On Thursday, September 10th, the first game of the 2020-2021 NFL season took place, pitting the Houston Texans vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. Without any fans in the stadiums and any preseason, no one knew what type of season we would have. However, it looks as though football this year will be somewhat disappointing, given the slow start with athletes not playing at their full potential. Football player and enthusiast Dorsey Davis, a sophomore at Quartz Hill High School, states, “It was strange not to have a preseason. I think without the preseason, the players just aren’t as hyped up for the season, which was reflected in the slow and sloppy first-week gameplay.”

In terms of team composition, the major differences between last season and this season would have to be the transfer of legendary quarterback Tom Brady from the New England Patriots to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tom Brady is often regarded as the best quarterback in the NFL, and to see him move to the Buccaneers is nothing short of exciting. However, due to his old age, he is off to a rough start with the Buccaneers. Dorsey states, “It looks like Brady’s prime is over. His age is showing in his games and he’s honestly rather washed.” In replacement of Tom Brady is former Carolina Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton who should hopefully be in the missing gap in the New England Patriots. He had a solid debut against the Miami Dolphins.

The best quarterback in the league, however, has to go to none other than Patrick Mahomes, quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs. Last season, Mahomes led his team to a Super Bowl victory, where he was named Super Bowl MVP and had an astounding performance. At such a young age, he boasts an impressive career, as he has won both an NFL MVP and a Super Bowl MVP within his first three years in the league. He is certainly bound to have another impressive season, and his promising future is still blooming. 

From the first two weeks of the season, the teams that are looking the most promising this season are yet again the Kansas City Chiefs, the Baltimore Ravens, the New Orleans Saints, and surprisingly the Buffalo Bills. Led by former MVP Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens blew out the Browns with Lamar Jackson passing an impressive 275 yards and three touchdowns to his name. The Bills had a solid performance against the New York Jets and the New Orleans Saints did well against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with solid performances from quarterback Drew Brees and receiver Jared Cook.

In all, the 2020-2021 NFL season is actually quite entertaining, and one we should look forward to, especially during these difficult times. For more articles covering the latest information in sports, remember to continue reading the QHHS Ubiquity!