Recapping Week 1 of the NFL season

The GIST: Sunday scaries couldn’t kill the vibe during Week 1 of the NFL season — here are a few standout moments from a thrilling opening weekend.

New kickoff rule takes the gridiron: Arizona Cardinal DeeJay Dallas turned on the jets yesterday, returning a kickoff 96 yards for the first touchdown (TD) return under the new dynamic kickoff rules. After last year saw the league’s lowest-ever kickoff return rate, the NFL switched things up to encourage more kick returns and help keep players safe. Watch this space.

Rookies shine in pro debuts: Washington Commanders quarterback (QB) and 2024 No. 2 overall draft pick Jayden Daniels recorded two rushing TDs, not to mention 184 passing yards in a season-opening loss.

• And the kids continued to ball out with three wide receivers (WRs) — LA Charger Ladd McConkey, Tampa Bay Buccaneer Jalen McMillan, and Jacksonville Jaguar Brian Thomas Jr. — hauling in their first career NFL TDs. Future is looking oh so bright.

Defense on full display in Week 1: The Denver Broncos recorded two first-half safeties (aka when an offensive player is tackled in their own end zone) in their 26–20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, becoming just the second team since 1960 to record two safeties in a season opener.

• Elsewhere, Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson notched a game-changing pick-six to seal No. 1 overall 2024 draft pick QB Caleb Williams’ first NFL win — a 24–17 dub over the Tennessee Titans. It’s a new era in the Windy City.

Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill detained pre-game: Hill was detained for a traffic incident ahead of his team’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars yesterday, but went on to record 130 yards and a TD in the Fins’ 20–17 win. The Miami-Dade police department placed an officer on administrative leave and will conduct an investigation into the matter.