Week 1 of the NFL campaign is always challenging, as players shake off the rust from the offseason. However, every win matters, including week 1. In this week’s edition of Tyler’s Take, I discuss teams that exceeded expectations and those that underachieved.
Detroit Lions (0-1), Underperformed:
In the 2025 offseason, the Detroit Lions experienced major changes to their coaching staff. The most notable departures were former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Both leaders accepted head coach positions, with Johnson controlling the Chicago Bears and Glenn heading to the New York Jets. With the two coordinators beside Head Coach Dan Campbell during the 2024-2025 campaign, the squad owned a 15-2 record and locked the No. 1 seed in last season’s NFC standings. This was the first time in franchise history that the team secured the highest seeding. With 21 key players placed on injured reserve, the Lions lost to the Washington Commanders 45-31, ending their magical 2024-2025 run.
Fast forward to the 2025-2026 campaign, the team recovered and hired new coordinators but fell to the Green Bay Packers 27-13 on Sunday. The No. 1 scoring offense in 2024 only notched one touchdown in the fourth quarter. Problems arose in the run game, as Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery rushed for a total of 44 yards, making zero endzone appearances. In 2024, running the ball was a cheat code for the Lions, as they tied for second in rushing touchdowns (29) and ranked No. 6 in rushing yards (2,488).
To add on, quarterback Jared Goff threw for 225 yards, completing 31 of 39 (79.5%) passes. This seems good, but the Packers intercepted the veteran and sacked him four times for a loss of 25 yards. Campbell restructured the offensive line after the 2024-2025 stretch, as the center Frank Ragnow retired, and right guard Kevin Zeitler’s one-year stint concluded. Left guard Graham Glasgow and rookie Tate Ratledge replaced the two blockers, which could solidify why the defense pressured Goff so much. If these challenges continue, seeing the franchise in the 2025-2026 postseason is unlikely. The Lions clash with the Chicago Bears in their home opener on Sept. 14 at 1 p.m.
Green Bay Packers (1-0), Surprise:
The Green Bay Packers kicked off the 2025-2026 regular season hot, defeating the Lions 27-13. The franchise left nothing on the table in the first half, scoring 17 points and holding the NFC North rivals to just three points. Jordan Love completed 16 of 22 (73%) passing attempts, throwing for 188 yards and delivering two touchdowns. In past years, the receiver room depleted quickly due to injuries, but in Week 1, the wideouts stepped up. Romeo Doubs led the way, logging 68 yards, while Jayden Reed crossed the goal line and hauled in 45 yards. Additionally, Love connected with Dontayvion Wicks and rookie Matthew Golden for a combined total of 46 yards. Alongside the receivers, the shot-caller found tight end Tucker Craft for 16 yards and a touchdown. In the back field, Josh Jacobs bolted for 66 yards and added six points in the second quarter. Defensively, the newly acquired Micah Parsons made a statement. Despite the team limiting his snaps, the 26-year-old sacked Goff, while linebacker Quay Walker snatched two passes. The Packers stay home to face the Commanders on Thursday at 8:15 p.m.
Carolina Panthers (0-1), Underperformed:
The Carolina Panthers fell to the Jacksonville Jaguars 26-10 on Sunday. In the Panthers’ final seven meetings of the 2024-2025 stretch, quarterback Bryce Young looked good. The 24-year-old threw 1,583 yards for 11 touchdowns and turned the ball over three times. In Week 1, the former Alabama quarterback struggled carrying over his 2024-2025 success, connecting 18 of 35 (51.4%) for 154 yards, finding the endzone once and throwing two picks. The offensive line only allowed one sack, but couldn’t open gaps for Chuba Hubbard, who ran for 57 yards and a receiving touchdown. On a positive note, rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan topped the team in receiving yards, hauling in 68 yards. The Panthers travel to take on the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at 4:05 p.m.
Indianapolis Colts (1-0), Surprise:
The Indianapolis Colts crushed the Miami Dolphins 33-8 on Sunday. Daniel Jones, who hasn’t played a snap since the New York Giants released him on Nov. 10, 2024, carried the franchise to victory. The former Duke Blue Devil cashed in 22 of 29 (75.9%) attempts for 272 yards, a passing and two rushing touchdowns. In the second quarter on second-and-20, the 28-year-old pinpointed Michael Pittman Jr. for a 27-yard touchdown. The veteran finished the day with 80 yards. Defensively, the Colts only conceded eight points in the fourth quarter. The franchise faces the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium on Sept. 14 at 4:05 p.m.