The first week of the NFL regular season has wrapped up, and it’s time for some recognition. The official NFL Awards will be handed out soon, but for now, here’s our take on who should be acknowledged for their outstanding contributions.
While we await the official awards, we have our own picks for Coach of the Week, Rookie of the Week, and top offensive and defensive players, as well as MVPs for the week.
Week 1 Coach: Shane Steichen
Shane Steichen found himself under a lot of pressure entering the season. His choice to start Anthony Richardson over Daniel Jones was a pivotal moment for a coach. Following this success, it’s safe to say the critics have quieted down.
The Colts showed a surprising level of dominance against the Dolphins, reversing expectations that Steichen brought an offense that could struggle. While Jones performed exceptionally, it was the defense that truly shined, making Tua Tagovailoa seem almost helpless as the Dolphins struggled.
Colts fans are surely hopeful the Dolphins won’t turn out to be among the bottom teams in the league. If they maintain a strong performance midway through the season, it could signal that Steichen is finally getting the hang of this coaching thing.
Week 1 Rookie: Emeka Egbuka
“He’s the real deal. A total pro. Doesn’t play like a rookie. He just doesn’t get rattled. He’s made some phenomenal catches for us,” said quarterback Baker Mayfield about rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.
With two touchdowns in his first game, Egbuka made Tampa Bay history, joining Alex Smith as only the second rookie to score in their debut.
His first NFL touchdown was a beautifully executed pass from Mayfield, giving the Buccaneers the lead. His second touchdown extended that lead further with a 25-yard reception.
Egbuka clocked in with four catches for 67 yards, two touchdowns, and perhaps most importantly, gained his quarterback’s trust.
Best Offensive Player of Week 1: Travis Etienne Jr.
Running against the Panthers’ defense felt almost too easy, like shooting fish in a barrel. But, credit where it’s due—Etienne stepped up and delivered.
Despite a challenging day in Jacksonville, where things were chaotic due to lightning delays and inconsistent quarterbacking, Etienne managed to rush for 143 yards, averaging an eye-popping 8.9 yards per carry. His spectacular 71-yard run in the second quarter clearly established him as a key player.
While many running backs struggled across the league this week, Etienne and Derrick Henry stood out. This week, Etienne deserves the title of Offensive Player of the Week.
Best Defensive Player of Week 1: Harold Landry III
Even in a losing effort, New England’s Landry showcased his skills with 2.5 sacks on Sunday, leading all players.
At this rate, he could be on track for an astonishing 42.5 sacks this season.
Although the Patriots struggled against the Raiders, they did manage to pressure the quarterback, sacking Geno Smith multiple times during their game.
Statistics reveal that Landry recorded seven pressures during his match against the Raiders.
Not too shabby for his debut in New England.
Week 1 Special Teams Player: Matt Prater
Just last week, Matt Prater was without a team, after a brief period with the Arizona Cardinals where he remained perfect on field goals.
On Sunday night, he was celebrated as the oldest player in Buffalo Bills’ history, celebrated after winning the game against the Ravens with a field goal.
That’s quite a journey for an NFL kicker. Prater, signed by the Bills to fill in for injured Tyler Bass, came back to prove himself in the league.
And what a comeback it was.
Week 1 MVP: Josh Allen
Honestly, do we even need to go into detail? Josh Allen was phenomenal against the Ravens when the stakes were highest, leading Buffalo to a thrilling comeback victory.
His leadership and performance in the fourth quarter were solid, showcasing his ability to keep the offense steady under pressure.
While numbers don’t always capture everything, Allen’s impact was undeniable. If Buffalo had lost that game against such tough competition, the blame likely wouldn’t have fallen heavily on him, but instead, he elevated the team and made a significant mark.
Truly, he’s the only choice for MVP after week one.
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