The NFL Roundup 2022: Week 1

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Hello again, football fans. It’s been a hot minute since we talked about our favorite sport but that’s only because the offseason was upon us. You know that dark time when we are all lost and searching for something that brings us the same joy as NFL football. But thankfully, we exit football purgatory tonight. For Kickoff Weekend is upon us and boy do we have some incredible games and storylines awaiting us this weekend, and with that in mind, let’s dive in and discuss all those storylines and preview the most fascinating games to watch in Week 1 of the new NFL season!
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Will Tom Brady’s offseason drama impact the Bucs in a negative manner this weekend?
We like to believe that professional football players and professionals at every level, can keep their personal lives out of what pays the bills. But we have learned time and time again, that isn’t always the case and well, there’s a lot of personal drama that has reached the practice field down in Tampa. For Tom Brady has been dealing with some stuffs and spent time away to handle it, but even still… being away makes it mark and of course, we’ve seen personal matters influence players in both a positive and negative manner. Leaving all of us to wonder if Tom’s personal drama will have an impact on the team this weekend and honestly, it might. Because he hasn’t been there to really sync up with his new offensive teammates and that could throw off their timing and rhythm. So, don’t be shocked if that happens, but also, don’t be shocked if it doesn’t. Since Brady has always surprised us.
 
Can the Jets win with Joe Flacco under center?
Make no mistake about it, the New York Jets are eager to win. After all, they drafted a hot new quarterback after Sam Darnold didn’t pan out, and they have been working fastidiously to revamp this team so it can in fact, win and make the fans happy at last. But even the best laid plans fall apart. For an offense designed to help Zac Wilson thrive, is now without Zac Wilson. Since he’s out for four weeks with an injury and that means Joe Flacco gets the nod and well, can this team win with Flacco? Because he hasn’t exactly been the Super Bowl caliber quarterback that won a championship with the Ravens back in the day and honestly… I don’t think it will go well with him under center. For he really is a QB in decline and that likely means, it’s going to be another rough start to the season for Jets fans, one that might put them in a playoff hole early. 
 
Will Mitch Trubisky be the answer under center for the Steelers?
I know, I know. This is a question that we likely need more time to properly answer but I honestly think the answer to this question is right in front of us. In that, he isn’t the answer. Yeah, we’ve all heard about how a fresh start helps a guy now and again, as does having the right system around them. But Trubisky has proven time and time again... that he struggles to make pro level throws because the arm strength just isn’t there. Not to mention, he has often struggled to read a defense because he just isn’t a top-tier starting QB. He’s a true backup and bench player that struggles with the game on his shoulders. So, if anything… he is basically just keeping the offensive line loose and ready for rookie Kenny Pickett, who will likely be taking over for big Mitch in a few weeks.

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The Most Fascinating Games to Watch This Weekend

Thursday Night Football
Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams
SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, California
8:20 p.m. EST – NBC

​The first real game of note this weekend is the season opener because it looks to be a powerhouse matchup. After all, this is a game that quite possibly features two powerhouse teams, since Buffalo is one tough squad, and the Rams are the defending Super Bowl Champions. Which means we should be in for an electric night, where two-top tier quarterbacks carve up defenses and look to show the league what kind of trouble they can expect from them in 2022. Not to mention, this one has hints of a ‘revenge game’ as well, since Von Miller left the Rams to go to the Bills because Los Angeles wouldn’t pay the freight for his services, and you know he’ll be eager to get a little payback for the Rams decision to let him walk after he helped lead them to a Lombardi Trophy. As to who wins this one, that’s anyone’s guess. Because these teams are evenly matched. To the point where this could indeed be a preview of Super Bowl LVII.

Cleveland Browns at Carolina Panthers
Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, North Carolina
Sunday, September 11, 2022 – 1:00 p.m. EST – CBS

It just so happens, that this weekend is full of revenge games, the kind that should be in epic in nature and this is one of them. Since the Browns were quick to trade their former First Round Pick/Franchise QB to Carolina when he wasn’t pleased with the direction of the offense. Which as fate would have it, allows for him to take on his former team Sunday and that alone will be quite epic. Because you know Baker Mayfield wants to prove to Cleveland that they made a dire mistake. But this game goes deeper than that. Because Cleveland is once again a league wide joke, for tossing a solid quarterback aside and for making a dubious choice regarding who they replaced him with, since Watson won’t even be on the field this weekend. Making this a critical game for them as well since they have to prove that they know what the hell they’re actually doing personnel wise. Either way, this will be a good one to watch, one that I think Carolina will win. Just because the Browns are a mess and Mayfield wants to embarrass them and sometimes… that desire to prove someone wrong is all you need in football to be successful.

Monday Night Football
Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks
Lumen Field – Seattle, Washington
8:15 p.m. EST – ESPN

​Our last revenge game of note revolves around a pair of quarterbacks that were exchanged by teams that no longer had faith in their abilities. Since Denver sent Drew Lock to Seattle and a boatload of other players and picks to bring Russell Wilson to the Mile High City. For Seattle was ready to cut ties and move forward and Drew didn’t develop into the franchise man Denver has desperately needed. Which means, while Lock isn’t starting… he wants his team to win to avenge him and of course, Wilson is ready to show the Seahawks what they are missing out upon. Which should lead to an intense and epic game, one that has deeper meaning beyond sweet revenge upon the field. For it is critical for Pete Carroll’s career and reputation to win without Wilson. For this was a risky trade, especially since he brought in no proven QB as an insurance policy if Geno falters. And of course, Denver has new ownership and a new coaching staff to go with their shiny new QB and they want to start this new era off right. As to who wins, I’m going with Denver. Because they have the better quarterback hands down. One that is very eager to make Seattle regret their decision to send him packing.