The National Football League begins

Carson Barber and Jacob Persi|September 23, 2022

Jacob Persi is ready to get some sacks.

Carson Barber

Jacob Persi is ready to get some sacks.

 

With the conclusion of the National Football League’s preseason, the official season began on Sept. 8, 2022, with the Buffalo Bills playing the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams, coming off of a successful Superbowl championship, looked sluggish. On the other hand, the Bills were hungry after coming off a heartbreaking loss to end their season earlier this year. The Bills defeated the Rams 31-10. 

More exciting games, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals, and Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders, took place on Sept. 11, 2022. 

“I’m excited. The Rams won it last year; they had a tough loss first, but I look forward to getting out to some of their games. It should be a competitive season,” Mr. BrianBrandon Hildebrand, the head football coach of Rancho Cucamonga High School, said. 

A lot of unexpected outcomes came out during the weekend. There were some who surprised fans, like the Pittsburgh Steelers beating last season’s  AFC champions, the Cincinnati Bengals, and some disappointments, like the Dallas Cowboys not scoring a touchdown against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“I am very excited about the NFL season starting. I’m excited to see my Dallas Cowboys make a super bowl run,” said junior J.C. Ortega. Ortega. Being a Cowboys fan, Ortega said he was not very impressed by his team’s Week 1 performance. “I think we are playing like a below-average team. With Dak out, I don’t see the Cowboys winning many games.” 

Dak Prescott, quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, injured his hand during his abysmal 14-29 no touchdown and one interception performance. According to ESPN, he is expected to miss the next 6-8 weeks. Ortega, frustrated, is starting to lose faith in his quarterback. 

“At this point, I’m tired of Dak and the way he can’t make [efficient] plays so we should just tank for Stroud.” 

CJ Stroud, a former student, and quarterback for RCHS, is the current Ohio State phenom who has impressed viewers over the last few years. According to CBS Sports, Stroud is expected to be a top pick in this upcoming NFL draft.