NFL Week 1 puts special teams, quarterback decisions and blitzing under scrutiny

Fox Sports has assessed the best and worst moments from the opening week of the 2026 NFL season, focusing on individual plays, coaching decisions and defensive performances.

Commanders special-teamer Tyler Owens was singled out for his punt coverage against the Eagles. Fox Sports said Owens fought through a double team before bringing down Philadelphia returner Britain Covey with a textbook tackle.

The report also criticised Patriots quarterback Drake Maye’s decision-making in New England’s 13–10 loss to Seattle. Maye threw three interceptions, with the final turnover coming late in the red zone while the Patriots trailed by three points.

New England faced third-and-5 from the Seahawks’ 16-yard line with 26 seconds remaining when Maye forced a throw to a tightly covered Mack Hollins in the end zone. Fox Sports said an incompletion would have left the Patriots with an opportunity to tie the game with a field goal.

Minnesota’s 39–22 win over Green Bay was attributed to defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ aggressive approach. According to Next Gen Stats, Packers quarterback Jordan Love was blitzed on 78.3 per cent of his dropbacks, while the Vikings recorded four sacks and an interception on second-half blitzes.

Fox Sports also reported seven quick pressures from Vikings linebacker Black Cashman and a career-high 10 pressures from edge rusher Dallas Turner.