NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season is in the books, and as most of us expected, nothing was going to go smoothly. Contenders stumbled out of the gate, and pretenders came out on top. That has always been the beauty of the opening week. There were a few teams that stood out, and some players who would want a do-over. But one thing was clear: the NFL did an awesome job of scheduling to open the season.
Here are a few things I took away from Week 1.
Aaron Rodgers Can Still Play
Rodgers takes a lot of heat, some of which is self-inflicted. With the Jets last season, it appeared that his armor had cracks in it. The man is 42 years old. But against the Jets, the new Steelers QB had a throwback game of sorts. If the Steelers can find a solid ground game to take some pressure off Rodgers, he can write another chapter in his Hall of Fame career.
The Cowboys Will Be Just Fine
Yes, Micah Parsons is gone, but the Cowboys are not as bad as many think. Despite it being just the first game of the season, the run defense they struggled with last season seemed to come to life against the Eagles. If CeeDee Lamb pulled down a few passes, this is a different conversation. Remember, it was the injuries that hurt them last season.
Russell Wilson Has To Week 3, Maybe
The NFL Preseason is a time when starters rest, and unknown players and rookies get some shine. For the Giants, they got a good look at rookie QB Jaxson Dart, and he looked solid. In the first game of the season, Russell Wilson stumbled at times, and the Giants can’t afford to keep that up.
Don’t Sleep On The Raiders
The Patriots were a team many picked to contend for a playoff spot this year, and the Raiders made them look like the Raiders of the past few seasons. They have the offense to be contenders, and if their defense can keep up the intensity, the AFC West will be entertaining.
Something Is Wrong In Miami
The Dolphins have entirely too much talent on both sides of the ball to be losing to a team like the Indianapolis Colts, led by Daniel Jones at that. Is it time for a new voice in the locker room? Something has to give here. If this were a Week 1 blip, then we may be a bit more understanding. However, this has been going on for the past 2 seasons.
Chargers Ready To Take Over?
At some point, the Chiefs will have to give up their hold on the NFL’s AFC West crown. And many believe this season is the one where it will happen. The Chargers are primed for the takeover, and their Week 1 win was just the springboard they needed. However, was it the play of the Chargers or too many injuries and suspensions for the Chiefs to overcome?
Great Offense But That Defense
No one will argue that the Bills and Ravens game was the best of Week 1. And while both teams are regarded as Super Bowl favorites coming out of the AFC, they both must work on their defense. Yes, the Bills are stacked on offense, and so are the Ravens, but no one wanted to make a stop. Defense wins championships, and in Week 1, neither team showed they wanted it.
Williams And McCarthy Will Be Okay
They are the young guys in the NFC North, but after what transpired Monday night, it’s clear that both QBs will be okay moving forward. Growing pains will come. Ben Johnson will turn Williams into a gunslinger, and KOC will have McCarthy in full control. They both displayed grit, and the future looks bright.
Are We Still Stuck On Stats?
If you play Fantasy Football, stats are your best friend. However, if you play football, winning is your best friend. Pick your route and stick to it. It was mentioned that Joe Burrow struggled in Week 1, and yet, they walked away with a win in a divisional game. Michael Penix Jr passed for almost 300 yards and still lost. Derrick Henry rushed for almost 200 yards and still lost. Take the wins and leave the stats alone if you love Football.
It’s Just Week 1 In The NFL
At the end of it all, all this could mean absolutely nothing. It’s just Week 1. There is still a ton of football left to be played, and all the teams that won could fall flat on their faces, and all the teams that lost could go on one hell of a run. Players who struggled could find their groove, and those who surpassed expectations could fall back to earth.
