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The first week of the NFL season is in the books, and while there was a considerable thinning of the Survivor league herds, the storylines abounded to take away headlines regarding a certain dead monarch. With that said, here are the top 5 storylines, as I see them at least, from the opening week of the NFL season.
5) Philadelphia is officially for real
By officially, I am referring to our favorite referees, current odds in relevant sports books. The world just looks a bit cleaner in Philly with A.J. Brown as the #1 receiver, allowing Devonta Smith to slide into the #2 slot just that much more dangerous, and making Jalen Hurts that much more of a dual threat as he progresses to his 3rd season as the Eagles starting QB. It is, of course, too early to declare Hurts as the long-term plan at quarterback, but even if he isn't, the offensive side of the ball would certainly draw interest from just about anybody looking for a new home. The Eagles may want to brush up a bit on the defensive side of the ball, but I don't think they will be the only ones dealt a close game by the new-look Lions this season.
4) Minnesota looks legit with Kevin O'Connell as their head coach
Mike Zimmer is one of the top defensive minds in football, but sometimes you need be a bit of a cheerleader as well as a play-caller, and Kevin O'Connell looks to fill that role to a T. For the first time in a long time, Kirk Cousins seems to be happy and respected for what he brings to the table, rather than having his deficiencies pointed out, and the way the Vikings are utilizing WR Justin Jefferson should frighten the rest of the NFC North. Jefferson was moved around considerably in different formations on Sunday, and really could have had 300 yards receiving if Aaron Rodgers and the Packers had put up more of a fight. Zadariuous Smith also looked to fit in perfectly on the defense, and makes Minnesota look very dangerous, at least to start the season.
3) Stick a fork in the Dallas Cowboys
I happened to come across a recent podcast, elaborating in great detail how the Cowboys were going to dominate the Bucs (*cough cough*), but even prior to that game, I really wasn't sitting there sweating out how my Bucs were going to end up. While I do think the Bucs have a talented team with some areas that need to be monitored going forward, I am going to paraphrase Hans Gruber from Die Hard, when I say "if you are looking for a miracle, gentlemen, I give you the Cowboys offense" As best as I can remember, the $20 million dollar wonder that is Zeke Elliott wasn't setting the NFL on fire last year, so why the fans thought he would light up the Bucs is a bit of a mystery (though he did average 5 ypc this game, and for some reason the Cowboys seemed to forget about him as the game went on). The Cowboys had CeeDee Lamb at WR, and a bunch of future Uber drivers running routes, and while TE Daulton Schultz did his part, I am wondering just where the thought that Dak was going to drive his team when the ballgame was on the line exactly came from, especially with Mike McCarthy still wearing headphones on the sideline. Also...have to wonder...why would Jerry NOT put Dak on the IR with a broke thumb? Even the most optimistic scenario would have Dak out 3 weeks, risking the rest of his season...for what? Yes, that 4th game is against the Eagles and yes, it might actually have playoff implications, but losing a roster spot for those 3 weeks before then, and then risking your entire season by trying to rush Dak back too soon smells of desperation. Wonder just what Sean Payton is requesting his agent to demand when negotiating THAT contract.
2) Sometimes...trades work out for both teams
The Chiefs traded WR Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins for a bunch of picks and....both teams were smiling at the end of the game. Tyreek with Waddle looked very efficient, giving Tua targets that got open, and made Tua look legitimate. In Miami, having the overpaid WR paid dividends. In Kansas City, Mahomes literally destroyed the Arizona offense by distributing the ball fairly evenly amongst a WR corp that looked legitimate. In Kansas City, having a highly paid QB paid dividends. While KC couldn't afford to pay both, the got back picks and money to attract players who fit in and with draft capital to keep their salary cap in check, while Miami looks legitimate in the tough AFC East.
1) Buffalo looks scary good
QB Josh Allen looks like a robocop version of Tom Brady out there, and the defense of the Bills rotated 8 guys on the defensive line, and didn't seem to lose a step with any of them. Look, it's a long season, and you have to keep expectations in check, but the team we saw last Thursday was even better than the team who was the preseason favorite to win the Super Bowl per Vegas. Of course, Buffalo has to overcome their arch nemesis in Kansas City, and of course, it won't be an earth-shattering upset if the Chiefs beat the Bills in the playoffs but....Buffalo has got to be the favorites to be the top seed in the AFC, and beating these Bills on the road will definitely be tougher than last year, provided Josh Allen is healthy.
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