The 2023 NFL score in week 1 of the season has been exciting. With a healthy Brock Purdy, the San Francisco 49ers continued where they left off in the early window. The Cleveland Browns stopped Joe Burrow, and a few rookies stepped up in their first games.
Following each NFL Week 1 game, PFF dissected the statistics, including scores, rookie standouts, and more.
Kansas City Chiefs Game Today
Due to Travis Kelce’s absence from the game, Patrick Mahomes was forced to distribute the ball to 11 different receivers, completing 21 of his 39 throws for 226 yards and two touchdowns.
In addition, he gained 45 yards on six rushes with his legs, but he could not win the game by himself. In total, Mahomes’ receivers made five drops, including three by Kadarius Toney.
The game’s first touchdown was scored when Jared Goff connected with Amon-Ra St. Brown, but the offence didn’t score again until midway through the fourth quarter. To give the Lions a lead in the fourth quarter, Goff directed a 75-yard touchdown drive that included a David Montgomery rushing touchdown and 51 Josh Reynolds receiving yards. And because the Chiefs’ offence could not pick itself back up, it proved sufficient.
CAROLINA PANTHERS, ATLANTA FALCONS
Focus on defence: First-quarter highlights for the Falcon’s defence, under the direction of new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, were a significant fourth-down stop in its red zone and an interception within Carolina’s 20-yard line. The Falcon’s offence scored a touchdown thanks to the interception. With two interceptions and two defensive stops in his debut game for Atlanta, new free agency safety Jessie Bates had a significant effect.
NFL Houston Texans
Zay Flowers, a rookie, will play a significant role in this offence. He had four targets and one try to rush in the first quarter alone, and he ended the game with 11 touches for 87 rushing and receiving yards.
The most formidable opponent you could ask for confronted C.J. Stroud. He had some good moments, but Raven’s defence applied a lot of pressure, and he completed the game 28 for 44 for 242 yards.
Wide receiver Tank Dell had four targets and hauled in three passes for 34 yards, while the third overall choice in the 2023 NFL Draught, Will Anderson Jr., scored his first career sack by taking Jackson down in the fourth quarter.
Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart
Offensive emphasis: In this game, both passing offences had significant difficulties. Joe Burrow only completed 14 of his 31 passes for 82 yards and no touchdowns. Deshaun Watson had better statistics, going 16 of 29 for 154 yards and a score. However, in the third quarter, he made a terrible interception by throwing the ball directly at Bengals defensive back Dax Hill.
However, Nick Chubb’s 106 yards on 18 carries and the combined 100 yards of Watson, Jerome Ford, and Elijah Moore gave the Browns more success on the ground. Ultimately, the Browns’ ability to rely on their ground game was critical to their victory over the Bengals.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS 30, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 7
Defense-focused spotlight: The Steelers’ performance in this game wasn’t very noteworthy, but T.J. Watt was the game’s lone bright spot.
Pending reviews, Watt concluded the game with five quarterback hits, three sacks, two forced fumbles, one tackle for loss, and five fumble recoveries. Regardless of how his team performs, those stats will place him in the early running for Defensive Player of the Year.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS 17, 20, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Freshman Spotlight: Jordan Addison, a first-round choice of the Vikings, had a solid start against Tampa Bay, catching four of the six targets sent his way. Two of his catches led to first downs for Minnesota, while one led to a score. The All-World receiver, Justin Jefferson, was spectacular as usual, and Addison showed enough to suggest that he may be a valuable ally.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 21, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 31
Offensive emphasis since his return from suspension, Calvin Ridley has quickly taken over as the Jaguars’ top receiver, justifying the preseason hoopla surrounding him. Ridney received 11 targets, of which he caught eight for 101 yards and a score. Ridley’s catch-and-run touchdown was terrific, and generally, he appeared to be the same player he was before being suspended from the league and expelled.
ARIZONA CARDINALS 16, WASHINGTON COMMANDERS 20
Focus on defence: Following PFF’s first evaluation of the game, the Commanders’ defensive line put pressure on the Cardinals’ offensive line, tallying 14 pressures, including three Dobbs sacks. The group also intercepted two passes. With 1.5 sacks for edge defender Montez Sweat, one for inside defender Jonathan Allen, and four unofficial pressures, these two players excelled in this game.
If you aren’t aware of the NFL launch date & time must read “2023 NFL schedule“.
