Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season did not disappoint as we saw several storylines unfold and rookies take the field. Let’s dive into the 32 things we learned from the opening week of action.
First and foremost, this season was always going to be about the rookie quarterbacks, with six of them taken in the top 12 picks of the draft. Three of them – Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Bo Nix – started on Sunday, marking a rare occurrence where so many rookie passers were under center for Week 1. While none of them had spectacular debuts, they have plenty of time to iron out their mistakes and grow into their roles.
The rookie quarterbacks were not the only ones making headlines in Week 1. Fifteen passers selected between Derek Carr and Caleb Williams started their games with a combined record of 0-14-1, showcasing the challenges that come with being a young quarterback in the NFL.
Furthermore, 10 teams had different starting quarterbacks compared to the previous season’s openers, with four of them coming out victorious. It goes to show that the quarterback carousel is always spinning in the NFL, and teams are not afraid to shake things up to find success.
One of the most disappointing rookie debuts came from Arizona Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr., who only managed to gain yards on one reception. It’s a tough start for the young receiver, but he will have plenty of opportunities to bounce back as the season progresses.
In a surprising turn of events, New England Patriots rookie head coach Jerod Mayo, a former player under the legendary Bill Belichick, kicked off his coaching career with a win against the Cincinnati Bengals. Mayo now boasts a better winning percentage than his former mentor, even if it may only be temporary.
On the field, Cincinnati Bengals rookie punter Ryan Rehkow stole the show with his impressive performance, averaging 64.5 yards on his first four NFL punts, including an 80-yard bomb. The young punter showed poise and skill beyond his years, making a mark in his NFL debut.
However, not all rookies had a stellar start to the season. Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne’s costly fumble in the third quarter, with his team on the verge of extending their lead, proved to be a pivotal moment in the game. Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill capitalized on the turnover by scoring an 80-yard touchdown on the next play, swinging the momentum in favor of the Dolphins, who went on to win with a last-second field goal.
All in all, Week 1 gave us a glimpse of what’s to come in the 2024 NFL season, with rookies making their mark and veterans showcasing their skills. As the season progresses, we can expect more surprises, upsets, and memorable performances from players across the league. Stay tuned for more action-packed games in the weeks to come.