QBs give off warning signs in Week 1 debuts
The NFL returned in full force Sunday, featuring a slate of 13 games and a collection of highly anticipated debuts for players and coaches. There were faces both familiar and new in fresh settings. Some delivered, while others fell short. Here’s a look at some of the best and worst debuts of the 2020 season.
Worst
Tom Brady – The GOAT’s Buccaneers debut started off on a promising note as Brady capped a nine-play, 85yard drive by scoring a touchdown on a quarterback sneak. In so doing, Brady
(43 years, 41 days old) became the oldest player in NFL history to score a TD. But his play was uneven from that point on. He threw two interceptions (one picksix) and made uncharacteristic mistakes in a 34-23 loss to the Saints. It was only the fourth Week 1 loss of Brady’s career and his first multi-interception performance in an opener since 2003. Despite all the offseason work Brady did with his new receivers, it’s evident it’ll take some time for the quarterback to feel completely comfortable in his new surroundings.
Mike McCarthy – The Cowboys hope that McCarthy can help them achieve the Super Bowl aspirations they have long held yet failed to fulfill for more than two decades. But McCarthy blew an opportunity to position his team for a Week 1 victory, on the road, because of questionable decision-making in the fourth quarter. With his team trailing 20-17 with 11:46 left and the ball at the Rams 11-yard line, McCarthy passed up a tying field goal attempt because he wanted to steal the momentum of the game. His 4th-and-3 pass play fell short and Dallas turned the ball over on downs, never to find itself in scoring position again after a couple of failed shots downfield (including on an offensive pass interference call that proved costly). McCarthy explained that he wanted to secure the momentum of the game. But the thing is, his team already had it. From late in the third quarter on, Dallas had recorded an interception and forced three straight punts. Ezekiel Elliott was rolling. McCarthy certainly may be the answer for the team in the long term, but after Dallas went 0-5 last season in games decided by seven points or fewer, Sunday night just felt like more of the same.
Best
Cam Newton – After a long journey that included shoulder and foot injuries that necessitated surgeries over the last two years, Newton is healthy again and kicked off his Patriots career by doing a little bit of everything in a 21-11 win over the Miami Dolphins. Newton led the Patriots with 75 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries, both records for a quarterback under Bill Belichick. The passing numbers (15 of 19 pass attempts for 155 yards and a 100.7 passer rating) weren’t gaudy, but Newton was efficient and kept the Dolphins off balance. It will be interesting to see how his role and this offense expands.
DeAndre Hopkins – Traded from Houston to Arizona this offseason, one of the game’s best wide receivers looked right at home in the Cardinals offense. He hauled in 14 catches for 151 yards on 16 targets while playing a huge role in his team’s 24-20 upset victory over the hosting 49ers. Hopkins seems to have instantly developed a great connection with Kyler Murray, accounting for nearly half of his completions (26) and more than half of his passing yards (230).
Jamal Adams – The Seahawks standout, acquired in an offseason trade with the Jets, was all over the field in a 38-25 victory against the Falcons. The safety recorded 12 tackles (eight solo), a sack, two hits on the quarterback and a tackle for a loss. Adams also proved masterful at throwing shade in the direction of his former team. Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams earlier said Adams might be “bored” with how he would be used within Seattle’s scheme. Asked about the way he was used, he said, “I wasn’t bored. I was blitzing. I was having fun. … It reminded me a little bit of (former Jets coach) Todd Bowles, the way Todd Bowles used me my first two years. I’m just out there making plays.” (The Jets fired Bowles following the 2018 season).