NFL Week 1: Mariota Magic And Other Takeaways

Sep 13, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Corbin Bryant (97) tackles Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

There was a ton to take away from week 1 of NFL action from surprising good performances, plenty of controversial calls and thrilling games.  Which teams came out with plenty of optimism and which ones have a lot of work to do if 2015 is going to be a good year for them?

Indianapolis Colts are still soft

They tried the entire off-season to show that things would be different in 2015 and instead it was more of the same for the Indianapolis Colts.  They ran into a rougher and tougher team in the Buffalo Bills who play great defense and run the ball and were summarily dismissed, falling behind 24-0 by the third quarter.

Andrew Luck was sacked twice, hit a number of other times, threw two interceptions and got little support from his supposedly upgraded ground game.  Meanwhile the defense was gashed for 4.1 yards per carry on the ground including two touchdowns.  This doesn’t look like a team that is a projected Super Bowl contender.

Next: Bears Finish