The reign of Bill Belichick over the New England Patriots has been succeeded by bright beginnings. In an unexpected turn of events during their Sunday matchup, the Patriots triumphed over the Cincinnati Bengals, a strong choice for the playoffs, with a score of 16-10. The victory was a refreshing start for the new coach, Jerrod Mayo, who used to be one of Belichick’s understudies before taking over his spot. Mayo’s debut saw him joyfully drenched in Gatorade following their surprise win as they were initially considered to be at a disadvantage by eight points. This was the week’s most astonishing outcome.
The future of the Patriots without Belichick was expected to be dim. The coach who guided the franchise to six titles is currently focusing on a career in broadcasting, and the Brady-Belichick duo’s lost magic can’t be replicated. However, looking at it from another perspective, the glory days of the Patriots concluded when Brady opted to become a free agent in 2020. There wasn’t anything left to salvage when Belichick decided to part ways with the Patriots at the end of the previous season and Mayo, his previous linebacker and assistant coach, was brought in. By then, a new start was the only logical option.
The road ahead still looks challenging for the Patriots, but Mayo’s first game as coach could hardly have been more successful. The team’s second overall pick, Drake Maye, will continue as the backup quarterback for a little while longer, observing and gaining wisdom behind the experienced Jacoby Brissett. The latter, a previous backup to Brady in 2016, has now returned to Massachusetts following his time with four different teams. Even though Brissett didn’t perform brilliantly (attaining 15-of-24 passes for 121 yards, no interceptions or touchdowns), he was efficient enough. Rhamondre Stevenson, on the other hand, made 25 carries for 120 yards and scored the only touchdown for the team.
In a turn of events that shocked many, the defense of New England subjugated the Bengals. A talented edge defender, Matthew Judon, had been dealt by the Patriots to the Atlanta Falcons in the middle of August, implying an anticipated dismal season as they gained a third-round draft choice for the upcoming year. However, the Patriots’ remaining squad members put forth an awe-inspiring performance against the formidable duo of quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase as well as the remainder of Cincinnati’s offence. Chase made a 28-yard catch but was otherwise well-contained. Burrow was unable to find a significant amount of open receivers downfield and managed to accrue only 164 yards from his 29 passes. The Bengals’ running game was unimpressive as Zack Moss, their tailback, could only gain 44 yards from nine carries at home.
Chances are, things won’t remain so dire for the Bengals. Their secondary wide receiver, Tee Higgins, was unable to participate due to an unfortunate hamstring injury, his return will, undoubtedly, give a much needed boost. However, the team was shockingly stagnant and will require a wholesale reformation in a season that they embarked on with huge prospects.
Contrarily, the Patriots began 2024 without any such lofty aspirations. Their practical aims were to marginally improve on their record of 4-13 from the preceding year and foster the development of Maye, who they regard as their valued quarterback of the future. While it’s still premature to raise expectations, any week they secure a win that also allows Maye to grow through observation, is a good one. Of late, celebratory occasions have been in short supply for this franchise.
Player of the week.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback, Baker Mayfield, became a story of redemption last season. Previously dismissed as an underperformer, Mayfield’s performance shone in the Buccaneers, leading them to the division playoffs stage. Mayfield has since been rewarded with a lucrative three-year contract of $100 million from Tampa, a notable contrast from his previous association with the Cleveland Browns. His opening game on the new contract showcased impressive statistics – passing 24 from 30 for 289 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Buccaneers to their 37-20 victory against the Washington Commanders. While Mayfield’s disproportionate footballing prowess may not see him as an All-Pro passer, he does make a more improved player, and definitely a bonus, compared to his 2022 overchoice, Deshaun Watson. Watson’s career recorded a new low following his shambolic performance in the 33-17 landslide defeat to the Dallas Cowboys. Mayfield’s departure from the Browns was seemingly justified.
The most memorable feature of the week was the standout performance of Chris Boswell for the Pittsburgh Steelers in their match against the Atlanta Falcons. The Steelers ultimately placed 18 points against the Falcons’ 10, all of which were courtesies of Boswell’s right foot – securing goals from 57, 51, 44, 56, 40, and 25 yards, and thus equalising the franchise record for made field goals. Further testament to Boswell’s abilities was displayed when Pittsburgh’s regular punter, Cameron Johnston injured himself, and Boswell took on the additional responsibility. His first-ever punt went 43 yards and recorded a net of 40, providing much-needed relief to Pittsburgh’s defence team in a high-pressure game. Such an exceptional track record places Boswell amongst the top-tiered kickers to have ever participated..
In the 2023 draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Anthony Richardson as their fourth pick, with the hope of transforming his size, athleticism and throwing capacity into a tremendous National Football League quarterback. However, his debut season was abruptly interrupted by an injury in his fourth match, keeping him out of play nearly a year. Presently, the 22-year-old’s back in action, and in 2024, he made one of his first throws, which happens to be an incredible 60-yard touchdown to Alec Pierce that any football spectator would not forget in a hurry. This awe-inspiring feat was accomplished even though Richardson had slipped and was under pressure from a pass-rusher. Richardson’s throw gave Indianapolis an initial advantage over the Houston Texans. The array of quarterbacks capable of making such a throw is undoubtedly limited, perhaps even exclusive to Richardson. Yet, despite his efforts, the Colts lost 29-27 to the Houston Texans. Richardson managed to complete nine out of 19 throws, totalling 212 yards.
In other happenings elsewhere in the NFL, Los Angeles Chargers marked their first victory with Jim Harbaugh’s return, a 22-10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. When Harbaugh last took charge in 2014, neither the Chargers nor Raiders were based in their current cities. Harbaugh, who spent the years between improving Michigan into a national championship college team, celebrated a victorious comeback. In the first week, his team’s star was Tailback JK Dobbins who ran 10 times covering 135 yards and securing a touchdown. Justin Herbert, Harbaugh’s most valued quarterback, although not at his best (144 yards and a touchdown) managed to steer clear of any significant issues.
If you were disappointed by the Carolina Panthers’ performance last season, brace yourself. Things seem to be getting worse for what appears to be the NFL’s poorest-managed team. Their first match this season saw them annihilated 47-10 by the New Orleans Saints. Head coach Dave Canales had a less than stellar start, and there was even more disappointment in store for second-season quarterback Bryce Young. The 2023 top draft pick floundered disastrously, with his throws continuously going astray. He seemed outclassed and out of his depth against a New Orleans defense that relished each error. Young managed just 13 completions from 30 pass attempts with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Despite some dark days ahead in Charlotte, the Panthers do at least keep their first-round pick for the coming year, a step up from 2024 when their hard-earned top pick was bagged by the Chicago Bears.
Moreover, it was an unusual day for Tyreek Hill. He was arrested by the police en route to the Miami Dolphins’ stadium that Sunday morning, momentarily put into handcuffs and faced down on the ground. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, labelled the police intervention as unnecessary overreaction. Nonetheless, Hill got back into the game just in time for warmups and played a decisive role in overturning the Jacksonville Jaguars. He pulled off seven catches for 130 yards in a victorious game that saw them reverse a 14-0 lead. According to NFL’s Next Gen Stats, the Jaguars enjoyed a 93.2% chance of winning, but they fumbled their comfortable lead. Hill’s 80-yard catch-and-run touchdown from Tua Tagovailoa was a standout moment, celebrated with a cheeky handcuff-themed celebration. As already reported, one of the police officers implicated in Hill’s arrest has since been reassigned to desk duties.
The NFL’s newly implemented “dynamic kickoff” saw its inaugural day of live play. In this revamped system, the onus is equally shared by blockers and tacklers to set-up closer to the return team’s end zone; with movement allowed only once the ball reaches what’s called the “landing zone” – a specified area between the receiving team’s 20-yard line and the goalline. The purpose of this change is to inspire more thrilling kickoff returns, whilst also reducing potential injury risks. The reshaped regulation’s impact on teams will only be ascertained over time; nonetheless, its debut on Sunday showed promise. It’s worth noting that last season only four kickoff returns resulted in touchdowns. However, Sunday saw DeeJay Dallas from the Arizona Cardinals score from a whopping 96 yards against the Buffalo Bills. Just a single weekly kick return touchdown could mean a great increase in enjoyment for NFL fans.
Meanwhile, Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, suffered a left hand injury – thankfully not his throwing hand – during their victorious showdown against the Cardinals. He underwent an X-ray post-match, but was seen addressing the media without any wrapping on his injured hand.