Theme of the weekend: Just when you think you have football all figured out, the truth is, we know practically nothing. Picking games, predicting fantasy heroes, or who the next great CFB team is going to be is HARRRD. That’s the truth. But, another truth…you can’t make it out of a strong football weekend without some A+ stats, facts, and figures. Let’s take a look @ my top 10.
1.Jags QB Gardner Minshew was nearly flawless throwing the football yesterday. More amazing was that every one of his 20 passes was released in under 3.5 seconds. (this stat via Sport Source Analytics)
2.After an all-time receiver class in the 2020 draft, the current rookie leader in both receptions and yards is...Jonathan Taylor, 6 catches for 67 yards. More than Henry Ruggs, CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Reagor, Michael Pittman, Gabe Davis, and more. (this stat via Mike Renner PFF.com)
3.The Cowboys are 1-7 in one-score games since the start of 2019. Only the Bengals have a worse record in one-score games since the start of last season (0-9). (Stat via @ESPNstatsinfo)
4.Pats offense is already completely different with Cam. Newton had 15 rushes, most ever by a Patriots QB in a game. Newton ran for 75 yds, the most by a Patriots QB since 1977 (Steve Grogan). NE rushed 42 times for 217 yds, both their most in a season opener under Belichick. (Stats via @ESPNstatsinfo)
5.Among all the rookie RB’s who saw playing time this weekend, none saw more than Jags rookie James Robinson. He was in on 70% of the Jags offensive snaps. That’s more than CEH, Jonathan Taylor, JK Dobbins, Antonio Gibson and more. (Stat via Nex Gen Stats)
6.Jalen Ramsey lined up against Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup the same # of times (16). Cooper was targeted 6 times with 6 rec and 43 yards. Gallup was targeted 2, with 1 rec and 24 yards. (Stat via Nex Gen)
7.Trouble with the Vikings lead back? Alexander Mattison and Dalvin Cook saw almost equal snaps in the passing game, and Mattison finished with four targets — two more than Cook. Their overall touch distribution was Cook 13, Mattison 10. (Stat via PFF.com)
8.Peyton Barber looks to be the goal-line back in Washington. He had seven rushing attempts inside the 10-yard line and converted two into touchdowns. Antonio Gibson only had one touch inside the 10. (Stat via PFF.com)
9.D.J. Chark Jr. would have been a massive bust had it not been for a touchdown, but he still led the team in routes run despite only being targeted 3 times (3-25-1). (Stat via PFF.com)
10.Since the AFL/NFL merger only 4 QB’s have rushed for 90 yards, ran in a TD, passed for a TD, and lead a 4th quarter comeback in the same game. Those QB’s are: Mike Vick, Cam Newton, Marcus Mariota, and now…Kyler Murray. (Stat via Pro Football Reference)