confirmed pledge early on this recreation; they took it to Buffalo and led 17-3 overdue within the first half of. Next their second-half possessions went like this: punt, fumble, grassland function, landing, punt, handover on downs. Later passing for 131 yards within the first half of, Kyler Murray finished most effective 5 passes for 31 yards and used to be sacked 3 times. Josh Allen torched the Arizona protection for 4 touchdowns (two speeding, two passing), together with 3 in the second one half of.
The fall down is troubling, particularly since the second one half of featured most of the Cardinals’ identical defensive struggles of the generation. It’s additionally startling that rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. had just one catch for 4 yards. Endurance is vital with the Cardinals, who’re nonetheless rebuilding. Through midseason, the offense must discover a rhythm. The defensive shortcomings might prolong longer, alternatively.
Outcome: Misplaced 26-20 to Seattle Seahawks.
Response: Keep judgment.
If Sean Payton desires to dial up 35-45 move performs for rookie Bo Nix each month as he would for Drew Brees, nearest that is committing to be a protracted and painful yr for the Broncos. Payton insists that wasn’t his plan getting into Sunday’s loss to Seattle — a recreation Denver led 13-9 at halftime. So, search for the schoolmaster to effort to produce a extra balanced assault in Moment 2. Payton used to be important of his crew’s move coverage, and his receivers for repeated drops. It’s going to whip Nix presen to form, so it’s unwise to closely criticize the rookie even then a two-interception, 26-for-42, 138-yard efficiency. His schoolmaster and teammates had to aid him higher.
Outcome: Misplaced 20-17 to Miami Dolphins.
Response: Keep judgment.
The intestine response is to fret. The Jaguars blew a 17-7 halftime manage, went scoreless in the second one half of after they had the anticipation to position away a typically explosive Dolphins crew and controlled most effective 12 yards within the fourth quarter. However Jacksonville did journey the ball effectively early within the 3rd quarter, marching 94 yards just for Travis Etienne to fumble simply earlier than crossing the function sequence 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 manage to 24-7. It’s troubling that Trevor Lawrence (12-for-21 for 162 yards and a landing) nonetheless can’t breaking in video games in spite of being in Date 4 and in spite of incomes $55 million in keeping with season. However we’ll stock judgment instead than panic simply but. If those struggles prolong a lot generation Moment 3 or 4, nearest fear is a suitable reaction.
Outcome: Misplaced 24-17 to Chicago Bears.
Response: Mood expectancies.
Be ok with the best way this younger crew jumped out to a 17-0 manage. Be ok with the suits the protection gave govern select Caleb Williams (93 passing yards) and the Bears’ offense (148 overall yards, 2-for-13 on 3rd indisposed). However concern about Will Levis’ ball safety problems and decision-making. The second one-year QB can undoubtedly sling it, however a fumble and two interceptions crippled his crew. If the Titans are to power their means into the AFC South image, they’ll want Levis to play games higher.
Bryce Younger and the Panthers have a protracted highway again to respectability. (Stephen Lew / USA These days)
Carolina Panthers
Outcome: Misplaced 47-10 to Unutilized Orleans Saints.
Response: Fear.
The Saints’ offense can have made admirable strides below the route of fresh play-caller Klint Kubiak, however it’s now not THIS just right. Prior to Sunday, Unutilized Orleans’ maximum issues in a season opener used to be 45 in 2009.
The Saints gave the impression of a well-oiled device 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, deny touchdowns and two interceptions date getting sacked 4 instances (3 times via cornerback Alontae Taylor). Dave Canales used to be intended to come back in and healing the primary select of the 2023 draft, however Younger appeared simply as misplaced Sunday as he did final season. This undoubtedly isn’t any fast healing.
Outcome: Misplaced 33-17 to Dallas Cowboys.
Response: Fear.
It’s extraordinarily worrisome that Deshaun Watson appeared as wicked as he did. Positive, he has rust to paintings off then lacking all however six video games final season with a shoulder shock that required surgical treatment. However Watson continues to seem like a shell of himself. He finished 24 of 45 passes for 169 yards, a landing and two interceptions, with a passer score of 51.1 in Sunday’s loss.
The Cowboys’ protection is competitive, and Cleveland’s sequence struggled with that power. However the Watson of impaired used to be admirable at escaping move rushers, extending performs and handing over snatch passes. Watson on Sunday did show some escapability, however he couldn’t end performs with chain-moving completions. Right through the sport, Watson settled for trim passes, averaging 3.8 yards in keeping with effort (indisposed from 6.5 the final two seasons and a league-leading 8.9 moderate in 2020).
The Browns are in a tricky spot on account of the immense oath they gave Watson and the immense useless cap crash they must take in in the event that they scale down him. However it’s unimaginable to not surprise how lengthy Kevin Stefanski will probably be have the funds for to stay with Watson when he has strong-armed Jameis Winston at the in a position. If Stefanski used to be in a position to put Joe Flacco for a playoff run and good fortune final season, he undoubtedly may just reach one thing alike with a serviceable quarterback.
Outcome: Misplaced 34-29 to Philadelphia Eagles.
Response: Fear.
Basically on account of the dubiousness dealing with quarterback Jordan Love, who suffered an MCL sprain overdue in opposition to the Eagles. Love’s shock way the Packers should flip to Malik Willis, who used to be traded to Inexperienced Bay two weeks in the past however left-overs a undertaking then two seasons in Tennessee. The Packers may just in reality try to tread aqua in Love’s absence. Willis has gave the impression in simply 12 video games in his three-year occupation, throwing deny landing passes and 3 interceptions, with a 48.7 passer score.
Antonio Pierce’s crew appeared disjointed in his first recreation as everlasting Raiders head schoolmaster. (Kirby Lee / USA These days)
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 games satisfied Mark Davis to take away the period in-between tag from Antonio Pierce’s name. However Pierce’s first recreation as authentic head schoolmaster of the Raiders used to be dismal, disjointed and perplexing. Gardner Minshew received the foundation quarterback task however wasn’t admirable, with an interception and misplaced fumble to only one landing. Kicker Daniel Carlson overlooked a grassland function, the protection let J.Okay. Dobbins gash it for 135 speeding yards and Pierce made some head-scratching choices. There’s nonetheless presen for this unit to give a boost to over the process the season, however this loss falls within the disheartening division.
Los Angeles Rams
Outcome: Misplaced 26-20 (OT) to Detroit Lions.
Response: Fear.
The Rams displayed admirable fortitude in spite of coping with rampant accidents alongside their offensive sequence and nearest at receiver. 2d-year professional Puka Nacua reaggravated a proper knee shock in the second one quarter and is now on injured stock, that means he’ll pass over a minimum of the upcoming 4 video games. In spite of having to plug backups into key roles, the Rams remained within the recreation and rallied to whip a fourth-quarter manage earlier than shedding in additional time.
Sean McVay at all times has his crew well-prepared, however this rash of early accidents is worrisome. Refuse Nacua for no less than the upcoming age will abate the Rams’ firepower, and a patchwork sequence will matter Matthew Stafford to a better chance of shock. Sunday evening, he looked as if it would time and again shake off ankle and again accidents. If wholesome, Stafford guarantees the Rams have a anticipation in opposition to as regards to any crew. But when they’re not able to conserve their quarterback wholesome, the season may just temporarily whip a flip for the more severe.
Detached, day by day NFL updates direct on your inbox.
Detached, day by day NFL updates direct on your inbox.
Signal Up
Unutilized York Giants
Outcome: Misplaced 28-6 to Minnesota Vikings.
Response: Fear.
It’s committing to be a protracted yr. Daniel Jones finished simply 22 of 42 passes for 186 yards, deny touchdowns and two interceptions (one returned for a landing). Combining Sunday’s trip with final season’s six video games, Jones has thrown simply two touchdowns and 8 interceptions since he signed that $140 million extension. It’ll be fascinating to look how for much longer Brian Daboll sticks with Jones earlier than giving Drew Lock a shot. If that leash is lengthy, the Giants rather well may well be having a look at 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 issues (till Tyrod Taylor directed a landing in rubbish presen) weren’t even essentially the most regarding components of the Jets’ loss. It’s how poorly the protection carried out.
Jets schoolmaster Robert Saleh understands Kyle Shanahan’s offense effectively, having coached in opposition to it all the way through their presen in combination in Houston and once more in San Francisco. Saleh is aware of each Shanahan tendency and, along side defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, must were in a position to organize the Jets accordingly. And but the 49ers gashed Unutilized York’s protection for 401 yards, 32 issues and 24 first downs. Christian McCaffrey’s extra, Jordan Mason, in a rush for 147 yards and a landing on 28 carries within the first get started of his occupation. The 49ers didn’t dedicate a unmarried handover and received the presen of ownership combat 38:40 to 21:20.
Life the offense can blame its gradual get started on Rodgers’ want for re-acclimation then an Achilles shock burnt up his 2023 season, what pardon 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 were given trounced. No longer at the identical degree.
Bucs defensive take on Vita Vea pressures Commanders QB Jayden Daniels in Sunday’s recreation. (Nathan Ray Seebeck / USA These days)
Outcome: Misplaced 37-20 to Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Response: Fear.
Jayden Daniels confirmed pledge date speeding for 88 yards and two touchdowns and passing for 184 yards on 17 of 24 makes an attempt. It’s a tiny regarding that he overlooked vast receiver Terry McLaurin on one deep shot and in a different way hooked up with him simply two times for 17 yards. A few of that, although, has to do with Kliff Kingsbury’s play games variety.
Extra regarding is that Washington’s protection now has fresh leaders in head schoolmaster Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., but exhibited many habitual struggles. The protection didn’t get stops on 3rd indisposed and had only one sack and deny takeaways date additionally enjoying poorly in move protection. Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield used to be in midseason method, passing for 289 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Rebuilding is a procedure, particularly when the footing is as shaky as Washington’s has been within the final two decades-plus. Any hopes for a fast turnaround really feel farfetched.
(Lead pictures of Joe Burrow and Brian Daboll: Jason Mowry and Ed Mulholland / Getty Pictures)
