NFL Week 1: Five Standout Plays

 

Photo From Getty Images 

Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season is in the books. In typical Week 1 fashion, most teams showed signs of rust. This year in particular, it was most noticeable on offense and special teams. 12 quarterbacks threw for under 200 yards to open their season, two teams (New York Giants and Chicago Bears) failed to score an offensive touchdown, and 65% of kickoffs resulted in touchbacks in Week 1.

All that said, there were certainly some awesome highlights from Week 1. Here are five eye-popping highlights from the first week of the season.

1. Anthony Richardson’s 60-yard Missle Through The Sky

After Anthony Richardson’s rookie season was cut short last year in Week 5 due to an A/C joint sprain in his shoulder, the anticipation of his return among Colts fans and fantasy football owners was massive.

Richardson had a weird statistical game. On the one hand, he threw for 212 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. On the other hand, he only completed 9 of his 19 passing attempts, which equates to a 47.3% completion rate.

One of Richardson’s completions was my highlight of the week. On 1st & 10 from the Colts’ 40-yard line, Richardson threw an absolute cannon that flew 60 yards in the air and dropped perfectly into receiver Alec Pierce’s hands as he was striding into the end zone, a true thing of beauty.

You can heck it out here: Anthony Richardson’s 60-yard Missle Through The Sky

2. DeeJay Dallas Burns Bills Defense For 1st Kickoff Return Of The Season

The league implemented a new kickoff rule starting this year. The new NFL kickoff rule is designed to reduce injuries. The kicking team now lines up at their own 40-yard line, and the receiving team lines up between their 30- and 35-yard lines. Any kickoff that lands between the goal line and the 20-yard line must be returned. The touchback rules depend on where the ball lands or if it rolls into the end zone. This rule aims to increase the number of returns.

We already got a glimpse of its success for more returns. In Sunday's game between the Arizona Cardinals and Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver, DeeJay Dallas, ran a 96-yard kickoff return to the house.

You can check it out here: DeeJay Dallas Burns Bills Defense For 1st Kickoff Return Of The Season

3. KaVontae Turpin 60-Yd Punt Return

Speaking of special teams scoring plays, we had our first punt return for a touchdown this season.

Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin caught a punt return at the Cowboys’ 40-yard line and quickly was off to the races. Turpin’s speed, mixed with excellent blocking from the Cowboys’ special team unit, led to this beauty.

You can check it out here: KaVontae Turpin 60-Yd Punt Return

4. Tyreek Hill Uses His Speed To Go 80 Yards For a Touchdown

Tyreek Hill had an eventful Week 1, both for good and bad reasons. Just hours before the Dolphins kicked off the season at Hard Rock Stadium, Hill was detained by Miami police for speeding. Apparently, the interaction between Hill and the Miami police was not pleasant by any means, as both sides argued the other was not being cooperative.

Hill was a game-time decision, but ended up suiting up for the Dolphins, and his on-field performances were not affected in the slightest.

Tyreek Hill was doing Tyreek Hill things. Finishing Week 1 with seven receptions for 130 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown reception. Even at age 30, Hill’s speed is still in a league of its own.

You can check it out here: Tyreek Hill Uses His Speed To Go 80 Yards For a Touchdown

5. Mayfield's 17-yard TD Strike To Evans Fits Into An Airtight Window

You can argue, expectations for Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield are higher than they have ever been in his career. 2023 saw Mayfield have a career year in passing yards (4,044), completion percentage (64.3%), and touchdown passes. (28)

The Bucs awarded Mayfield by signing him to a three-year extension worth $100 million.

Mayfield could not have asked for a better start to this season, as he went 24-30 with 289 passing yards and four touchdown passes against the Washington Commanders, including this perfect pass through an airtight window to find Old Reliable, Mike Evans in the end zone.

You can check it out here: Mayfield's 17-yard TD Strike To Evans Fits Into An Airtight Window

What other highlights from Week 1 standout? Comment below.