Title: NFL Week 1 Roundup: Stock Up and Stock Down
Subtitle: Tua Tagovailoa Shines, Bengals Coach Struggles, and Packers’ Jordan Love Impresses
Almost a full week of the 2023 NFL season is in the books, and Week 1 provided plenty of surprises and thrilling moments. Fans are already looking ahead to Week 2, but let’s take a moment to recap some of the teams, players, and coaches who boosted or hurt their overall stock during the opening week.
Stock Up: Tua Tagovailoa
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa proved his doubters wrong with an impressive performance against the Chargers. He showcased accuracy on deep passes and demonstrated touch on short throws, outgunning Justin Herbert in a thrilling 36-34 victory. Tagovailoa’s early-2022 form seems to have returned, boosting his stock for the upcoming season.
Stock Down: Zac Taylor
Cincinnati Bengals coach Zac Taylor had a rough start to the season with a 24-3 loss to the Browns. Taylor’s team looked helpless against Cleveland’s defense, struggling to find a clean pocket for quarterback Joe Burrow. Despite Taylor’s claims that this isn’t the team they will be, it was a disappointing start for the Bengals’ title aspirations.
Stock Up: Brock Purdy
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy continued to impress after his late-season debut in 2022. Against the Steelers, Purdy picked apart Pittsburgh’s defense and executed the Kyle Shanahan system smoothly. His off-script mobility added another dimension to his game, showcasing his potential for the 49ers and boosting his stock for the season.
Stock Down: Steelers
The Steelers had a tough outing against the 49ers, failing to find a rhythm and struggling against San Francisco’s defense. Kenny Pickett faced difficulties without key weapons, and the defense, led by T.J. Watt, was overshadowed by a struggling corner group. This early loss debunked the Steelers’ preseason hype and dropped their stock for Week 1.
Stock Up: Jordan Love
In his first start as the Packers’ full-time quarterback, Jordan Love impressed with three touchdowns and no interceptions. He guided Green Bay to a victory against the Bears, showcasing poise and consistency. Love’s performance was even more significant as it came against Justin Fields, a more experienced young quarterback. The Packers appear to be in good hands with Love at the helm.
Stock Down: Brandon Staley
Chargers coach Brandon Staley faced criticism coming into the 2023 season, and his team’s shootout loss to the Dolphins showcased continued defensive struggles. Tua Tagovailoa had a field day, throwing for over 450 yards as the Chargers’ defense failed to contain Miami’s aerial assault. In-game adjustments remained problematic, contributing to Staley’s stock taking a hit.
Stock Up: Rams
The Los Angeles Rams surprised many with their dominant performance against the Seattle Seahawks. Led by quarterback Matthew Stafford and coach Sean McVay, the Rams rolled over Pete Carroll’s team in a divisional upset. Despite missing key players like Cooper Kupp, the Rams displayed second-half energy and started the season strong, boosting their stock for Week 1.
In conclusion, Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season provided some exciting moments and showcased both impressive performances and disappointing outings. Players like Tua Tagovailoa, Brock Purdy, and Jordan Love boosted their stock, while coaches like Zac Taylor and Brandon Staley faced challenges in their opening games. The Steelers and the Seahawks experienced setbacks, while the Rams made a statement with their victory. As the season progresses, these stocks will continue to fluctuate, and more surprises are likely to come.