Winner: Michael Penix Jr; Loser: Kirk Cousins
Atlanta’s decision to draft a quarterback in April after the Falcons also handed Kirk Cousins a $180m contract the previous month is a thorny one. On the basis of the veteran signalcaller’s shoddy debut in a loss to the Steelers, the Falcons will be happy they drafted a potential replacement for Cousins. Clearly it is far too early to write off the veteran: the game-wrecking presence of the Steelers’ future Hall of Fame edge rusher, TJ Watt, and the rust of Cousins’s 10-month layoff are significant mitigating factors. But the nature of such an emphatic cratering on debut will have ownership and supporters wondering if Cousins can be the difference maker they expected.
The 36-year-old’s two interceptions on Sunday led to field goals while mistimed motion coughed up a fumble. Sure, errors can be cleaned up, but the QB and his coaching staff’s confidence will have been knocked. What’s most painful was the drop off from a decent start – taking a lead while Justin Fields failed to land Pittsburgh in anything other than field goal territory – to throwing for a grand total of one yard after half-time. Worryingly for Cousins, stiffer tests are on their way: Philadelphia then Chris Jones and the Kansas City Chiefs follow. Michael Penix Jr could be running things sooner rather than later.
Winners: Washington Commanders
Chicago’s rookie quarterback, Caleb Williams, emerged victorious with his defense leading the charge after they punched in two second-half touchdowns. The No 1 pick meandered to 93 yards passing, with an average of 3.2 yards per attempt, a statline that would usually end in defeat. Fortunately Tennessee’s Will Levis threw one of the ugliest pick-sixes you are likely to see this season. So Williams emerges to fight another day after avoiding a killer meltdown. Baby steps and all that.
The rookie QB who popped on Sunday, even as his team lost 37-20 to Tampa Bay, was Washington’s Jayden Daniels….
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-week-one-winners-losers-090042295.html
Author : The Guardian
Publish date : 2024-09-10 09:00:42
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