NFL: Week One Winners And Losers

Winners

Lamar Jackson: Lamar Jackson had a DAY in Miami. The second year quarterback out of Louisville had by far his best career game. He completed 17-20 passes for 324 yards and 5 passing touchdowns. His poise and accuracy led to big play after big play and this offense will be giving opposing coaches nightmares. Don’t look for him to cool down next week against the Arizona Cardinals.

Desean Jackson: Desean broke out in his first game with Carson Wentz. The sixth round pick they traded to Tampa Bay certainly seems like a bargain now. Hauling in 8/10 targets for 154 yards and two touchdowns. The two touchdowns were receptions of 51 and 53 yards, showing he still has incredible speed. He’s in line for another big game next week vs the Atlanta Falcons.

Sammy Watkins: Sammy Watkins exploded in the first quarter, taking catches of 49 and 68 yards to the end zone. At the end of it, he caught 9/11 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns. This was the big play ability that he has flashed previous, but due to injuries and inconsistent quarterback play, hasn’t been consistent. With Tyreek Hill missing some time, he should be a big piece against the Oakland Raiders.

Dak Prescott: Dak Prescott went out and shredded the New York Giants, throwing 25-32 for 405 yards and 4 touchdowns. He moved around well and evaded sacks and in return, able to make plays all over the field. Once Ezekiel Elliot fully returns, this will be a dangerous offense especially next week against the Washington Redskins, who got beat through the air by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Honorable Mentions:

Christian McCaffrey, John Ross, Austin Ekeler, Derrick Henry, Marlon Mack.

Losers

Mitchell Trubisky: Mitchell Trubisky entered the 2019 season with high expectations. In the NFL regular season opener, he completed 26-45 passes for 228 yards and 1 interception. The Packers defense played very well, but Mitch was way off on some of his throws. The Bears need him to take a step forward if they’re going contend for the NFC North and next week should be a little easier vs the Denver Broncos.

Devonta Freeman: With all the talk this preseason about how good Devonta Freeman looked, he really came out flat this week. Finishing with 19 yards on 8 carrier and 12 yards on 3 receptions, makes for a very poor game. Although the offensive line didn’t provide much help, he needs to be able to break some tackles. Unfortunately, they play the Philadelphia Eagles, who gave up only 28 yards rushing to the Washington Redskins.

Joe Mixon: Joe Mixon vastly under preformed in a week where his team played very well. He had 10 yards on 6 rushing attempts and 7 yards on 2 receptions. Between the ankle injury that caused him to miss most of the second half and the poor offensive line play, he did not produce. If he’s healthy, look for him to get going against a 49ers team that allowed 121 yards rushing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Davante Adams: In 2018, Davante Adams did not have a game where he didn’t have at least 80 yards receiving or a touchdown. On Thursday night, he had neither. Getting 4 receptions on 8 targets for only 36 yards was by far his worst game since 2017 when Brett Hundley was his quarterback. The Bears defense is elite and when they triple team him, its hard to get him the ball. Look for Rodgers to feed him next week against the Minnesota Vikings.

Honorable Mentions:

Kenyon Drake, Baker Mayfield, Robby Anderson, Mike Williams, James Connor

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