Is the 2018-19 NFL season the year of the average quarterback? After a Super Bowl showdown led last year’s dark horse Nick Foles to a confetti-laden, Lombardi-kissing celebration, it may be time to cash in on mediocrity.
Sure, for every single one of us tortuously sitting on our couches Sunday night (for the first half, if you were rooting for Green Bay, and the second half if you were worshipping your new defensive savior, Khalil Mack), an elite quarterback like Aaron Rodgers showed his potential-180-million-over-four-years worth. The League is so much better with Rodgers in it, so fans of the sport should have all sighed a breath of relief when Rodgers, who was carted off the field after an apparent MCL sprain, returned after the second half to wreak havoc on a confident Chicago fanbase.
The Green Bay-Chicago game was a stunner and a great open to the season, but perhaps one of the more prominent takeaways from week one is that having an average quarterback can get you pretty far. Case Keenum, Blake Bortles, Joe Flacco and Nick Foles all drove home a consistent message: its great to be great, but its also okay to be just okay.
The Thursday night game hosted a matchup of the reigning champs against the Falcons, and had an eery familiarity to the NFC divisional playoff game from last season. Nick Foles was not great. Foles completed 19 of 34 for 117 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception. The Birds even elicited the iconic Philadelphia boo from their own fanbase at times when the offense struggled, quickly remedied with the now iconic Philly Special delivered by Nelson Agholor to Foles.  Yet, the Philly defense, home to former Seahawk and key disruptor Michael Bennet, made any Falcons fan frantically google the 2019 draft prospects and start thinking towards next April. Matt Ryan looked really shaky, completing 21 of 43 with zero touchdowns and one interception, and Sarkesian’s continual decision to pull Julio out when the Falcons got to the red zone continued to perpetuate a struggling Falcons offense.
Von Miller and the Broncos defense made the Seahawks offense look like a practice squad at times. Russell Wilson was sacked a total of six times, with an obvious effect on his performance as his offensive line continued to come up short in blocking. While the game was close at times, Case Keenum threw three interceptions against a fresh Seahawks defense, but the Broncos defense was able to hold an elite offensive weapon like Wilson at bay.
The Jags had a similar experience against a hyped Giants offense. Blake Bortles completed 18 of 33 throwing for 176 yards, a touchdown and one interception, but an edgy Jags defense led by the League’s designated trash-talker, Jalen Ramsey were able to come away with a win in New Jersey. The Jags absolutely dominated the Giants offense with an exception from the Giants new star, Saquon Barkley, and effectively contained OBJ.
Maybe Lamar Jackson has really gotten into Joe Flacco’s head, or maybe Harbaugh’s signature first regular season win worked its magic for the Ravens in their humiliating win against a simply awful Bills team. First, let’s just air out the fact that the Bills chose to start Nathan Peterman. Nathan Peterman, who has a career completion record of 43%. But, Flacco was locked in as he hit several key offensive players , including a  29-yard pass on 2nd-and-26 to John Brown. Flacco finished (and Jackson was put into play) completing 25 of 34 for 236 yards and three touchdowns. The Ravens defense had two interceptions, and was able to force continual turnovers that allowed the Ravens offense to run up the score 47-3.
Week one is notorious for causing mass hysteria and panic. That’s normal, but those fans who may not have the luxury of an elite quarterback but still boast a well rounded roster, and particularly a strong defense, ought not lose as much sleep at night. Good offensive weapons, like a back that can take a handoff and charge without much pressure on the quarterback, or a defense that can force continual turnovers, are a steadfast cure for average. As the Eagles made crystal clear last season, mediocrity can get you to the post-season, and yes, defense can win championships.Â
