Week one of the NFL season has concluded, and with it has come plenty of overreactions and underreactions. I will go over some reactions I had myself after the games, and go over where I think my reactions fall on the overreaction, fair, and underreaction scale.
Anthony Richardson will be a heavy favorite, if not the favorite to win Rookie of the Year. Verdict: Fair. Richardson had 223 yards passing and a touchdown against a team that lost by seven to the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. He also recorded 40 yards rushing and another touchdown on the ground. If running back Jonathon Taylor were to return to the team, Richardson and the offense both would become even more dynamic. The Colts poor performance last season has led some to underrate their roster a bit, and I believe if Richardson elevates them enough, he could easily win the award.
Tua Tagovailoa could win MVP. Verdict: Needs to stay healthy. Tagovailoa put up 466 yards and three touchdowns against the Chargers. In week 13 of last season, against the same team, Tua went 10-28 for 145 yards and one touchdown. The Dolphins offense looked even more dynamic than they did last season, while not being fully healthy. Granted, the Chargers defense is slightly old, and to be quite frank, not well coached, the performance is still extremely impressive. The fifth most passing yards in team history, and drastic improvement over a team and defense that had his number last year. If Tagovailoa can stay healthy, and win 11-12 games in a loaded AFC, I think he has a fair shot at MVP.
The Dallas Cowboys have the best defense in football. Verdict: Fair. The Cowboys defeated the New York Giants 40-0. The Giants are coming off a year in which they made it to the Divisional round of the playoffs, were 9th in expected points added per play (EPA), and had gotten better on offense. Despite those factors, they got shelled by the Cowboys defense. The Cowboys had seven sacks, forced three turnovers, and had two defensive touchdowns. They added Stephon Gilmore at corner, got deeper defensively in the draft and free agency, and had returning players get more experience under their belts. This defense could take Dallas to the Super Bowl.
Jordan Love could be an MVP candidate. Verdict: Overreaction, need to see more. Love played a fairly good game against the Bears, however, it was just the Bears. The Bears won two games last season, made some fairly big moves over the offseason, but not enough to warrant the hype that they had coming into the game. I think a mix of that, and Love’s performance have some thinking he could win MVP. 245 yards on 9.1 yards per attempt and three touchdowns is certainly impressive. However, I would like to see these kinds of performances against better teams. If Love could string together some impressive performances against better teams, there is a fairly small, but possible chance Love would have a chance at winning MVP.
The Detroit Lions will make the playoffs, and win a playoff game. Verdict: Fair. Wow. That is the only word I have to sum up the Lions upset against the defending champion Chiefs. Jared Goff has not thrown an interception in 359 pass attempts, dating back to week nine of last season. Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs looked explosive, and has a good chance to win Offensive Rookie of the Year if and when he gets more carries. Amon-Ra St. Brown looked to be his usual explosive self. Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta looked promising in his debut. Finally, the defense, which cost the Lions games last year, looked much more improved, with the signing of C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and drafting of Brain Branch and Jack Campbell. Ben Johnson is one of, if not the best offensive coordinators in football, and head coach Dan Campbell is a stellar leader and motivator. This team has all the pieces, if they stay healthy, to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016, and win a playoff game for the first time since 1991.