The NFL Set Some Records in Week 1, None Involving the Anthem or Lower Ratings
Week 1 of the NFL is in the books, and it turned out to be a record-setting week. While fans were craving for some live football, many eyes were focused on the off-the-field events related to social justice and the national anthem. The records that were set, however, had nothing to do with the league’s low ratings or the anthem. These obscure records all had to do with on-the-field action.
It was a touchdown-filled weekend for the NFL in Week 1
If you wanted an offensive outburst for the first weekend of football, you got it. There was plenty of scoring in the first week of the 2020 NFL season. According to Andrew Siciliano of the NFL Network and the host of DirecTV’s Red Zone, the league set a record for most offensive touchdowns ever in the first week of a season.
Siciliano tweeted that the 87 combined offensive touchdowns were the most ever in a Week 1 in NFL history. Eight teams scored 30 or more points last weekend. There were nine offensive touchdowns alone in a game that saw the Green Bay Packers outlast the Minnesota Vikings 43-34.
Both the Seattle Seahawks and the Baltimore Ravens put up 38 points in their Week 1 victories. Russell Wilson threw four touchdown passes for the Seahawks, while Jackson tossed three for the Ravens. The Kansas City Chiefs, Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, and New Orleans Saints also eclipsed the 30-point mark.
The AFC North sets Heisman record
When Cincinnati Bengals rookie quarterback Joe Burrow took the first snap of his NFL career in a late Sunday afternoon game, another obscure record was set. The AFC North became the first division in NFL history to have three different Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks start in the same week.
Burrow made his debut at home against the Los Angeles Chargers. He scored his first touchdown on a 23-yard run. He played well, but the Chargers held off the Bengals after Burrow marched his team down the field in the final moments. Cincinnati Bengals kicker Randy Bullock missed badly on a 31-yard field goal attempt that would have tied the game.
Burrow joined Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson as the other two Heisman winners in the AFC North to start at quarterback Sunday. Mayfield and Jackson went against each other. Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens cruised to a 38-6 victory over Mayfield’s Cleveland Browns.
Ten Black quarterbacks got the start for another Week 1 record
Is wasn’t that long ago when having a Black quarterback in the league was rare. Michael Vick and Donovan Mitchell were excellent starting quarterbacks years ago, but it wasn’t the norm to have a Black quarterback in the league, never mind starting at the position.
Week 1 saw a record 10 Black starting quarterbacks. According to The Undefeated, it was the most ever during opening week. Seven of them came out on the winning end. Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, Cam Newton, Tyrod Taylor, and Dwayne Haskins all led their teams to a victory in Week 1.
Jackson was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week after leading the Baltimore Ravens past the Cleveland Browns. Jackson tossed three touchdowns in the win. Wilson was voted NFC Offensive Player of the Week after throwing four touchdown passes in the Seattle Seahawks’ win over the Atlanta Falcons.
