THE WHISTLEBLOWER’S UPSHOTS
1. The Packers have immediate issues.
Green Bay successfully executed one of the worst offensive performances in the Aaron Rodgers-Matt LaFleur era. The Pack had ball possession twice in the first half and only scored three points. Meanwhile, the Saints scored 17. Aaron Rodgers threw two picks and newly crowned Saints starter Jameis Winston connected for five TDs with less than 200 yards passing. Overall, New Orleans performed well and the Pack needs to address some issues ASAP.
2. Jalen Hurts might be the real deal.
Much of the off-season conversation in the greater Philadelphia area focused on the ability of Jalen Hurts. However, after a stellar performance against a depleted Atlanta defense, Hurts is looking golden. Hurts threw for nearly 300 yards and ran for upwards of 50 yards. He also spread the ball around evenly tossing it to rookie DeVonta Smith, Jalen Reagor, and Zach Ertz. Philly is number 1 in the NFC East, we’ll have to see how the standing ages.
3. Dak Prescott is still an elite QB.
In the NFL 2021 season opener, the Dallas Cowboys didn’t shy away from Dak Prescott’s talents. Prescott, coming off a devastating ankle injury, was expected to play cautiously. However, unexpectantly, the Cowboys threw the ball, a lot. Dak threw for nearly 400 yards on 50+ attempts, while also throwing 4 TDs in a close loss to the Bucs. Prescott looked comfortable with his ankle and if he continues like this every week, Dallas may have some hope for this season.
4. The Cardinals can be serious contenders.
Kyler Murray looked like what Arizona hoped for when they selected him first overall in 2019. Murray tossed four TDs and ran for another. Deandre Hopkins was spectacular as usual and Christian Kirk appears to be heading towards a breakout season. On the defensive side, the Cards picked off Ryan Tannehill two times while Chandler Jones had a career game with five sacks and two forced fumbles. In a stocked NFC West, the House Of Cards can’t afford to crumble.
5. Mixed results from rookie NFL QBs.
All rookie QBs are flawed when they enter the NFL; however, some manage their shortcomings better than others. Trevor Lawerence (Jaguars), widely regarded as a generational talent, traversed plenty of up and down moments in his NFL debut. He did throw for 300+ yards and three touchdowns, but he also threw three interceptions. Zach Wilson (Jets) had a rough start against the Panthers with 6-18 passing and an interception but finished strong with two touchdowns in a loss to the Panthers. Trey Lance’s (49ers) one pass attempt resulted in a touchdown and ultimate victory over the Lions. The most impressive rookie QB of Week 1 is Mac Jones (Patriots). Jones passed for two touchdowns in a loss to the Dolphins, but managed to look like a veteran QB in his NFL debut.
