Week 1 of the NFL opened with several big wins, surprise performances and dramatic moments from both rookies and veterans.
Jacksonville dominated Cleveland 34-10, and the New York Jets picked up a 24-10 victory over Tennessee. Several first-year head coaches — including Baltimore’s Jesse Minter and Buffalo’s Joe Brady — also notched their initial wins on the sideline. The opening weekend delivered everything from startling injury updates on key players to rousing postgame celebrations.
Ravens may be short a pair of receivers after beating the Colts
Rookie Ja’Kobi Lane and newly extended Zay Flowers both left Baltimore’s game early with injuries. Lane exited with a right wrist issue; his first NFL outing ended after three targets, one catch for 11 yards, and a would-be touchdown wiped out by a penalty. Flowers, who had missed practice time recently with an aggravating hamstring issue, started the game strong (five catches for 150 yards and a touchdown) but was ultimately ruled out after the hamstring flared up. Baltimore’s 41-23 win sends them into Week 2 at home against New Orleans.
Kyler Murray suffers concussion in Vikings debut
Making his first start for Minnesota, Kyler Murray was hurt when he dove head-first attempting to gain a first down and took helmet contact from two Green Bay defenders. He was evaluated and ruled out with a concussion, paving the way for backup Carson Wentz to take over. Murray had won the starting job in training camp, but his absence hands Wentz more playing time and prolongs the Vikings’ quarterback competition.
Todd Monken responds after Browns’ blowout loss
Cleveland managed its first touchdown in the final two minutes of a 34-10 loss at Jacksonville. Head coach Todd Monken was blunt in the postgame, saying they won’t make rash personnel moves but that everything — players and coaching — will be evaluated because they “didn’t play good enough” and “didn’t coach well enough.” Deshaun Watson completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards with one touchdown and one interception and was sacked five times. The Browns travel to Tampa Bay next.
Joe Brady celebrates first win — shirtless
Buffalo’s Joe Brady celebrated his first NFL victory in memorable fashion after the Bills’ 36-31 win over Houston, removing his shirt during a passionate postgame address. Josh Allen threw for 334 yards and two touchdowns, while newcomers DJ Moore (5 catches, 100 yards, 1 TD) and Dalton Kincaid (5 catches, 130 yards) provided big passing-game production. The Bills will host the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football in their first home game at the renovated Highmark Stadium.
Aaron Glenn’s Jets deliver and inspire
Entering Year 2 under Aaron Glenn, the Jets combined a steady offense and stout defense in the win over the Titans. Geno Smith went 19-of-24 for 215 yards, Breece Hall rushed 22 times for 102 yards and a touchdown, and Garrett Wilson caught six passes for 73 yards. New York’s defense recorded three sacks and four tackles for loss, holding Tennessee to 10 points, and Glenn capped the night with an emotional locker-room speech.
Fan Take: Early injuries to playmakers like Zay Flowers and Kyler Murray’s concussion can quickly alter team trajectories and the QB picture around the league, making medical updates as consequential as game results. At the same time, energetic coaching moments and breakout performances — from Brady’s shirtless celebration to new pass-catchers producing right away — hint at shifting team identities and add intrigue to the race for division control.
Source: www.foxsports.com
