In a comeback game for both starting Quarterbacks, the first game of NFL Sunday did not disappoint. There was a lot of action and a game winning field goal (seems to be the theme of Week 1) along with great performances. Let’s take a look at the biggest takeaways from this Week 1 matchup.
1. Michael Thomas is Back
In his first game in over a year, Michael Thomas found the end zone twice on Falcons AJ Terrell, while also racking up 5 catches for 57 yards. Coincidentally, his two touchdowns came in the fourth quarter which is the reason they were able to complete the improbable comeback from being down 26-10. Whether he will be able to keep up the production in week 2 against a Buccaneers defense that held the Cowboys to 3 points is up for debate, but he is back and he should be up in the top 10 again here soon.
2. Marcus Mariota is Finally Free
In a career plagued by coaching changes, adjustments, backups and doubt, Marcus Mariota finally found himself in the drivers seat of a team. While it was no Mahomes 5 TD performance, Mariota played well enough to put the team in a good spot to win, throwing for 215 yards and rushing for 72 and a TD. I do think he will improve over the season, as the Saints do have a solid defense. I am just happy he is getting another chance.
3. Jameis Winston Can Lead This Team to Success
After ending a solid start to the 2021 season early with an ACL injury, Jameis Winston found his team down 16 in the fourth quarter. He was able to step up and lead two touchdown drives and get the saints into field goal range to take the lead. With a tandem of Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry, paired with Kamara and the versatile Taysom Hill, Winston should be primed to have a successful season.
Looking onto next week, the Falcons are gearing up for a date with the reigning Super Bowl champions in the Rams who are fresh off an embarrassing loss to open the season, while the Saints are on to the Buccaneers who man handled the Cowboys on SNF.
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