Jordon Canada
Staff Writer
The National Football League has many events scheduled to celebrate their 100th season.
Executive Vice President of Club Business and League Events Peter O’Reilly said, “Our goal is to make this the most meaningful and memorable season in league history.”
After what was an interesting week one, the NFL will be on their way to following O’Reilly’s plans for the season.
The journey to Super Bowl LIV, which will take place in Miami, began with a defensive battle featuring the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers. The Bear’s Khalil Mack, who shined in the season opener last season, was rather quiet in this game. It was the Packers’ defense that caused a lot of disruption, sacking Bears quarterback, Mitchell Trubisky, five times on their way to an impressive 10 to 3 win.
NFL Sunday on Sept. 8 consisted of a few close games, three blowouts, and even a 27-point tie between the Arizona Cardinals and the Detroit Lions. Rookie quarterback Kyler Murray led his team back from an 18 to 0 deficit. In San Diego, the Andrew Luck-less Colts started the season with a loss in overtime to the Phillip Rivers led Chargers.
The Cleveland Browns did not live up to expectations after signing Odell Beckham, Jr. as Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans with the final score of 43 to 13 trampled them.
The Philadelphia Eagles were excited to have wide receiver Desean Jackson back for the opener against their rivaled Washington Redskins. Jackson, in his return, finished the game with eight catches, 154 yards, two touchdowns, a win, and two deep balls that were worthy of Sports Center’s Top 10 plays of the week.
Another game that had a few plays worthy of the Top 10 was the one-sided matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and the Miami Dolphins. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, whose ability to stand in the pocket and throw was questioned by many, proved the doubters wrong.
Jackson, with help from rookie receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, completed 17 of his 20 passes, put up 324 yards and 5 touchdowns, completed a perfect passer rating, and set a franchise record for most points in a half. He did all of this within the first three quarters of the game, giving the Ravens a chance to play their reserves in the fourth quarter.
Although the Raven’s offense will get most of the praise, their defense was just as impressive. Baltimore’s defense played with intensity and the sound of the pads crashing together could be heard through the television speakers. Baltimore’s safety, Earl Thomas, also had an interception in his first game in a Ravens jersey, as they left no doubt in a 59 to 10 win over the Dolphins.
Both the New England Patriots and the Oakland Raiders showed they could win on prime time television without troubled wide receiver Antonio Brown. Brown recently took social media by storm with his controversial departure from the Raiders after refusing to wear his helmet.
Opening week was capped off in the swamps on Monday Night Football. The New Orleans Saints battled with the Houston Texans in a game that came down to the final seconds. Saints quarterback Drew Brees, with 36 seconds remaining, got his team into field goal position. Wil Lutz, the Saints place kicker who missed a 56 yarder earlier in the game, hit the 58 yarder right down the middle as time expired.
Christopher Jones, a junior physical education major from Hazlehurst, Miss., was frustrated with his team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, after they were embarrassed by 42-year-old Tom Brady and the Patriots.
“After watching that unacceptable game, I felt displeased. Our team wasn’t at our best and it showed on the field,” said Jones.
Adrianne Jackson, a senior marketing major from Grambling, La., was pleased with the outcome of the Saints-Texans matchup.
“Brees is the greatest of all time and he never disappoints. I’ve been a fan of his game for a long time and I believe it’s time he gets the respect he deserves.”
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