10 Thoughts on the NFL: Chicago Bears put the League on notice, plus much more

1. The Chicago Bears' dazzling Week 1 performance against the Carolina Panthers has sent a strong message to the NFL that they mean business. Quarterback Caleb Williams' four touchdowns, despite receiving a low grade from Pro Football Focus, show that he's ready to take the league by storm.

2. Jacoby Brissett's Week 1 start against a team he has no business beating is a testament to his ability to deliver under pressure. His performance with the Cardinals proves that really good backup quarterbacks can remain valuable assets to their teams.

3. Minnesota Vikings' quarterback Carson Wentz's impressive comeback in a game without Kyler Murray is a reminder that even the most scrutinized players can still rise to the occasion. His performance against the Packers is a rare sight to behold.

4. The Kansas City Chiefs' resurgence with Patrick Mahomes continues to be an intriguing development. His dynamic play, coupled with Travis Kelce's 71 receiving yards, makes the team a strong contender for the playoffs, even if just for one week.

5. The age-old question remains: how old would Derrick Henry have to be before you feel comfortable stepping aside? His incredible athleticism and performance ability make him a force to be reckoned with, and fans eagerly await to see how long he'll keep pushing the boundaries.

6. Cleveland Browns' quarterback Deshaun Watson's Week 1 drubbing against the Jacksonville Jaguars raises concerns about his financial future. After the disappointing performance, head coach Todd Monken has committed to Watson for Week 2 against Tampa Bay, despite his questionable play.

7. The Los Angeles Rams have seen a swift shift from "super team" to "sucks to be y'all" after Week 1. Quarterback Myles Garrett's knee injury has sidelined him for at least four weeks, causing concern for their defense. However, their remaining assets, including Aaron Donald, could help them recover from this setback.

8. The sheer number of points scored during NFL season openers in 2026, with 791 points scored across all games, is unprecedented. The last time such a high-scoring opener occurred was in 2021, and before that, it was a common occurrence in 2022 and earlier seasons. This significant change in scoring patterns adds an interesting dimension to the league's development and strategies moving forward.

9. While the author expresses some reservations about the current state of the NFL, they ultimately believe that the league's excitement and competitiveness will continue to thrive, despite the occasional challenges and setbacks.