The NFL kicked off its season with an absolute explosion of offense, tying the post-merger record for most points scored in Week 1 with a staggering 791 total points across 16 games. This wild start, averaging out to 49.4 points per game, matched the opening week from 2012, and it even took a Kenneth Walker touchdown for Kansas City in the Chiefs’ win over the Broncos to push the league past the threshold.
So Close, Yet So Far for a New Record
Seriously, the league was *this close* to setting a brand new scoring record. Heading into Sunday Night Football, everyone was buzzing. The pace was set for an average of 50.1 points per game. But then the Giants and Cowboys combined for only 48 points in New York’s Sunday night victory, and the Chiefs and Broncos dropped a relatively paltry 41 points on Monday. You have to point some blame at Denver’s offense, which looked like a disaster against a relentless Kansas City defense. After Walker’s touchdown and extra point early in the fourth quarter, extending the Chiefs’ lead to 31-10, the league hit 791 total points. The Broncos and Chiefs needed just one more measly point between them in the game’s final 14:39 to break the record. A safety or a field goal would’ve done it! But KC smartly milked the clock and locked down Denver’s offense, ensuring no more points went on the board.
What’s Behind This Scoring Bonanza?
Even with that missed opportunity, Week 1 was an absolute barn-burner, loaded with high-scoring affairs. None stood out more than the Chicago Bears’ absolute offensive clinic, securing a 59-37 win over the Carolina Panthers. The Bears were up 52-37 with four minutes left in that game, and then they *still* piled on another touchdown, setting the single-game scoring record for Week 1. So, why are we seeing so many points? Is this a sign of things to come for the entire season? Former Steelers head coach and current NBC analyst Mike Tomlin has a theory. He suggested on Sunday Night Football that changes to preseason and training camp regulations, specifically less violence and fewer padded practices, are giving offenses a huge early advantage. Tomlin explained that current drills are more geared toward skill development, like 7-on-7, meaning defenses spend less time learning to shed blocks and tackle compared to 25 years ago.
Whether Tomlin’s theory is spot on or not, one thing is crystal clear: defenses have their work cut out for them. Just look at Denver’s “vaunted unit” on Monday night, repeatedly missing tackles. Every defensive coordinator across the league needs to tighten things up before Week 2, because if Week 1 is any indication, offenses are ready to run wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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