In today’s landscape, with the NFL’s immense popularity, you won’t hear fans saying, “One down, 17 to go.”
Still, getting through the **first Sunday of the season** is undeniably significant. Whether you’re chatting at the office water cooler or catching up remotely, there’s certainly a lot to analyze.
**Veteran quarterbacks** had a diverse set of outcomes, while **rookie quarterbacks** generally appeared unstable. The new **kickoff rule** introduced a mix of excitement and confusion, and a storied franchise etched a new milestone in its history.
Let’s dive into some of the most significant events from **Week 1**, with everything on the line except the **Monday Nighter**.
Chicago Bears: A Rocky Start, But Redemption
What to keep in mind: Chicago Bears fans once cast their votes for **Caleb Williams** as the franchise savior, eventually leading to the USC quarterback being chosen with the No. 1 pick in April’s draft.
Sunday’s opener didn’t shock many. Numerous Bears fans let the team have it with boos as they left the field trailing the rallying **Tennessee Titans** 17-3 after a first half where **Williams** struggled under center.
A **special teams** and defensive touchdown rallied the Bears to a 24-17 victory. Cameras were often fixated on Williams’ elation after those scores, if only because his own performance was lackluster.
**Williams completed** 14 of 29 passes for just 93 yards. He fumbled once and was sacked twice, including one for a 19-yard loss that knocked the team out of field goal range. It’s essential: Williams must improve, especially after a preseason filled with talk about the hope and excitement he brings.
Bears fans are weary of chatter about how the “D” and special teams have had to carry the team because of inconsistent **quarterback play**.
“Obviously, it’s fantastic to get this first win,” Williams said. “We’re all excited. I celebrated with the team in the locker room, soaking in the moment, realizing I need to be better, and I will be.”
Pittsburgh Steelers: A Fresh Start for Justin Fields
It’s Justin’s time…for now: After three seasons as a quarterback in Chicago with high expectations, a new chapter in **Pittsburgh** beckons for **Justin Fields**, albeit with its own set of drama.
Dealing with a re-aggravated calf injury, Steelers’ starting quarterback **Russell Wilson** warmed up briefly in **Atlanta** before conceding that he would be inactive, thus handing the offense over to Fields on Sunday.
Fields performed reliably, completing 17 of 23 passes for 156 yards and adding 57 yards on 14 carries. He didn’t score via air or ground, but he orchestrated an offense that led to six **Chris Boswell** field goals in an 18-10 win.
Boswell’s six kicks included three remarkable attempts from 51, 56, and 57 yards—he became the first Steeler to hit three times from over 50 yards in a single game.
Week 2 will see the Steelers visiting the **Denver Broncos**, the team that unceremoniously cut ties with Wilson in the offseason. It remains to be seen who Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback will be, but Fields has certainly risen to the occasion as an unexpected starter.
“At the end of the day, I came here to win,” Fields said. “Whether I threw for 300 yards, 100 yards, or no yards, it didn’t matter. Winning was my only goal.”
**Mission accomplished.**
Joe Burrow Struggles in Week 1
Joe No: Cincinnati Bengals quarterback **Joe Burrow** had an underwhelming performance in a 16-10 home loss to the **Jerod Mayo-led New England Patriots**.
Despite overcoming last year’s season-ending wrist injury, Burrow has rarely attempted deep throws, a preseason issue that seems to persist.
The Bengals were unable to stave off the Patriots’ pressure while addressing wide receiver complications. **Ja’Marr Chase** played through ongoing contract disputes, whereas **Tee Higgins** missed the opener due to a hamstring injury.
Cincinnati has faced numerous early-season hurdles in recent years but has always managed to rebound. However, the urgency this season must accelerate to prevent an overwhelming deficit.
As the NFL season unfolds, these narratives will continue to captivate fans and analysts alike. Stay tuned for more drama, excitement, and sheer unpredictability that only the NFL can deliver!
