San Francisco 49ers @ Detroit Lions
DETROIT - The San Francisco 49ers (1-0) got their season off on the right foot in dominant fashion with a 27-7 win over the Detroit Lions (0-1) Sunday at Ford Field. It was the first start for rookie quarterback Justin Fields and it didn't take long to see why the 49ers took him at 3rd overall in the draft. On his first drive, Fields was electric, going 4 for 4 and scrambling for multiple first downs to keep the drive alive. He capped it off with a rushing touchdown to put the Niners up 7-0.
From there, San Francisco used a steady dose of Alvin Kamara to run the clock and keep Detroit off the field. Kamara was given the heaviest work load of his career, rushing 32 times for 138 yards and two touchdowns.
"I'm tired." Kamara said after the game.
The San Francisco defense also did their part forcing quarterback Jared Goff the throw three interceptions on the day. Byron Murphy had two of those picks, including one on the opening Lions drive in the end zone.
"Feeling really confident this year. I'm seeing the offense really well and coach has put me in a position to succeed. You're going to see a lot more of that from me this year." Murphy said.
Of note, Detroit inexplicably asked injured tackle Taylor Decker to fill in at punter. When asked about it, coach Dan Campbell stated Jack Fox missed arm day in the weight room.
"Jack missed his assigned workout and we do things right here. Taylor was willing to step up." Campbell said.
When pressed about how arm day mattered when it came to punting, Campbell said, "Bro. You don't skip arm day."
San Francisco stays on the road next week to take on the Eagles in Philadelphia.
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots
FOXBOROUGH - The Miami Dolphins (1-0, 1-0 AFC East) outclassed the New England Patriots (0-1, 0-1) in every possible way Sunday afternoon at the home of the 6-time Super Bowl champions in the 45-24 Miami win.
Second year quarterback Jalen Hurts had a day for the ages in the romp. The Alabama and Oklahoma product finished 28-32, 488 yards, and 4TD through the air. Hurts also added 77 rushing yards and another TD.
"Like I said before, we aim to get better every day," Hurts said. "We still left some points out there today and we will keep working to get 1% better each practice."
Miami was aggressive over the past year and a half collecting offensive firepower. For a franchise that has prided itself on a 'ground-and-pound' approach, many pundits worried that the team could not commit to an air-raid approach. But with Julio Jones and Allen Robinson III producing 164 and 153 yard receiving through the air, the Dolphins offense has officially evolved.
"Jalen Hurts and the receivers were unstoppable today," Assistant GM TP said. "Mac Jones and the Patriots didn't stand a chance."
The new look Dolphins will head home next week to take on another division rival in the Buffalo Bills.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans
HOUSTON - The Houston Texans (1-0, 1-0 AFC South) picked right up where they left off last season, pushing their winning streak to six games with a 30-3 drubbing of the Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1, 0-1 AFC South). While the end result of this game felt similar to how Houston finished last year, the team is quite different. General Manager TH brought in many new faces this offseason and it was clear early they are going to have an impact.
One of those faces was Clelin Ferrell who was acquired via trade with the Las Vegas Raiders during training camp. Ferrell was disruptive all game, finishing with four sacks, three tackles for a loss, and one forced fumble.
"Man, it feels good to be wanted. I couldn't wait to get out of there [Las Vegas]. Appreciate the Texans for giving me a fresh start." Ferrell said after the game.
On offense, new (old) addition Brandin Cooks made his presence felt with two touchdown catches on the day. Interestingly enough, one was from Andy Dalton and the other Gardner Minshew. Coach David Shaw gave both quarterbacks playing time throughout the game even though Dalton was the starter.
It appeared as though Minshew had the better game of the two, going 13 of 17 for 119 yards and a touchdown with a quarterback rating of 114.5. Dalton on the other hand was just 6 of 14 for 94 yards and a touchdown with a quarterback rating of 89.5.
When asked about the plan moving forward, Shaw was coy, simply stating, "We'll see."
Houston travels to Cleveland next week to take on the Browns.
Green Bay Packers @ New Orleans Saints
NEW ORLEANS - The Green Bay Packers (1-0) overcame a sluggish start to beat the New Orleans Saints (0-1) 30-14. With the offense struggling to move the ball early and the Saints up 6-3 late in the second quarter, cornerback Patrick Surtain II intercepted a Jameis Winston pass and ran it back for a touchdown to completely shift the momentum in Green Bay's favor.
"That's it. You just have to hang around and that big play is going to happen. This defense kept us in the game and I was able to make a play when my team needed me." Surtain said.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was getting his first start for the Packers, struggled in the first half, throwing an interception and multiple incompletions. However, Tagovailoa looked like a different man in the second half, leading Green Bay on two scoring drives (including one for 97 yards) that never gave the Saints a chance to catch up.
"Tua looked a little tight in the first half and I just told him to play his game when we talked at the half. He loosened up a bit in the third quarter and did what we know he can do." Coach Eric Bieniemy said when asked about his quarterback's play.
Green Bay will look for a smoother start to the game on Monday Nigh Football next week against the Detroit Lions.
