NFL 2024 Season: A Statistical Dive into Week One
As the 2024 NFL season kicks off, Sky Sports Cricket statistician and avid Buffalo Bills fan, Benedict Bermange, takes us on a thrilling journey through the standout statistics from each week. The opening week of the NFL season is always filled with surprises, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable moments. Let’s delve into the highlights from Week One, showcasing the players and teams that made headlines.
Patrick Mahomes: A New Milestone
In a thrilling matchup on Thursday night, the Kansas City Chiefs secured a 27-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes etched his name in the franchise’s history books by surpassing Len Dawson’s record of 28,507 passing yards, becoming the most prolific passer in Chiefs history. This achievement not only underscores Mahomes’ talent but also his pivotal role in the Chiefs’ offensive success since he took the reins as the starting quarterback.
Xavier Worthy: A Historic Debut
Rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy made an explosive entrance into the NFL, becoming the first player since Kareem Hunt in 2017 to score both a rushing and receiving touchdown on his debut. Worthy’s performance was remarkable, as he joined the ranks of just two players in NFL history to achieve a 20-plus yard rushing touchdown and a 20-plus yard receiving touchdown in their debut, a feat last accomplished by ‘replacement player’ James Brim in 1987. His speed and versatility will undoubtedly make him a player to watch this season.
Saquon Barkley Shines in Philadelphia
Saquon Barkley made a significant impact in his debut for the Philadelphia Eagles, scoring three touchdowns. This achievement places him among an elite group of players in the Super Bowl era, being only the ninth player to score three touchdowns in their first game with a new team. Notably, he is the second Eagle to accomplish this since Terrell Owens in 2004. The only player to surpass this record is Gibby Welch, who scored four touchdowns in his debut for the Providence Steam Rollers in 1929.
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills showcased their offensive prowess with a commanding victory over the Arizona Cardinals, led by quarterback Josh Allen. Allen equaled Steve Young’s NFL record by achieving his fourth career game with at least two touchdown passes and two touchdown runs. This dual-threat capability continues to make Allen one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league, and his performance in Week One only solidifies his status.
Caleb Williams: A Promising Start
Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears’ No. 1 overall pick, made history by becoming the fourth quarterback since 1970 to start and win in Week One of their rookie season. Following in the footsteps of legends like David Carr, John Elway, and Jim Plunkett, Williams’ debut victory sets a promising tone for his career and the Bears’ season ahead.
New Orleans Saints: A Record-Breaking Opener
The New Orleans Saints continued their impressive streak by winning their sixth consecutive season opener, the longest active streak in the NFL. They scored a staggering 47 points against the Carolina Panthers, marking the highest point total in franchise history for a season opener. This performance is particularly noteworthy as the Saints also scored 48 points in their previous game against the Atlanta Falcons, making them the first team to score at least 47 points in consecutive games since they did so in 2018.
Denver Broncos: A Rare Loss
In a surprising turn of events, the Denver Broncos fell to the Seattle Seahawks despite scoring two safeties. This marked only the fifth time in NFL history that a team has lost a game while scoring two safeties, with the last occurrence dating back to 2011. This unusual statistic highlights the unpredictable nature of the NFL and the importance of scoring touchdowns over safeties.
Aaron Rodgers and the Jets: A Tough Night
The New York Jets faced a challenging matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, with quarterback Aaron Rodgers experiencing the lowest time of possession in his career at just 21:20. This statistic reflects the struggles the Jets faced in maintaining control of the game, a stark contrast to the high-octane offense they aim to establish this season.
Conclusion
The opening week of the 2024 NFL season has already provided fans with a treasure trove of statistics and memorable performances. From record-breaking achievements to historic debuts, the excitement is palpable as teams and players set the tone for the season ahead. As we look forward to the upcoming weeks, fans can expect more thrilling moments and statistical milestones that will shape the narrative of this NFL season. Stay tuned for more insights and highlights as Benedict Bermange continues to track the best stats from each week.