Hawks in the NFL: Week 1

· Yahoo Sports

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 13: T.J. Hockenson #87 of the Minnesota Vikings catches a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter of a game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 13, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We are back protecting the shield! Let’s dive in. A couple of players found the scoresheet this week. George Kittle is back from his Achilles injury. Tory Taylor barely had to do anything while Chicago nearly dropped 60 on Carolina. The Broncos “played” a game of football Monday.

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Sam LaPorta, Jack Campbell, and Noah Fant

Week 1 reunion in Detroit as the Lions hosted the Saints. Detroit jumped out to a 21-0 lead and seemed like they’d coast to a win. Not so, as the Saints scored twice late in the third quarter then added a field goal early in the fourth to cut it 21-17. Detroit responded with a field goal but a late Saints touchdown forced overtime. Fant caught a touchdown in overtime to pull within one, but the Saints went for the win and were unsuccessful on the two-point try, giving Detroit a 31-30 win.

Sam LaPorta caught 5 passes for 48 yards, while Jack Campbell finished with 7 tackles and 1 for loss. Fant, on his fourth team in the league, caught 4 passes for 33 yards and this touchdown in overtime.

George Kittle

After suffering an Achilles injury in Philadelphia on January 11, Kittle is back. The 49ers tight end was on a pitch count, logging 30 snaps and catching 2 passes for 12 yards as the 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams, 27-7 in Week 1. For some reason, we have to play football games in Australia now.

T.J. Hockenson

Our other tight end extraordinaire also found the end zone in Week 1 as Minnesota climbed out of a hole to beat the Green Bay Packers, 39-22, in Minneapolis. Hockenson nabbed 4 passes for 36 yards and this 16-yarder from Carson Wentz – yes, Carson Wentz – that kick-started Minnesota’s comeback late in the third quarter.

Quick love for Lukas Van Ness and Kristian Welch – Van Ness registered 4 tackles and a sack for Green Bay, while Welch also picked up a tackle.

Potpourri

Shoutout to Erick All, who is back with the Bengals after his injury hell. He logged 20 snaps in Cincinnati’s 33-27 win over Tampa Bay. Anthony Nelson picked up 2 tackles for the Bucs.

Former Hawk Tyronne Tracy had a quiet Week 1 with New York with just 2 carries for 14 yards in New York’s 28-20 win over Dallas. Unfortunately, he also had a fumble that he lost. Meanwhile, Chauncey Golston had 4 tackles.

Cooper DeJean – how can we forget him?? – had 8 tackles, while new teammates A.J. Epenesa had 2 in Philadelphia’s 24-22 win over Washington. Up and down day for Drew Stevens on the other sideline. The new Commanders kicker was 1/2 on fields and 1/2 on extra points. His one made field goal was a 55-yarder, however.

Tory Taylor only punted twice – 51-yard average – as Chicago dropped 59 points on Carolina to move to 1-0.

Riley Moss registered 6 tackles and 1 pass defended, but also whiffed on some big tackles as the Broncos largely no-showed the second half of their 31-10 loss in Kansas City. Really disappointing Monday night in the Mile High City. Kenneth Walker just forced another missed tackle (he forced 14 missed tackles on Monday!)

I’m sure I’m forgetting players – a little self-scouting indicates I did not follow the NFL this offseason – so let’s head to the comments!

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