2014 NFL Week 1: Good, Bad, & Ugly
By Matt Reed
The opening weekend in the National Football League was exciting to say the least. Football is back everyone, and what we saw from Week 1 was one of the greatest opening weekends in quite some time. Two overtime games, the Jacksonville Jaguars leading the Philadelphia Eagles at halftime, and an intense Sunday night battle between Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck were just a few of the palpable moments. Now, here’s the good, the bad, and the ugly from Week 1 in the NFL:
The Good:
The Seattle Seahawks
It’s pretty clear that coach Pete Carroll’s boys are ready to make a run at another Super Bowl in 2014. Sure, they had the luxury of playing at the loudest stadium in the league, but they did play a talented Green Bay Packers squad. Marshawn Lynch showed us why he is Beast Mode. Quarterback Russell Wilson showcased his abilities time and time again, and his read option touchdown pass to Ricardo Lockette in the second quarter just showed how dangerous he is. Then, there is that defense. I can’t even mention one specific player because the unit as a whole was so good.
Matt Ryan
The New Orleans Saints don’t have the scariest defense ever, but they’re still good. Matt Ryan did his best Drew Brees impression, putting up 448 yards, along with 3 touchdowns, en route to defeating Brees’ Saints. The quarterback, nicknamed Matty Ice, spread the ball to eight different receivers, not looking back from the loss of retired tight end Tony Gonzalez. The biggest concern for the Falcons and Ryan in Week 1 was the loss of rookie left tackle Jake Matthews. Matthews left the game in the first half, following a left ankle injury.
Ben Roethlisberger
Since Todd Haley was brought in to coach Pittsburgh’s offense, questions have been raised over whether he and Roethlisberger click. Big Ben went out on Sunday and showed everyone that he’s still got it. Despite throwing a pick, Roethlisberger finished with 365 yards and a touchdown. This included leading his team down the field in the dying seconds, setting the Steelers up for a Shaun Suisham field goal, which won the game.
Mike Nugent
Normally kickers get much love, but come on, five field goals in one game? Cincinnati Bengals kicker Mike Nugent put his team up 15-0 at the half against division rival Baltimore. He hit from 49, 22, 28, 46, and 38 yards. Congratulations on your minute of fame Mr. Nugent.
New York Jets run game
The NFL is a passing league for most teams, but the New York Jets are not one of them yet. Geno Smith looks much improved in year 2, but the Jets still have Rex Ryan’s ground-and-pound mentality. New York put up a total of 212 rushing yards against the Oakland Raiders, the most by any team in the first weekend.