Five Wide 2024 - Week One

By Thomas Willoughby

Welcome back, folks. It’s been a long old off-season, but we’re here. The NFL has returned to our stadiums and our screens. And, for the next 5 months, this is all that matters. Every group chat you’re in will be a-buzz, every conversation with people you barely know from work will be derailed. Football szn, baby.

Is what I would usually say. Dunno about anyone else, but I’ve barely been able to get into the swing of things at all this year. Free agency passed me by, the draft passed me by, it’s been an odd year. I dunno. Who knows!

But I am nothing if not a professional. The people demand their observations and who am I to deny them that? So we’re back. Five more wides, every week for the whole season. Aren’t you spoiled?

(Un)Officially eliminated from playoff contention

I’m loathe to write anyone off after week 1. For as long as I’ve had more than a passing knowledge on this sport, I’ve considered Week 1 to be pre-season week 4. Or week 5 up until a couple of years ago. That’s beside the point, the point is writing anyone off after a week is a fools errand.

Well, in most cases.

I’m writing off The Carolina Panthers. The worst team in the NFL in 2023 picked up where they left off with an utterly lifeless showing in New Orleans. Bryce Young, a player whom they gave up a treasure trove of riches for last year, struggled mightily. An interception with his first pass of the first half isn’t great. But, he did improve through the afternoon, throwing an interception with his second pass of the second half. Progress.

47-10, and whatever optimism that organisation held going into 2024 has basically salted away. The good news, Panthers fans, is that you might actually get to benefit from your ineptitude this year. Barring any other shenanigans, you’re going to get to use your first round pick this year.

Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Ai Se Eu Te Packers

As ever, the NFL is trying to grow itself internationally again in 2024, with 3 games in London, and another game in Munich, later on this year. We did enjoy a first during week one, too- the NFLs first ever South American fixture. 

Brazil, and on a Friday night, no less. And, you know what, I rate it. Spreading the opening weekend across 4 days of games rather than 3 was lovely. Helped me ease back into NFL mode. And it’s always good when you’ve got 2 teams playing out a hum-dinger. Saquon Barkley, all apologies, I feel like we forgot who you actually are.

I’m not saying I want Friday night games all the time. But having one opening weekend was nice. Adds some gravitas to the return of the league. 10/10 would vote for that again next year.

WE THE BEST PUNT RETURNER

One of the big off-season topics was the change in how kickoffs are handled. In an attempt to reduce injuries, the NFL has introduced the new “dynamic kick off” set up. Look, I understand it, but I can’t explain it, and nor can I explain how exactly it reduces injuries. All I know is it’s different.

But we did see our first ever dynamic kick off returned for a touchdown! In week one, history was made. DeeJay Dallas took a kick off 96 yards to the house to usher in this new era.

See! The end isn’t necessarily as nigh as some failed businessmen might claim.

Wat were you thinking

Full disclosure, this section was supposed to be about Deshaun Watson. However, since finishing the final draft, it’s transpired he’s been accused of some more unpleasantness that I don’t want to detract from. Believe survivors, full stop. Instead, we’re going to talk about the guy he replaced. A better news story.

Long-time readers of these things know that I’ve always been a fan of Baker Mayfield. He’s a good player, unfairly painted as a bit of a waste of space after a poor final season in Cleveland. It’s worth pointing out, however, that, until Baker, the Browns hadn’t made the playoffs for about 400 years, let alone won a playoff game. He did that, and was unceremoniously dumped for the aforementioned. After spending a season bouncing between the Panthers and Rams, he was given the difficult task of following Brady in Tampa Bay. And thrived.

Another playoff win in his first season there, and a lovely 3-year deal was his reward. This weekend, he threw 4 touchdowns. He’s a good quarterback, folks. Start respecting my man.

Mike Ehrmann-Getty Images

Dak Pre$cott

Speaking of underrated ballers, fair play to Dak Prescott, man. Hours before taking the field, Prescott inked a 4 year contract worth up to $240mils, making him the highest paid player in NFL history. 

Dak gets a lot of flak from a lot of circles, which I just don’t understand. Since coming into the league in 2016, Prescott has led the Cowboys to the playoffs 6 times, has won the NFC East 4 times, and averaged over 3500 passing yards a season. Despite two injury hit years in 2020 and 2022. He’s a good QB, and he looked decent enough again yesterday.

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again – wins are not a QB statistic. And I suspect this is the measure Prescott is being held against. A 2-5 playoff record isn’t great, but the manner of those defeats isn’t exactly due to deficiencies in his play. He’s a good QB, and fair play to him for getting the bag. Hope he carries on killing it.

Features Image Credit: Getty Images

Thomas Willoughby

NFL ANALYST & SOCIAL MEDIA

THOMAS IS A WRITER, AND REGULAR GUEST ON THE TOUCHDOWN REVIEW SHOW PODCAST, FOR THE TOUCHDOWN. YOU CAN FIND HIM @WILLO290592 ON TWITTER

Twitter Envelope
5/5