Hello, NFL fans! Football nerd Cory Woodroof here.
I’d like to welcome you into The Film Session, a new recap of the week in the NFL that will be published every Tuesday here on the site. I’ll always offer you 10 of my takeaways from the week, go over the power rankings and give my player of the week. Also, I’ll highlight five games that have me excited for the week ahead. Shall we begin?
Week one in the NFL is always one of the sports’ best times, but it’s also one of the worst times to be gauging a team’s future success (or lack-thereof). Think back to last year. Could any of us predict that, after week one, the Chiefs were back in business? How about that the Texans were on track to pick number one in the 2014 draft?
We may get small hints of this and that, but there’s still a long season ahead. So, if your team won a big one, congrats, but don’t get too comfortable. And, if your team is struggling, don’t lose hope. The best coaches can always make adjustments and get their teams back to business. This week, a few teams got back to playing like they’re known for playing, a few surprise teams handed defeats to some of the league’s best and Peyton Manning was Peyton Manning. Here are my top 10 takeaways from the first week of the season.
- If there’s such a thing as the “Super Bowl Slump,” don’t tell the Seattle Seahawks. In a complete home field pummeling of the Green Bay Packers, the reigning champions proved to the rest of the league that they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. The offense looks even better than before, large in part to the continued growth of QB Russell Wilson and the permanent fixture of WR Percy Harvin in Seattle’s offense. Harvin, who can catch like the best of them and run a mean sweep out of the backfield, missed a majority of last season due to injury, but now that he’s ready to go, look for Seattle to get creative with his skillset. Also, any defense that can hold QB Aaron Rodgers to less than 200 yards in the air and one strike to the end zone deserves a little bit of credit. Seattle’s highly-respected defense has always been the marquee attraction in the “Legion of Boom” days, but this year, the team’s potentially explosive O could make this team the scariest NFL group in years. I’m guessing any team playing Seattle at home this season is probably not counting down the days.
- After a 4-12 collapse last season, the Atlanta Falcons sure didn’t look like the mediocre squad that 2013 showed us. The team’s efforts to beef up the offensive and defensive lines proved successful, as the team won a tight 37-34 game over their archrivals, the Saints, at home. QB Matt Ryan had a career and franchise day, throwing for 448 yards and three TDs. Having a fully healthy receiving core probably helped. With free agent pickup Devin Hester looking to be a major factor and second-year TE Levine Toilolo looking capable to pick up some of retired TE Tony Gonzalez’s catches, the Falcons have somehow managed to grow their terrifying passing game (did we mention that Julio Jones is back to full speed?) Add in the team’s best o-line in years (FA acquisition Gabe Carimi and third year man Lamar Holmes provided solid protection at the tackle positions after 2013 first rounder Jake Matthews left with an ankle injury) and a deep core at running back (Steven Jackson, JacQuizz Rodgers, Devonta Freeman and Antone Smith all had big moments) and the Falcons’ O could regain their role as one of the league’s top units.
- Speaking of rejuvenated offenses, the Detroit Lions sure look to be back in business under first year head coach Jim Caldwell with a win against the Giants on Monday night. QB Matthew Stafford had a phenomenal day, throwing for 346 yards and two TDs. Calvin Johnson continued to prove why he’s the best at what he does with seven receptions for 164 yards and two TDs. New Lion Golden Tate also made an impact with 93 yards of his own. The Lions O is stacked with toys for Stafford to play with (RB Reggie Bush looks to do damage in both the air and on the ground), and if this team can recapture this momentum for the next 15 games, the Lions could have a special, special offense this season.
- How did the Dolphins beat the Patriots? No, seriously, how did the Dolphins beat the Patriots? Miami earned a major home win against divisional foe New England, showing that the Dolphins might look to be competitive this season. Even with TE Rob Gronkowski back in the equation, the Pats’ offense was held to 20 points – a rather uncharacteristic stat for QB Tom Brady and company. Not to mention, the Dolphins scored 33 points on what was supposed to be an upgraded NE defense. It’s too early to tell, but Miami might be legitimate. Can QB Ryan Tannehill and the rest of these rising Dolphins be the shocking team of 2014?
- Even with QB Cam Newton on the sideline, the Derek Anderson-led Panthers traveled down to Tampa Bay and won a close game against the Bucs. Many thought the Panthers might take a step back this season after a surprise surge in 2013, but Carolina did everything to prove that idea wrong. Their defense held Tampa Bay in check, and rookie WR Kelvin Benjamin looks to have an impact in their offensive game plan. Once Cam comes back from injury, the Panthers will be even more dangerous. It seems that the Panthers won’t be taking too far of a step back.
- The Tennessee Titans had another one of the week’s shocking wins, beating the Kansas City Chiefs in KC. The team held star RB Jamaal Charles to 19 yards (QB Alex Smith rushed for more), and the Titans’ offense put on 26 points against the Chiefs’ defense (a good portion of those coming from the foot of former Chief Ryan Succop). Titans QB Jake Locker, when healthy, navigated the Titans to some early-season success last year, and he looks to be ready to do the same this season. The Titans o-line kept Locker upright, allowing him to make things happen. WR Justin Hunter also looks to be primed for big things in Tennessee’s passing game. Will the Titans join the Dolphins as one of the year’s surprise teams?
- It’s a bad time to be in the NFC East. The Eagles almost blew it against the Jaguars at home, the Giants lost a bad one to the Lions in primetime, Washington couldn’t get a win against the Texans and the Cowboys got blasted by the 49ers at home. Philadelphia was the only team to emerge from the week with a victory, but even then, the Eagles should have never been in the position that they were in. It’s still a long season to go, but the NFC East has the chance of being the league’s worst by year’s end.
- Speaking of the Jaguars, UDFA WR Allen Hurns introduced himself to the world Sunday with a 110 yard, two TD performance against the Eagles. Hurns’s emergence was easily the best thing to come out of the Jags’ loss to Philly, but if somehow, Jacksonville is able to play for two halves like they did Sunday, we could be looking at a growing team here. The QB situation is still murky (especially with Chad Henne looking as good as he did and Bortles still responsible for a stellar pre-season), and the second-half collapse is disheartening, but the Jacksonville Jaguars haven’t been formidable for quite some time. It looks like the tides are turning down in Jacksonville.
- Of all the teams that shouldn’t be panicking right now after a week one loss, it’s the Indianapolis Colts. Sure, losing isn’t fun, but the team nearly pulled off an improbable comeback over the Denver Broncos in Denver. Peyton Manning’s red-hot offense cooled down in the second half after the Indy D started to apply more pressure, and QB Andrew Luck still looks to be the comeback king of the NFL. Losing LB Robert Mathis for the season isn’t going to do the team any favors (yet another Achilles injury – a scary trend that’s rising in the league), but as long as Luck is behind center, this team can win. Also, for the Broncos, Peyton is still Peyton. The slower second half is unlike the team, but don’t expect to be a regular occurrence.
- Are the Vikings legit? The team put up a massive road win over the Rams (who, in fairness, aren’t exactly in the best spot with their quarterback situation). But, despite this, Minnesota has plenty to be happy about. WR Cordarrelle Patterson is just as much of a threat running the ball as he is catching it, rushing for 102 yards on three carries. RB Adrian Peterson did his typical work with 75 yards on 21 carries. New head coach Mike Zimmer also has to be happy with the team’s defense, who effectively shut down any chance of St. Louis doing much on offense, outside of letting WR Brian Quick going for 99 yards in the air. Minnesota still has a lot to prove (QB Teddy Bridgewater still remains a possibility to start), but their opening win should encourage fans.
WOODY’S POWER RANKINGS
32. St. Louis Rams (0-1)
The Rams got hammered at home by the Vikings, and with QB Shaun Hill potentially missing time with an injury, that leaves Austin Davis and Case Keenum as the potential starters. The run game is going to have to step it up. Also, what happened to the Rams’ staunch defense? The unit allowed for 34 points from a Minnesota offense who should have been held to far less with the talent the Rams have with their front seven.
31. Oakland Raiders (0-1)
It’s all about baby steps for rookie QB Derek Carr. The new signal caller had two touchdowns in his debut, but he wasn’t able to get the Raiders to a road win over the Jets. Another road game against Houston awaits. Can Carr continue to grow against his brother’s old team?
30. Dallas Cowboys (0-1)
The Cowboys had a goose-egg of a performance against San Francisco at home in a game some pundits thought Dallas could win. QB Tony Romo is still far-too maligned, but he didn’t look good in his season debut, throwing for three interceptions. However, new LB Rolando McClain had eight tackles, so there had to be some good feelings there.
29. Washington (0-1)
The jury is still out on how QB Robert Griffin III will work in new coach Jay Gruden’s offense, as the team only scored a rushing touchdown (and had the kick blocked) against the Texans. Can Washington get it going?
28. New York Giants (0-1)
I like the Giants, and I like Eli Manning. But, losing to the Lions showed their offense to be an anemic unit. And, the Giants defense had no answer for Calvin Johnson. It’s early, but the Giants need to step it up to compete in a tough NFC this year.
27. Cleveland Browns (0-1)
New head coach Mike Pettine isn’t about moral victories, but the Browns showed moxie and nearly came back to defeat Pittsburgh. QB Bryan Hoyer looks like he will be keeping QB Johnny Manziel on the bench for a little while.
26. Houston Texans (1-0)
The Texans got a win against Washington, but the team loses 2014 top pick Jadeveon Clowney for a little over a month with a torn meniscus. Still, there are positives here after last year’s doomed season.
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1)
The Bucs have a plethora of talent on both sides of the ball, but it may take some time for new coach Lovie Smith to get his new team going after losing to a Cam Newton-less Panthers at home.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)
The Jags’ hot start against the Eagles makes you think they could be on the rise, but the later collapse makes you think there’s still work to be done to make Jacksonville a contender.
23. Kansas City Chiefs (0-1)
I’m not ready to say the Chiefs are back to their stinky old ways, but a home loss to the Titans doesn’t encourage much hope. The team also suffered some key injuries. Can their offense get it going?
22. New York Jets (1-0)
A win against the Raiders at home may not say too much, but a win’s a win. QB Geno Smith has a lot riding on him this season.
21. Buffalo Bills (1-0)
The Bills got a big win over the Bears and are under new ownership. Is this the beginning of a solid season for second-year QB E.J. Manuel?
20. Chicago Bears (0-1)
A close loss to the Bills and injuries to WRs Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery put a damper on the Bears’ parade. Will a trip to San Francisco prove more successful?
19. Minnesota Vikings (1-0)
A win against the Rams on the road is a good start, but higher competition will test the Vikings to see who they really are. WR Cordarrelle Patterson continues to impress.
18. Baltimore Ravens (0-1)
The Ravens lost a close one at home to the Bengals, but there are questions with the offense. With RB Ray Rice gone, who runs the ball?
17. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)
The Steelers looked good against the Browns until a major comeback nearly had Cleveland winning. Pittsburgh still looks to be working out some kinks.
16. Miami Dolphins (1-0)
A big win against New England puts the Dolphins back in the conversation. Was it just a one-time occurrence or is Miami going to surprise?
15. Tennessee Titans (1-0)
The Titans gave the Chiefs a loss at home to open the season. A lot depends on if QB Jake Locker stays healthy, but if he does, can this team use its high-powered offense to make waves in the AFC?
14. Carolina Panthers (1-0)
The team can win with a backup QB in play, but how were the Bucs as a gauge for success? A home game against Detroit should prove to be more telling, especially if Carolina QB Cam Newton plays.
13. San Diego Chargers (0-1)
The Chargers dropped a close one against the Cardinals, but there’s still enough here to suggest the Chargers will weather this one and be okay. A home game against Seattle looms, though.
12. Detroit Lions (1-0)
The Lions looked solid in their first game under new HC Jim Caldwell. Can they sustain success all season? Matthew Stafford and their offense has a chance to be great.
11. Green Bay Packers (0-1)
The Pack started the year out on a bad note with a loss to powerhouse Seattle, but surely they’ll get it going with Aaron Rodgers still slinging the passes. The o-line has its questions.
10. New England Patriots (0-1)
Sure, the Pats’ loss to the Dolphins doesn’t look great, but New England is still New England. HC Bill Belichick won’t let this happen again.
9. Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)
The Eagles nearly lost a bad one to Jacksonville, but QB Nick Foles finally got it going. They’re in a weak division, but the rest of the NFC won’t be as kind. Time to get back to last year’s explosive ways.
8. Arizona Cardinals (1-0)
The Cardinals rallied back to beat a good Chargers team. Is this the year WR Michael Floyd finally emerges to give the team a two-headed passing monster?
7. Indianapolis Colts (0-1)
Losing to the Broncos at home is nothing to be ashamed of these days, and the Colts still have Andrew Luck. They’ll be fine.
6. San Francisco 49ers (1-0)
The Niners got an easy one on the road against a struggling Dallas. The real test comes with a week two home matchup against the Bears. QB Colin Kaepernick did look good after a rough pre-season.
5. New Orleans Saints (0-1)
Losing to Atlanta on the road isn’t the way the Saints wanted to start the year, but there were a lot of positives. Rookie WR Brandin Cooks looks to be the real deal, and the team’s multi-faceted rushing attack only makes their offense that much scarier.
4. Atlanta Falcons (1-0)
Matt Ryan’s career day came at the right time. Atlanta’s offense looked unstoppable once they got going, and their defense had some big stops against the Saints.
3. Cincinnati Bengals (1-0)
The Bengals got a hard-fought road win against Baltimore, and with WR A.J. Green playing at the level he is and their defense being what it is, the Bengals will be a tough out this year.
2. Denver Broncos (1-0)
QB Peyton Manning and friends looked like their old selves on offense for the first half against the Colts. The second half was a different story, but it’ll be surprising to see that happen again this year.
1. Seattle Seahawks (1-0)
Can anyone beat Seattle this season? Their win against Green Bay, a great team in their own right, proved that playing the team at home this season might be too much for the rest of the NFL.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: QB Matt Ryan (Falcons)
Ryan had a career day, sparking the Falcons’ gifted offense and leading the team to victory.
5 Games to Watch in Week 2
Atlanta Falcons @ Cincinnati Bengals (Sunday afternoon)
The red-hot Falcons will travel up to Cincy to play the staunch Bengals, fresh off a road win against Baltimore. Can the Falcons muster up enough defense to slow down Andy Dalton and A.J. Green?
Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills (Sunday afternoon)
This shouldn’t be that interesting of a game, yet here we are. One of these teams will leave this one 2-0. The Dolphins got a nice performance from DE Cameron Wake against the Pats, so Wake must try to intimidate E.J. Manuel and the Bills, who are likely feeling solid after defeating the Bears.
Seattle Seahawks @ San Diego Chargers (Sunday afternoon)
The Seahawks must prove they can dominate on the road against a talented Chargers. Can QB Philip Rivers and company get their first win of the season? It’d be big for the team if they did.
Chicago Bears @ San Francisco 49ers (Sunday night)
The Bears got a lot of pre-season love, but a week one loss to the Bills will make them hungry for a win (and not wanting to fall to 0-2 on the season). The Niners gave the Cowboys a hard time on the road, but can they break in their new stadium in the regular season with a win?
Philadelphia Eagles @ Indianapolis Colts (Monday night)
The Colts will take on another primetime game, this one against the Eagles on Monday night. Can the Colts avoid falling for Philly’s offensive tricks? Andrew Luck needs to have a big game here.
Thanks for following along, everyone! See you back at The Film Session next Tuesday.