2020 3GML SEASON
Week #1
HOUSTON TEXANS @ Kansas City Chiefs
KANSAS CITY - After a fast first quarter, the Kansas City Chiefs (1-0) outlasted the Houston Texans (0-1) 31-26 at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday Night.
The expansion Texans rolled out their ground-and-pound attack with mixed results. HB Raheem Mostert dropped a sure touchdown early but bounced back with a strong game finishing with 81 total yards and TD.
“We’ll find our footing,” Mostert said. “That is a good team over there; If we see them again I think it’ll be different.”
Newly paid MLB Zach Cunningham played well all night with 7 tackles and strong coverage throughout.
“Fans are out there buying my jersey - I gotta represent,” Cunningham said. “We’re still getting to know each other - We’ll be alright.”
Recently acquired fan favorite Ryan Switzer scored a TD early in the 4th quarter while the game was still in reach. The slot receiver trended on Twitter for most of the night due to his electric run-after-the-catches and plucky disposition.
“I can’t really explain the love I receive, but I’ll take it,” Switzer said. “Hashtag...Thanks?”
The Texans face another tough test next week as they take on Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
GREEN BAY PACKERS @ Minnesota Vikings
MINNEAPOLIS - In a defensive struggle the Green Bay Packers (0-1, 0-1 NFC North) fell 17-21 against the Minnesota Vikings (1-0, 1-0).
Late in the 4th both Harrison Phillips and Casey Hayward came up with crucial plays to put the team in a position to potentially steal the game late.
For most of the game reigning NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers continued his strong play from a year ago against a tough NFC North opponent. But late in the 4th quarter Rodgers tried to fit a pass into a tight window and was picked off to end the game.
“Every day I get to put on this Green Bay Packers jersey is an honor,” Rodgers said. “Our sole job this year is to bring the Lombardi trophy home to Lambeau Field. We just didn’t get it done today.”
Rookie Justin Jefferson hauled in his first NFL TD after the break - The LSU product looks to be a keeper for the Pack.
“Great feeling to get on the field,” Jefferson said. “We just gotta keep grinding and get back at it.”
Budda Baker flew around the field all night to justify his new contract. The fourth year player is looking to step into a leadership role this year in Green Bay.
Green Bay will look to rebound next week against the Detroit Lions.
Arizona Cardinals @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ers
SAN FRANCISCO - In a battle of dual threat quarterbacks, Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals (1-0, 1-0 NFC West) outlasted Teddy Bridgewater and the San Francisco 49ers (0-1, 0-1) with a 28-24 win. Murray was electric and used his legs to do the most damage including the go ahead touchdown late in the fourth.
San Francisco was able to move the ball most of the day but a critical interception by Bridgewater when the 49ers were trying to go ahead late sealed the deal.
“I have to be better. This was a battle between two great teams and we were going toe to toe all day. We’ll get them back in their place later this year.”
Coach Kyle Shanahan, however, was not happy with his team’s defensive effort.
“Deandre Hopkins was allowed to do whatever he wanted out there today. I’ll have to look at the tape but there will be some words with our secondary in meetings this week.”
Bay Area talk radio will likely be debating a pair of Shanahan’s 4th down decisions Sunday afternoon. Early in the game on a 4th and goal, the Niners went for it and came up empty. Later, when many would have argued they should have gone for it, he kicked the field goal.
San Francisco will look to bounce back in New York against the Jets next week.
