Week 1 Afternoon NFL Football Game Recaps
Green Bay Packers 28, San Francisco 49ers 34
The Green Bay Packers traveled to Candlestick Park Sunday and came away with a 28-34 defeat in a shootout, as they took on the San Francisco 49ers. Momentum shifted through much of the game, and neither team led by more than a touchdown.
Colin Kaepernick looked spectacular leading a potent 49ers offense, as he threw for 412 yards and three touchdowns. Vernon Davis looked excellent as well as he was on the receiving end on two of Kaepernick’s touchdown passes along with 98 receiving yards on the day. The 49ers biggest offseason acquisition was definitely former Baltimore wide receiver Anquan Boldin, and he delivered a massive performance in his debut for his new team. Boldin finished the day with 13 receptions for 208 yards and a touchdown. With Michael Crabtree out for the foreseeable future, the Niners are going to need more performances like that from Boldin this season. Long-time 49ers veteran Frank Gore didn’t have a particularly special day (22 carries for 44 yards) but did manage to rumble into the end zone for a one-yard score.
The Packer’s offense looked impressive as well. Aaron Rodgers was 21/37 for 333 yards, along with three touchdowns and an interception. Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb each had stellar days for Green Bay as both went for over 100 yards receiving and scored a touchdown. Rookie Eddie Lacy did manage to find the end zone for the Packers, but only finished the day with 41 yards on 14 carries.
The Packers will not get a chance to hang their heads as they take on RG III and the Redskins next week at home. San Francisco won’t be able to celebrate for long either as they have a Sunday night matchup in Seattle, one of the most hostile road environments in the league, as they take on Russell Wilson and the Seahawks.
Arizona Cardinals 24, St. Louis Rams 27
The St. Louis rams captured a 27-24 home victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The Rams led today for less than five minutes throughout the entire game, but sealed the deal on a 48-yard Greg Zuerlein field goal with less than a minute left on the clock.
Quarterback Sam Bradford is determined to have a breakout year this season but had a somewhat inconsistent day. He went 27/38 for 299 yards, and two touchdowns; however, Bradford also threw a pick six on a deflected pass near the Rams own end zone. Tight end Jared Cook was Bradford’s favorite target Sunday with seven receptions for 141 yards, and two touchdowns on the day. Rookie Tavon Austin looked solid as well as he had six receptions on the day for 41 yards. Among the best performers on the day however, was kicker Greg Zuerlein who went 4/4 on the day including the game winner.
New Cardinals addition Carson Palmer made his debut for Arizona as he went 26/40 for 327 yards, along with two touchdowns and an interception. Larry Fitzgerald looked as strong and reliable as ever with eight catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns. Rashard Mendenhall was another new addition for the Cardinals as he carried the ball 16 times for 60 yards. Tyrann Mathieu also looked impressive in his debut with seven solo tackles and forced a fumble from behind to prevent what looked like a sure St. Louis touchdown.
The Cardinals will take on Detroit at home next week; meanwhile, the Rams will travel to Atlanta to take on Matt Ryan and the Falcons.
