NFL week one winners and losers: Michael Penix Jr to European fans

Winner: Michael Penix Jr; Loser: Kirk Cousins

Atlanta’s decision to draft a quarterback in April, after the Falcons also gave Kirk Cousins ​​a $180 million contract the month before, is a tough one, based on the veteran signal-caller’s sloppy debut in a loss to the SteelersThe Falcons will be happy to have drafted a potential replacement for Cousins. It’s clearly far too early to write off the veteran: The game-wrecking presence of future Steelers Hall of Fame edge rusher T.J. Watt and the rust from Cousins’ 10-month absence are major mitigating factors. But the nature of such an emphatic debut collapse will have owners and fans wondering whether Cousins ​​can be the difference-maker they’ve come to expect.

The 36-year-old’s two interceptions on Sunday led to field goals, while a mistimed move resulted in a fumble. Sure, mistakes can be cleaned up, but the confidence of the QB and his coaching staff will have taken a knock. Most painful was the drop from a decent start — jumping out to a lead while Justin Fields failed to get Pittsburgh to anything but field goal territory — to throwing for a total of one yard after halftime. Worryingly for Cousins, tougher tests lie ahead: Philadelphia, then Chris Jones and the Kansas City Chiefs. Michael Penix Jr. could lead the way sooner rather than later.

Winners: Washington Commanders

Chicago rookie quarterback Caleb Williams emerged victorious as his defense took control after allowing two touchdowns in the second half. The No. 1 overall pick threw for 93 yards passing, averaging 3.2 yards per attempt, a stat line that would normally end in defeat. Fortunately, Tennessee’s Will Levis threw one of the ugliest pick-sixes you’re likely to see this season. So Williams emerges to fight another day after avoiding a deadly meltdown. Baby steps and all.

The rookie QB who came up on Sunday, even when his team lost 37-20 to Tampa BayWashington’s Jayden Daniels flashed his running prowess with 88 yards rushing and a pair of one-yard scores, while finishing with 184 yards through the air. His passing still needs a lot of finesse – Daniels narrowly missed a pickoff on the opening play and threw down Terry McLaurin for what should have been a 70-yard touchdown. But for a team that starts with its 11^and quarterback since 2019, these are minuscule blemishes on a debut in which Daniels calmly and confidently led his offense.

Losers: European NFL Fans

Brazil! Green Bay Packers vs Philadelphia Eagles. Germany … New York Giants vs Carolina Panthers. Sao Paulo had the honor of hosting the second night of the season with a thrilling shootout, while Munich’s offer comes across as somewhat sarcastic considering the Panthers still seem to be the worst team in football and the Giants have failed to fill their need at quarterback. Fans at the NFL’s first game in the Southern Hemisphere were rewarded with Saquon Barkley’s swashbuckling hat trick. But those who go to Munich or a game in London, the highlight of which was a mediocre matchup between the Jets and Vikings, could be forgiven for feeling a little jealous this season.

There are plenty of reasons why Europe is no longer the primary focus for marquee matchups: the NFL has already cornered the market, teams hate the time zone shift, British toilet paper is too thin. But devotion in the face of sky-high ticket prices deserves something a little more glamorous than the thin mush of Frankfurt’s Colts v Patriots stunner from last year. Perhaps the league expected Trevor Lawrence to become a global name and for the stardust to take care of itself. That will be tested this season without Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen as supporting acts.

Winner: Redzone Viewers

The wilderness of a football-free period from mid-February to September can be lonely for the NFL obsessive. Thankfully, once the clock hits zero and Scott Hanson is ready for his first marathon Redzone innings, the noise fades away to one man in a studio hopping from one pivotal moment to the next. Sam Darnold the phoenix rising, Josh Allen roaring for Buffalo, C.J. Stroud winning a shootout with Anthony Richardson and a huge upset by Jerod Mayo’s Patriots likely won’t matter much come January. But as Hanson makes the calls, it all feels a little more special as the announcer weaves storylines on the fly. The action will only intensify from here, but like taking that first expectant step into a patch of fresh snow, the season will never feel as optimistic as when the first Sunday touchdown of a new season lands on Redzone. Cheers, Derek Carr.

Losers: Jacksonville Jaguars

After an offseason spent trying to forget last season’s fall from dominating the AFC South to winning one game (against Carolina) in six, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson brought back the memories of letting the Dolphins steal a win from a Jaguars team that held a 17-7 halftime lead. Pederson is responsible for turning the Jags into contenders. But failing to iron out the blunders that cost his team a 2023 playoff spot and surrendering the win in Miami is a net negative, regardless of whether the team is now more enjoyable to watch.

The critical mistake came in the third quarter with a potential 24-7 lead on the line. Travis Etienne Jr. made his way through the heart of the Dolphins defense, only to have the ball knocked out of his paw at the 1-yard line. Miami jumped on the fumble, Tua Tagovailoa hit Tyreek Hill for an 80-yard score, and Jacksonville was ultimately swept aside. They’ve been here before under Pederson: In the coach’s first season in charge, Etienne fumbled as he was set up for a touchdown to help the Giants seal a one-score victory. There have been good moments since he took over, but Pederson needs to figure out how to keep the Jaguars from shooting themselves in the foot.