Because of its teams and history, the NFC East remains the most-watched division in the National Football League.
The Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders have battled in the NFC East since 1970, and something unique happened during the opening week of the 2025 season.
Each NFC East team had a Black quarterback starting its respective game — Dak Prescott, Cowboys; Russell Wilson, Giants; Jalen Hurts, Eagles; Jayden Daniels, Commanders.
Of the 32 NFL teams, 14 had an African American starting quarterback in Week 1. This was just over 43%, and that number included a rookie, rising stars, two former MVPs and seasoned veterans.
The Black starters combined to go 5-9, which included two games in which both starters were African American.
Beginning with the Prescott-Hurts duel on Thursday night in Philadelphia, it was a historic week in the NFC East.
The Eagles prevailed 24-20, with Hurts connecting on 19 of 23 passes for 152 yards. He also rushed for two touchdowns. Prescott was 21-of-34 for 188 yards. If not for dropped passes by Ceedee Lamb, the Cowboys might have prevailed.
On Friday in Brazil, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs lost to the L.A. Chargers 27-21. Patrick Mahomes was 24-of-39 passing for 258 yards, rushed for 57 yards, and was critical of his team’s early-game effort.
Justin Fields of the New York Jets had one of the best games of his career in a 34-32 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fields was 16-of-22 for 218 yards and a touchdown, and he rushed for 48 yards and a pair of TDs.
Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens was superb in an excruciating 41-40 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Jackson completed 14 of 19 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns. He added 70 yards rushing and a touchdown, and his 144.4 QB rating was tops in the NFL.
C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans was 19-of-27 for 188 yards with no touchdowns and an interception in his team’s 14-9 loss to the L.A. Rams. Stroud also rushed for 32 yards, but his offense often sputtered.
Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans, No. 1 pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, lost 20-12 to the Denver Broncos. Ward completed 12 of 28 passes for 112 yards and surrendered a pair of sacks in the fourth quarter with the Titans in field goal position and trailing by one point.
Geno Smith led the Las Vegas Raiders to a 20-13 road victory over the New England Patriots. Smith was 24-of-44 passing for an outstanding 362 yards and a touchdown. It was among the top Week 1 QB performances.
Daniels and Wilson squared off in the Commanders’ 21-6 win over the Giants. Daniels was 19-of-30 passing for 233 yards and a touchdown. Wilson was 17-of-37 for 168 yards. He also rushed for a team high 44 yards.
Jordan Love led the Green Bay Packers to an impressive 27-13 win over the Detroit Lions. Love was 16-of-22 for 188 yards and a pair of touchdowns. His 128.6 QB rating was among the highest in Week 1.
Michael Penix was 27-for-42 passing for 298 yards and a touchdown, and he also rushed for a TD, but the Atlanta Falcons dropped a heartbreaker to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20. Penix was the victim of two key dropped passes late in the game.
Kyler Murray awoke ill on Sunday morning but led the Arizona Cardinals to a 20-13 win over the New Orleans Saints. Murray was fantastic, completing 21 of 29 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns.
On Monday night, Caleb Williams was 21-of-35 for 210 yards and a touchdown but the Chicago Bears bowed to the Minnesota Vikings 27-24 after leading throughout the game. Williams also rushed for 58 yards and a touchdown.
The Reid Roundup
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