Sunday was the first full slate of games for the 2020 NFL season. It was packed with interesting matchups and storylines.
Brady and Newton
This was the first time in Tom Brady’s NFL career that he suited up for anyone other than the New England Patriots. But his debut with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn’t exactly go as planned, as they fell to New Orleans, 34-23.
Brady and the Buccaneers’ offense moved the ball down the field on their first drive, with Brady scoring a rushing TD as his first score as a Buccaneer. However, it went downhill after that.
Brady ended up throwing two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
“It’s a game of execution. Obviously, they made more plays than we did, and I made just some bad, terrible turnovers,” said Brady. “It’s hard to win, turning the ball over like that. So I’ve obviously gotta do a lot better job.”
On the other hand, Brady’s replacement in New England, Cam Newton, had a successful first outing with Brady’s old team. Newton led the Patriots to a 21-11 win over Miami in Week 1.
Newton rushed a total of 15 times, gaining 75 yards and two touchdowns. This is an aspect of his game that Bill Belichick has available that wasn’t as prominent for Brady.
“When your starting quarterback has things that he’s good at or things that you can take advantage of, then I think you try to take advantage of them,” Belichick said.
Disappointing Cowboys
The Cowboys got rid of Jason Garrett and are beginning a new chapter with head coach Mike McCarthy. But Week 1 wasn’t a great start for America’s Team.
The Cowboys battled the Rams on Sunday Night Football in the new stadium in Los Angeles, coming up short, 20-17. The game came down to the last moments.
An offensive pass interference call on Michael Gallop late in the fourth quarter played a big part in the outcome of the game, stifling Dallas’ last offensive drive.
“I was surprised there was a call either way,” McCarthy said. “Obviously, I’m very disappointed in the call, especially that late. You don’t see that at a critical part of the game.”
Top Performers
The Ravens put a beatdown on the Browns on Sunday. Reigning league MVP Lamar Jackson picked up right where he left off last season.
Jackson had 275 yards and three touchdowns in the win. On the other side of the field, Cleveland’s Baker Mayfield had a performance to forget, throwing for only 189 yards, one TD, and one interception.
Rookie Joe Burrow was unable to get the win for the Bengals in his debut, but fans should still be excited in Cincinnati. Burrow showed glimpses of his potential on Sunday, including a drive to a potential game-tying field goal in the final minutes that only failed because the field-goal attempt was missed.
“That guy doesn’t flinch,” veteran wide receiver AJ Green said. “The way he handled himself in that last drive was unbelievable. I haven’t seen any rookie the way he handled it after adversity. We got a special one in Joe.”
Now, eyes turn to two matchups on Monday Night Football that will put an end to Week 1. The images without fans have been odd, but the NFL moves along with spectator-less games.