Quarterback play rules headlines on NFL’s first Sunday

It has and always will be the most important position at any level of football.

If you have a good or great quarterback, chances are you will be a good or great football team.

If you have a quarterback who plays great in a particular game, chances are you are going to win that game.

A quick study of week one in the NFL illustrated this in clear fashion.

The Dallas Cowboys are a Super Bowl contender.

They spotted the Giants seven points before dominating in a 35-17 victory. Yes, I know it was the Giants but it was still impressive.

Ezekiel Elliott is back and so is Jason Witten. The wide receivers are an improved unit. The defense can run with anyone.

Then, there is Dak Prescott.

In a contract year, Prescott debuted in awesome fashion, completing 25-of-32 passes for 405 yards and four touchdowns for a perfect quarterback Rating of 158. For good measure, the Haughton High School product rushed four times for 12 yards.

If Prescott plays like that, Dallas can win the NFC.

At Miami, Lamar Jackson entered the season with the same questions that persisted last season. Can he throw the ball effectively in the NFL and run less to preserve himself on a long-term basis?

The answer, for one game, was a resounding one.

Jackson achieved a perfect Quarterback Rating as well at 158.3 as he completed 17-of-20 for 324 yards and five touchdowns and rushed just three times for six yards as the Ravens trounced the Dolphins 59-10. By the way, a guy named Mark Ingram rushed 14 times for 107 yards and two touchdowns. With all due respect to Jackson, Robert Griffin III came on in relief and completed all six of his passes for 53 yards and a touchdown. Miami stinks.

At Minnesota, Kirk Cousins was not asked to do much but what he did was good, completed 8-of-10 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown as the Vikings handled the Falcons 28-12. Cousins posted a 140.8 rating.

At Philadelphia, Carson Wentz rallied the Eagles from way behind to a thrilling 32-27 win over Washington. With Nick Foles gone, this is now Wentz’ team and he stepped up, completing 28-of-39 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns for a Quarterback Rating of 121.

At San Diego, Philip Rivers rallied the Chargers past the Colts, 30-24. Rivers completed 25-of-34 for 333 yards with three touchdowns and one interception for a rating of 121.3.

At Cleveland, perhaps the coronation of the Browns as Super Bowl champions can wait just a bit.

The Titans went into Cleveland and embarrassed the Browns 43-13.

Rumors of Marcus Mariotta’s demise were premature.

In a contract year, Mariota opened with a good performance, going 14-of-24 for 248 yards and three scores for a Quarterback Rating of 133.3. He rushed three times for 24 yards.

In Jacksonville, Patrick Mahomes picked up where he left off in an MVP season last year.

After struggling mightily for three quarters, rookie Kyler Murray was brilliant in the fourth quarter and good in overtime as Arizona rallied to tie Detroit 27-27.

Despite losing top weapon Tyreek Hill to injury early, Mahomes was again magnificent, beating the sweltering heat to the tune of 25-of-33 for 378 yards and three touchdowns for a Quarterback Rating of 143.2. Sammy Watkins was his star receiver, catching nine passes for 198 yards and three scores. Mahomes is the most talented quarterback in the NFL.

Last, but certainly not least, there is the GOAT. Tom Brady was in midseason form, completing 24-of-36 passes for 341 yards and three touchdowns for a 124.9 rating as the Patriots buried the Steelers 33-3. Now, he will add Antonio Brown to the arsenal of weapons he has, for better or for worse.

Now, it Drew Brees’ turn.