NFL Week 1: What Stood Out and What Disappointed

J.J. McCarthy Shows Resilience

J.J. McCarthy had not played a competitive game in 610 days, with his last one being the championship victory on January 8, 2024. After an interception led to a pick six, things seemed ominous for the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback. Despite this, McCarthy rallied and connected on multiple touchdown passes, demonstrating both resilience and athleticism throughout the game.

J.J. McCarthy

Jalen Hurts’ Scrambling Skills Shine

On another end, Jalen Hurts displayed his scrambling ability immensely, showcasing nine scrambles for 63 yards, leading to two touchdowns against the Cowboys.

Struggles of Newcomer Caleb Williams

Though the start was promising for Chicago’s Caleb Williams, he fell back into bad habits, taking multiple sacks and losing significant yardage. His progression will be closely monitored as he navigates his sophomore season.

Contributions from Unexpected Heroes

The Week also saw standout performances from tight ends Jake Tonges and Jackson Hawes, each making significant contributions in their respective games, proving the importance of all roster positions in a winning team.

Disappointments from Star Players

Lastly, frustration showed on the sidelines for players like Tyreek Hill and Malik Nabers of the Dolphins and Giants, respectively, signaling potential issues for both teams moving forward.