5 Things We Learned Around the NFL in Week 1
Josh Frey
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Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season is officially in the books.
There were a few wild outcomes from this first week of action, and it may be difficult to know what should be considered real heading into Week 2.
As the second week of games approaches, here are 5 things we learned from Week 1 of the NFL season.
The Jets Are Still Good Even Without Aaron Rodgers
The major development from Week 1 was Aaron Rodgers’ potential Achilles injury suffered in his first regular season drive with the New York Jets. It’s a brutal turn of events for a team that had Super Bowl hopes coming into the year.
However, the Jets proved on Monday night that they can be competitive regardless of their QB situation. Breece Hall is a star at the running back position, and their defense had Buffalo in fits all night long. They made a key stop to begin the OT period, and a punt return TD walked it off. This team will still be a handful for anyone this year.
Home Teams Struggle
Week 1 brings all sorts of wild outcomes across the NFL every year. This year, Week 1 saw many home teams struggle as this group went just 6-10.
One of the 10 teams that lost at home was the Minnesota Vikings, who fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. So, if there are any Vikings fans looking to bring a “glass half-full” mindset into Week 2, this may be the way to go. Minnesota simply fell into the trend across the league.
Not So Fast on the Rams “Tank”
After departures from key pieces on the defensive side of the ball, many expected the Rams to take a step back this year. However, Sean McVay once again proved why he is considered one of the best coaches in football with a dominant second half against the Seattle Seahawks as LA won the season opener, 30-13.
Both Tutu Atwell and Puca Nacua totaled 119 receiving yards, and once Cooper Kupp returns to the lineup, Los Angeles has a nice trio of pass-catchers for Matthew Stafford to throw to. As long as health remains on their side, the Rams could be back in business.
The Packers May Have Done It Again
After trading Rodgers to the Jets, the Green Bay Packers headed into the 2023 season with Jordan Love as their starting QB. In his first game as the full-time starter, fans of both the Chicago Bears and Packers were treated to a familiar sight: a Packers QB rifling passes all over Chicago’s defense.
Love completed just 15-of-27 passes, but he finished the game with a Rodgers-esque line of 242 yards, 3 TDs, and no turnovers as the Packers steamrolled their way to a 38-20 victory over their division rivals. Green Bay may have hit on yet another QB.
Cowboys Look Legit
A few questions circulated around the Cowboys offense heading into 2023 after Kellen Moore left the team’s offensive coordinator position. This left the playcalling duties in the hands of head coach Mike McCarthy.
However, if Week 1 indicated anything, it’s that this Dallas team is a legitimate contender this year. They stomped all over the New York Giants on Sunday night, running away with a 40-0 dominant victory. Tony Pollard rushed for a pair of TDs, and the Cowboys defense completely dominated the trenches.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.