As the NFL season kicked off with a bang, it was a week of unexpected outcomes and surprising performances from some of the league’s top quarterbacks. From Patrick Mahomes to Lamar Jackson, no one was exempt from making mistakes or struggling to find their rhythm on the field.
Mahomes, known for his explosive plays, only managed to throw a single touchdown pass in a rare display of restraint. This was just the second time since 2020 that he had such a low touchdown count in a September game, signaling a slow start to the season for the star quarterback. Meanwhile, Josh Allen had to dig deep to overcome a 14-point deficit at home, showcasing his resilience in the face of adversity. And even Lamar Jackson, usually a clutch performer, missed three critical throws in the closing moments of a nail-biter.
The week also saw some unexpected losses for promising young quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence. Burrow fell to the Patriots after a costly fumble on the goal line by Tanner Hudson, while Lawrence’s debut ended in defeat after Travis Etienne’s fumble in a crucial moment. However, Caleb Williams managed to secure a win despite posting the fewest passing yards among Week 1 starters, thanks to the Bears’ special teams unit stepping up with a punt block and interception return for scores.
Moving onto the biggest movers in the rankings, players like Gardner Minshew, Jacoby Brissett, Sam Darnold, and Derek Carr made significant jumps this week. However, the spotlight shone on Baker Mayfield, who catapulted five spots after a standout performance against the Commanders. Mayfield’s precision passing and four touchdown throws showcased his command of the offense and hinted at a bright future for the Browns.
Amidst the ups and downs of the quarterback landscape, a familiar face made a return to the field. Despite a rocky start, Levis showed glimpses of potential before faltering in the second half. His interception returned for a touchdown was a low point of Week 1, highlighting the need for composure under pressure. On the other hand, Cousins faced a tough test in his first game back from injury and with a new team. Although he struggled against the Steelers’ formidable defense, there’s confidence that he will bounce back and regain his standing in the rankings with time.
In the ever-evolving world of NFL quarterback play, Week 1 provided a mix of surprises, setbacks, and standout performances. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how these signal-callers adapt and rise to the challenges that lie ahead.
