Tank for Trevor: Week 1 Update
Let me introduce you to the bottom-feeders of the NFL, the whipping boys of the league. Teams who are looking ahead, not to February, but to April. Although the 2020 season is in its infancy, these teams will be looking to see who they are taking to next years prom. In the race for the number one pick, Week 1 has already thrown some spanners in the works, with two teams who looked certain to be front runners in the Trevor Lawrence race, Jacksonville and Washington, both coming out with somewhat unexpected wins.
New York Jets
The number three draft pick from 2018 was thoroughly outclassed in Week 1 by the quarterback taken four picks later. Sam Darnold continues to look all at sea in his now second season in Adam Gase’s offense. On the other hand, Josh Allen put on a clinic, throwing for over 300 yards and rushing for 57. Three first half touchdowns put the Jets to bed and it could’ve been a lot worse if not for two sloppy Allen fumbles and two missed field goals.
The 27-17 finish flattered the Jets completely. Outside of a 69-yard Jamison Crowder touchdown, the offense failed to get going. With Le’Veon Bell now joining rookie WR Denzel Mims on IR, it’s tough to see much positives going forward. The 49ers, Colts and Broncos will come thick and fast. Adam Gase’s days are surely numbered.
New York Giants
It was always going to be a tall order for the Giants to overcome the stout Steelers defense. The return of Ben Roethlisberger added some assurance into an offense which lacked it in his absence. That being said, the Giants had chances to stay with Steelers late into the night. A 19 play drive from Daniel Jones ended in a brain fade of an interception which killed off all hopes of a comeback.
Saquon Barkley was limited to a record breaking six yards from 15 carries. Offensive line troubles continue to plague New York. Jones was, however, a bright spark, who looked comfortable in Jason Garrett’s offense. His connection with Darius Slayton is promising going forward. The defense showed some life, especially rushing the passer, however the secondary was as advertised. A lot of work for Joe Judge in the coming weeks. This could be a fascinating season in New York, as the Giants and Jones look to make tough decisions on their future.
Cleveland Browns
Was there a more disappointing performance on opening weekend than the Browns? Admittedly they played the impressice Ravens, but 2004 is still the last time this team won on opening day.
They were the first, but won’t be the last, team that Lamar Jackson utterly annihilates this season. Myles Garrett was unusually quiet, which will be concerning. It was, however, the other side of the ball that will really have Browns fans concerned. There seems to be a million light years between Odell Beckham Jr and Baker Mayfield. Some of Mayfield’s passes to #13 appeared to physically be that far away too. The NFL cognoscenti will be debating just who is at fault in this fractured relationship. Is it possible that Mayfield just isn’t a good quarterback? Has the Beckham over hype finally caught up to him? Or maybe he just can’t function without an ageing, declining QB throwing to him
A date with the Bengals on Thursday night now seems must-win.
