There’s much optimism for all NFL teams coming into the opening weekend of a new season.
Every franchise starts on a clean slate and hopes that they can have a good year.
It’s just one game, but it has significant implications.
A team that starts well can ride the momentum to reach the playoffs and possibly the Super Bowl.
EVERY touchdown from NFL Red Zone in Week 1! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/r0S7rxntZ5
— NFL (@NFL) September 13, 2021
Meanwhile, losing teams must make some adjustments if they are to reverse the trend.
The changes could be minor for some squads that dropped their opener.
However, some teams must look at all facets of the game to do better in Week 2.
No matter how you look at it, these teams played terribly.
3. New York Giants
The Giants had Saquon Barkley returning from injury in their Week 1 game against the Denver Broncos.
They also have talented skill position players like Sterling Shepard, Kenny Golladay, and Darius Slayton.
Shepard did have seven receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown.
However, it concerns that they only scored 13 points against the Broncos.
Sterling Shepard on the frustration of Giants fans:
"These people pay their hard-earned money to come see winning football. That's what this franchise is all about, is winning… it's been frustrating the past few years and I understand their frustration." pic.twitter.com/SVrIx6hHGh
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) September 13, 2021
Worse, their offensive line was outplayed by Denver’s defensive ends, especially Von Miller, who had two sacks.
On the other hand, the Giants defense gave 27 points to the Broncos, including a 70-yard rushing touchdown by Melvin Gordon III.
The Broncos did a textbook blocking scheme that gave Gordon space to operate.
Next week, the Giants will be facing the Washington Football Team, which has one of the better defensive units in the NFL.
Therefore, the linemen must exert more effort to protect Daniel Jones.
2. Atlanta Falcons
There was much hype surrounding rookie tight end, Kyle Pitts, especially on how he can help open up Atlanta’s passing game.
But he hasn’t lived up to expectations yet because he caught four catches for 31 yards.
Meanwhile, Matt Ryan completed 21 passes for 164 yards and no touchdowns.
Two Younghoe Koo field goals were all the Falcons could muster throughout the game.
In contrast, the Philadelphia Eagles scored 32 points, and Jalen Hurts threw three touchdown passes.
The former Alabama and Oklahoma quarterback distributed the ball so well that Dallas Goedert, Jalen Reagor, and DeVonta Smith had one touchdown catch apiece.
Falcons HC Arthur Smith;
“I did a real poor job getting us ready and feel awful for our fans.” pic.twitter.com/NofOUugLSy
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) September 12, 2021
Philadelphia also added 173 rushing yards, 62 of which were by Hurts.
The Eagles made six third-down conversions in 13 tries, while the Falcons only converted three out of 14.
Over on defense, the Falcons generated just one sack while the Eagles had three.
Two of those were by Javon Hargrave, while Hassan Ridgeway got to Ryan once.
The Falcons will face the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2.
That game could be another blowout if the Falcons don’t put up a better fight.
1. Green Bay Packers
Surprisingly, an Aaron Rodgers-led offense did not score a touchdown.
Mason Crosby’s field goal saved them from being shutout by the New Orleans Saints.
Rodgers threw two interceptions in this game alone when he had five throughout the 2020 season.
He finished with 15 completions for 133 yards and a 36.8 passer rating.
Who are the Green Bay Packers?? pic.twitter.com/Rf80S4Q7EX
— ⚜ Tina ⚜ (@TheNolaGirl) September 13, 2021
In contrast, Jameis Winston threw for five touchdowns in a 38-3 blowout.
The Packers are usually the ones giving the beatdown, which makes this outcome weird.
Green Bay will face the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field next week.
They cannot underestimate their division rivals, especially after their late-game rally against the San Francisco 49ers.
NEXT: Aaron Rodgers And The Packers Looked Lost In Week 1