The 2024 NFL regular season kicked off with a mix of optimism and disappointment as 16 teams stumbled out of the gate with a defeat. Some teams like the Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Rams lost in narrow, heartbreaking fashion, while others like the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants delivered listless performances.
However, it’s important to remember that it’s a long season in the NFL. Some teams will bounce back and resume their Super Bowl quests, while others will take a step in the right direction even if their title hopes remain unrealistic. And then there are those teams that will struggle throughout the season and aim for a top draft slot.
Let’s take a closer look at the performances of two of the teams that suffered losses in Week 1:
🏈 Baltimore Ravens
- Result: Lost 27-20 to Kansas City Chiefs.
- Reaction: "Relax."
The Ravens may be disappointed after another loss to the Chiefs, but they have the potential to rebound in a big way in their upcoming game against the Raiders. Their prospects for contending for a top AFC playoff seed are still strong despite the early setback.
🏈 Cincinnati Bengals
- Result: Lost 16-10 to New England Patriots.
The Bengals have started the season with a 1-10 record in the first two weeks since Zac Taylor became coach in 2019. However, history has shown that they have the ability to roar back to contention as the season progresses. Can they do it again this year?
One team that showed promise despite their Week 1 loss is the Indianapolis Colts:
🏈 Indianapolis Colts
- Result: Lost to a tough division opponent, the Colts showed resilience in their performance against the Patriots.
- Reaction: "Be encouraged."
Second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson showcased his skills by passing for two touchdowns and rushing for another. Despite his impressive performance, Richardson still has room to grow and improve on his shorter to intermediate throws. The Colts played hard and displayed plenty of bright spots in their loss.
Overall, Week 1 may have been tough for these teams, but the season is far from over. It will be interesting to see how they bounce back in the upcoming weeks and whether they can turn their early disappointments into success down the road.
