NFL Week 1 takeaways: Chiefs look just fine without Tyreek Hill

Week one of the 2022 NFL season is officially in the books, and there is an abundance of storylines to react to.

The San Francisco 49ers fell to the Chicago Bears 19-10 in hindering elements, as Trey Lance struggled going 13-of-28 passing for 164 yards and an interception. Meanwhile, Justin Fields overcame the field conditions, putrid offensive-line play, and lack of weapons in a winning effort. Yes, the 49ers have more talent than the Bears. Yes, Lance has a better coach and plays for a functional franchise, but we were expecting it to take time for Lance to find his footing this season.

There are going to be bumps and bruises throughout the season. In normal circumstances where the field is not covered in water, we may have seen a different result.

NFL Week 1 takeaways: Trey Lance struggles, but don’t overreact

Unlike Fields, Lance is very raw and needs much more to improve on in his game. Losing to Chicago is not a good look, but it’s week one and, as stated earlier, the elements and circumstances do not help out a quarterback who is not polished.

However, there were some positives to take from this game from Lance’s perspective. Besides taking unnecessary hits and staring down reads from time to time, Lance made a couple of impressive throws. One that comes to mind is Lance’s completion to Brandon Aiyuk on a crossing route. The 22-year-old quarterback showed the ability to throw the ball with accuracy and touch, as he completed a throw over the second level of the defense and between two defenders in the process.

Another throw Lance made was a 44-yard pass to Jauan Jennings down the left sideline in the third quarter. On the play, the high safety drifts to the right side of the field, leaving extra space for Lance to anticipate the open space down the left sideline. As much as people want to praise Jimmy Garoppolo for what he has done, these are two throws Garoppolo is not capable of making, much less attempting.

Nonetheless, you would like to see Lance throw the ball more consistently, but that will come with time and experience on the field. What is encouraging is that there is evidence that Lance can make special throws when he has his mechanics right. It just needs to be seen on a regular basis. That will come as the season progresses. We will know much more about Lance’s development after week two against Seattle. Until then, I am not going to make any quick judgments on the second-year quarterback.