Mickey Togs

Most NFL players have short careers. They only have a few seasons to prove they can be difference makers at their positions, or their teams and then the rest of the league moves on fast.

It’s a stressful world, and each season just about every player needs to prove his worth all over again. But to some players, there is extra pressure to perform this season to establish themselves as impact players or earn a big new contract.

Justin Fields got another chance to start from the Jets, who were a bit desperate after moving on from Aaron Rodgers. Fields got a two-year, $40 million deal, which would either be easy for the Jets to move on from after one season or for Fields to seek a long-term extension if he plays well. 

The Jets still have plenty of talent and there’s no real competition for Fields on the roster. He should get the season to prove what he can do. However, a poor preseason passing the ball didn’t inspire much confidence heading into the season. This might be Fields’ last good chance to establish himself as a regular starter in the NFL.

The Jaxson Dart era in New York got off to a winning start, as the Giants upset the previously unbeaten Los Angeles Chargers 21-18 on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

Dart was efficient, but somewhat limited by a left hamstring injury he suffered in the first half. Dart got his NFL starting QB career off to a good start with a 15-yard touchdown run on his first drive. The Giants went up-tempo in the Ole Miss product’s first game.  

Dart was efficient in the first half in leading the Giants to a 13-10 halftime lead (7 of 11 for 59 yards; six carries for 44 yards and a TD), but the rookie began grabbing his left hamstring to stretch it out late in the first half and was noticeably limping on the last drive before halftime as the Chargers have turned up the pressure.

Rookie Cam Skattebo ran for 79 yards on 25 carries as the Giants rushed for 161 yards on the afternoon.

For Los Angeles, Justin Herbert threw two crucial interceptions that put the Giants in good field position. He finished 23 of 41 for 203 yards passing. Dart only threw for 111, but added 54 yards on the ground with a passing and rushing touchdown.

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football, 22-9. Though both teams entered the contest in search of their first win, New York’s up-and-comers were no match for Kansas City’s veteran leadership during the primetime matchup.

Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 22 of his 37 pass attempts for 224 yards and a touchdown against the Giants’ secondary.

The Giants’ fanbase was clearly frustrated during their home opener, as Russell Wilson threw two interceptions and was held to just 160 passing yards. 

Standout linebacker Nick Bolton was among Kansas City’s top defensive performers, with 14 combined tackles in the game.