*NFL WEEK 1 RECAP (2023 Season)

A new era has begun in the DMV area (DC, Maryland, and Virginia, for the confused). This week 1 home opening game was a complete sellout, the first one I can remember since the RGIII magical rookie season. The new Josh Harris ownership group seems to have revitalized and re-awaken a dormant sector of the Washington fan base. I, for one, am excited as hell for the future of this once glorious football franchise.

The Cardinals came to FedEx Field without Kyler Murray, missing some Offensive players. Still, their Defense is pretty good, and their new Head Coach, Jonathan Gannon, is a Defensive coach. So, I wasn’t surprised how effective Arizona was in keeping things close. Nevertheless, Sam Howell had an up-and-down game; he threw for 202 yards with 1 TD pass to Brian Robinson and rushed for another score. But there was a pick and a fumble. Clearly, Howell needs to continue to improve and get more comfortable as a starter. I would love to see Dyami Brown more involved in the Offense; the chemistry between Howell and Brown is exceptional from their college days.

The running game left much to be desired; Brian Robinson must start finding ways to break open some longer runs. Obviously, the O-Line has to play better for that to happen. Antonio Gibson needs to stop fumbling; it is becoming a problem. And Christian Rodriguez needs more carries.

As expected, the Defense was outstanding. The D-Line is playing with a new-found confidence and swagger. Especially since the secondary is way more stable than in previous years. The entire Defense will only improve as the season progresses, so I hope Chase Young can join them soon.

Next, we visit Denver — the Broncos have a solid Defense, which will be another tough test for this evolving Offense. Denver’s top CB, Patrick Surtain II, will have his hands full with Washington’s dynamic receiving group. Jerry Jeudy will be available for Denver; limiting Jeudy will be critical — So our Defense needs to contain Russell Wilson from getting loose. Additionally, Sean Payton knows Ron Rivera well from their days competing in the NFC South. Which means this game will be a close one. If Washington wants to contend this season, this is the type of game Washington needs to win. Advantage, Washington Commanders.

WASHINGTON 20 — CARDINALS 16

And for the rest of the league…..

EAGLES 25 — PATRIOTS 20
The Eagles went up 16-0 in the 1st quarter, which looked like a potential blowout. But in the 2nd quarter, New England rallied back with back-to-back TDs. Here is the thing: Philadelphia scored 1 TD on Offense, 1 Defensive TD, and 4 Field Goals to secure a tight win. The entire Philly Offense looked unimpressive, but their Defense will keep them within striking distance this season. Next, Philadelphia hosts Minnesota. Advantage, Philadelphia Eagles.

The Patriots fell behind early but gave Philly a run for their money. Bringing back Bill O’Brien was the right move for New England. Plus, the combination between Stevenson and Zeke is intriguing — the Offense seems to be heading in the right direction. Defensively, rookie CB Christian Gonzalez looks legit. This 2023 will be crucial for the future of Bill Belichick. Next, New England hosts Miami. Advantage, Miami Dolphins

COWBOYS 40 — NY GIANTS 0
The Cowboys are by far the luckiest team in the NFL. The Giants gave this game away in the 1st half, but to their credit, Dallas took advantage and never looked back. All in all, Dallas had 2 Defensive TDs, 2 Field Goals, and 3 rushing TDs — but the most important stat here is that Dak threw for 143 yards with 0 scores, which is very telling on how unremarkable this Offense might actually be. Next, Dallas hosts the NY Jets. Advantage, NY Jets.

What an embarrassing showing by the NY Giants. They were a playoff team last season and were supposed to be contenders this year. Collectively, they had nothing to show Offensively — All of their top Offensive weapons, like Saquon Barkley, Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, and Darren Waller were beyond ineffective. Brian Daboll’s decision to go all in with Daniel Jones might come back to haunt them. Next, the NY Giants visit Arizona. Advantage, Arizona Cardinals.

NY JETS 22 — BUFFALO 16
Man, losing Aaron Rodgers for the season is a tough break for the Jets. Meanwhile, Zach Wilson will be the starting QB. Still, the Jets must go out and get an experienced veteran QB. Some attractive QB options include Carson Wentz, Cam Newton, and Colt McCoy. The Jets are loaded with talent, and their Championship window is now open (for a short time). Next, the NY Jets visit Dallas. Advantage, NY Jets.

The Bills choked away a massive opportunity to put this game away, especially with Aaron Rodgers out of the game. Most significantly, Josh Allen had 3 picks and looked awful. This is a make-or-break season for the Bills. Next, Buffalo hosts Las Vegas. Advantage, Las Vegas Raiders.

49ERS 30 — STEELERS 7
The 49ers showed up and backed up all the high expectations surrounding them this ’23 football season. Kyle Shanahan dumping Trey Lance over Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold was a bold move, and it might be the reason why San Fran ends up at the Super Bowl this year. Next, San Francisco visits the LA Rams. Advantage, San Francisco 49ers.

The pundits picked the Steelers to go far this season (not by me). At a glance, it seems Kenny Pickett might be the answer at QB for Pittsburgh. However, they are a few pieces away from contending. Next, Pittsburgh hosts Cleveland. Advantage, Cleveland Browns.

RAMS 30 — SEAHAWKS 13
The Rams are in full rebuilding mode — Having said that, the Rams were impressive on week 1, delivering a surprising win over a Divisional rival. Matthew Stafford looked solid, throwing for over 300 yards and no picks. Also, Cam Akers and 2nd season Running Back Kyren Williams combined for 3 rushing TDs. This Rams team might be the surprise team this season. Next, the LA Rams host San Francisco. Advantage, San Francisco 49ers.

The Seahawks were the surprise playoff team of last season. Nevertheless, this Seattle team is still in rebuilding mode, and I don’t see much firepower from them. So, I don’t expect them to repeat this year. Next, Seattle visits Detroit. Advantage, Detroit Lions.

LIONS 21 — CHIEFS 20
The Lions shocked the NFL world and went home with a colossal win. Detroit has the weapons to go far this season and should be considered the favorite to win the NFC North. Next, Detroit hosts Seattle. Advantage, Detroit Lions.

The Chiefs opened the season at home without DT Chris Jones and TE Travis Kelce, both essential pieces to this team. Fortunately, Jones ended his holdout and should make a difference right away. Conversely, Kelce is still listed as limited. The defending Super Bowl Champs looked sloppy in week 1 and must address multiple issues in all areas. Next, Kansas City visits Jacksonville. Advantage, Kansas City Chiefs.

RAIDERS 17 — BRONCOS 16
The Jimmy G era in Vegas started great against a Divisional rival. This Raiders Offense with Jakobi Meyers, Davonte Adams, and Josh Jacobs should be a handful. Next, Las Vegas visits Buffalo. Advantage, Las Vegas Raiders.

The Sean Payton regime did not start well; Russel Wilson showed some improvement, but the rest of the Offense had an uninspired showing. The Broncos are a team to keep a close eye on this season. Next, Denver hosts Washington. Advantage, Washington Commanders.

PACKERS 38 — BEARS 20
The Jordan Love era started with a sound win over their historic Division rival, Chicago. Remarkably, Jordan Love threw for 245 yards with 3 TDs and no picks. It seems like the entire Packers team is rallying behind Love and happy to have finally moved away from Rodgers. Next, Green Bay visits Atlanta. Advantage, Green Bay Packers.

The Bears were hyped up as the team to beat in the NFC North this season. However, Chicago looked as mediocre as last year. Justin Fields needs better weapons, and rookie Head Coach Matt Eberflus might be a one-and-done coach. Next, Chicago visits Tampa Bay. Advantage, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

JAGUARS 31 — COLTS 21
The Jaguars had a notable Division-winning season last year. Primarily, Trevor Lawrence thrived under Doug Pederson’s tutelage. After the Urban Meyer debacle, Pederson did an incredible job turning this team around. So now the expectations are a bit higher for Jacksonville. Impressively, Jacksonville opened up their season by ending their 5-game losing streak at Division rival Indianapolis. Next, Jacksonville hosts Kansas City. Advantage, Kansas City Chiefs.

The Colts are an intriguing team this year; They are starting rookie QB Anthony Richardson (their number 4 overall pick), their star Running Back Jonathan Taylor is holding out, and they have a rookie Head Coach Shane Steichen. As a result, I do not expect much from Indy this year. Next, Indianapolis visits Houston. Advantage, Houston Texans.

DOLPHINS 36 — CHARGERS 34
The Dolphins put the entire league on notice with their awesome display of Offensive firepower. Tua had a fantastic game, throwing for 466 yards with 3 TDs and 1 pick. Also, Tyreek Hill had an epic game with 215 yards and 2 TDs. Miami should be the favorite to win the AFC East. Next, Miami visits New England. Advantage, Miami Dolphins.

The Chargers lost a tightly contested game. They went score to score with the Dolphins, but they ran out of time to keep up with Miami’s explosiveness. On the brighter side, the Chargers Rushing attack with Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley seems formidable this season. But Justin Herbert and their passing game needs to be more effective. Next, the LA Chargers visit Tennessee. Advantage, LA Chargers.

BROWNS 24 — BENGALS 3
The Browns annihilated their in-state and Division rival Cincinnati. Deshaun Watson had a praiseworthy game, throwing for 154 yards with 2 TDs and 1 pick. With Watson available from the start, Cleveland’s expectations should be higher this year. Next, Cleveland visits Pittsburgh. Advantage, Cleveland Browns.

The Bengals were embarrassed by Cleveland. Mainly since Ja’Marr Chase talked all kinds of smack leading up to this game that Cincinnati could not back up. Joe Burrow struggled to get anything going offensively and was under duress for most of the game. Next, Cincinnati hosts Baltimore. Advantage, Baltimore Ravens.

SAINTS 16 — TITANS 15
The Saints sneaked out a win by holding Tennessee to only Field Goals. Derek Carr’s debut was rough but effective; He was sacked 4 times. Carr was under constant pressure but managed to pull through. The QB protection is something New Orleans needs to address urgently. Head Coach Denis Allen had this Defense looking elite on week 1. Next, New Orleans visits Carolina. Advantage, New Orleans Saints.

The Titans struggled in all areas of this game. Ryan Tannehill threw 3 picks, and Derrick Henry was contained to 63 yards and no scores. But the addition of DeAndre Hopkins to this Offense should open things up as the season progresses. Next, Tennessee hosts the LA Chargers. Advantage, LA Chargers.

RAVENS 25 — TEXANS 9
The Ravens lost their starting Running Back, J.K. Dobbins, for the season, which will complicate things for new Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken. However, the combination of Gus Edwards and Justice Hill should provide stability. Plus, the addition of Odell Beckham and Zay Flowers should give Lamar Jackson more legitimate receiving targets. Next, Baltimore hosts Cincinnati. Advantage, Baltimore Ravens.

The Texans are in complete rebuilding mode with a rookie Head Coach, DeMeco Ryan, and their number 2 overall pick, C.J. Stroud. Although Houston has some solid pieces, not much is expected from them this season. Next, Houston hosts Indianapolis. Advantage, Houston Texans.

BUCCANEERS 20 — VIKINGS 17
The Buccaneers had a rough week 1 outing but showed scrappiness and pulled off the win. Replacing Tom Brady, Baker Mayfield threw for 173 yards with 2 TDs and no picks. Tampa Bay’s Defense was superb, holding back Kirk Cousins from another late-game comeback. Next, Tampa Bay hosts Chicago. Advantage, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Vikings played sloppy football, and Kirk Cousins was visibly frustrated with his Offense on the sidelines. Minnesota is supposed to be a playoff team, so second-year Head Coach Kevin O’Connell needs to get this team back on track before things get out of hand. But truth be told, Detroit and Green Bay will make things difficult for the Vikes. Next, Minnesota visits Philadelphia. Advantage, Philadelphia Eagles.

FALCONS 24 — PANTHERS 10
The Falcons are building an exciting-looking team. Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeir, and Kyle Pitts are solid pieces on Offense, but 2nd year QB Desmond Ridder remains a question mark. Defensively, this Falcons team should be competitive. Next, Atlanta hosts Green Bay. Advantage, Green Bay Packers.

The Panthers are starting over at the QB position with their number 1 overall pick, Bryce Young. And as talented as Bryce Young is, it will take a while before Carolina becomes a legit contender in the NFC. Next, Carolina hosts New Orleans. Advantage, New Orleans Saints.