ATLANTA — Maybe Justin Fields hasn’t convinced Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin to flip the script and give him the starting job, but the young quarterback might have raised the bar nonetheless.

After all, Fields won as he filled in for an injured Russell Wilson and christened his Steelers debut with 18-10 victory against the Atlanta Falcons.

No, Fields didn’t lead his unit to a single touchdown, and he passed for just 156 yards.

Hold off on the controversy, people.

But he avoided major gaffes and didn’t commit a turnover. And his team won.

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Let’s crank up the controversy, folks.

‘I came here to win, no matter if I was going to throw for 300 yards, 100 yards, no yards,’ Fields said. ‘I came here to win.’

The Steelers have seen the formula that worked on Sunday before. Like last year, when they endured all sorts of adversity on offense. Led by T.J. Watt, the Steelers defense ruined the debut of Kirk Cousins in a Falcons uniform, collecting three turnovers and two sacks. Ace kicker Chris Boswell provided all of the points by nailing six field goals, including three from 50-plus yards. And the running game was decent, if not overpowering, led by 70 yards from Najee Harris.

If you’re rolling with a young, backup quarterback, this is what you’d call ideal support.

Of course, it came with some extra significance as Fields, 25, returned home. He grew up about 30 miles from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia, which meant securing a lot of tickets for family, friends and former high school teammates. Never mind that he didn’t know if he would actually start the game until pre-game warmups were completed because of Wilson’s iffy health. Home is home, and it felt that way, too, given the abundance of Steelers fans making their presence felt.

In any event, Wilson on Thursday aggravated the calf injury that dogged him during training camp, and he came to the stadium still hoping to play after winning a summer competition for the role. But the decision was ultimately taken out of Wilson’s hands.

‘I’d rather deal with short-term misery, to be quite honest with you,’ Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. ‘There’s a lot of ball out in front of us. I just thought it was appropriate, putting healthy guys out on the field.

‘I felt pretty good about both quarterbacks. I was very clear when I named Russ the starter how comfortable I was with both quarterbacks. If that is true, why not be really comfortable playing Justin under the circumstances, with Russ being in less-than-ideal physical shape. That was the thought process.’

Still, as careful as Tomlin has been in pouring water over a potential quarterback controversy – especially as Fields flashed during training camp and preseason, while Wilson, 35, gradually returned from his injury – the matter now comes with the context of games that matter.

When Tomlin was asked whether Fields’ outing on Sunday affected Wilson’s status as the starter, he shot back, ‘You can ask me that on Tuesday.’

Sure, Tomlin signaled (again) that he’s a bit annoyed by the question. But people might keep asking, especially if Fields keeps serving up reasons to wonder. Although there was no shortage of pundits and fans proclaiming that Fields should have won the job in training camp, Fields himself hasn’t fueled any flames of controversy. 

He may have added to his case, though, by deftly using his legs (again) to scramble out of trouble multiple times, which, when added to designed runs, showed up on the stat sheet as 57 rushing yards on 14 carries. He also connected with George Pickens (six catches, 85 yards) for a clutch 40-yard completion on his best throw of the game just seconds before halftime, which set up a field goal.

He also resisted any temptations or suggestions to self-promote. As much as he wanted to win the job, he has been a total pro in his public disposition since Wilson was named the starter.

‘To be honest, I’m not even going to worry about that,’ said Fields, who was obtained in March from Chicago for a conditional sixth-round pick, as the Bears were committed to drafting Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick overall. ‘I just came in wanting to win. So, in terms of who’s starting, who’s not, all I want to do is win at the end of the day. So, I’m not even going to get into that.’

Controversy? What controversy?

It seemed a bit telling that Fields said it was Wilson – and not Tomlin – who informed him that he’d start after the pre-game warmups on Sunday. Of course, this wasn’t shocking news after Wilson suffered the setback on Thursday, leaving Fields to take the first-team reps.

‘I always have to be ready,’ said. ‘I’ve been in this position before. Anything can happen. I just always have the mindset to be ready.’

We’ll see where this goes over the grind of a long season. Quarterback controversies often take a life of their own, ultimately determined by the results. In this case, it includes the wait.

It’s unclear whether Wilson will be healed enough to make his debut in Week 2, when the Steelers travel to Denver of all places. Wilson wound up with the Steelers after the Broncos released him in March despite owing him $39 million in guaranteed money. 

Perhaps Wilson will get a shot to extract some revenge against Sean Payton. Maybe not.

Regardless, the Steelers seem well-equipped with the alternative, QB controversy or not.

The Detroit Lions held off a comeback from the Los Angeles Rams and defeated its former quarterback at home for a second straight season in a 26-20 overtime victory.

It looked like Detroit would run away with it in the first half, but the Rams stormed back and even took a fourth quarter lead on the back of Cooper Kupp. The Detroit “grit” didn’t fold and got a field goal to send the game to overtime, and in the extra period, marched right down the field on its opening possession to take the season-opening victory. 

For Stafford, who threw for 317 yards on Sunday night for one touchdown and one interception, it’s his second straight loss at his former home after the Lions eliminated the Rams in the wild-card round last season. 

The star of the day was Lions receiver Jameson Williams. The speedster had the start of his career held back by injuries, but he had five catches for 121 yards, including a big 52-yard touchdown catch that showed off his ridiculous speed. — Jordan Mendoza

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Lions vs. Rams highlights

The Lions defeated the Rams, 26-20, in overtime on David Montgomery’s game-winning touchdown in overtime.

Matthew Stafford threw for 317 yards and a touchdown, with Rams receiver Cooper Kupp having a huge game (14 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown). For the Lions, Jared Goff threw for 217 yards and a touchdown, with receiver Jameson Williams having five receptions for 121 yards and a score.

Rams vs. Lions score

Rams: 20
Lions: 26

First quarter

Rams field goal (4:50) — Joshua Karty, 41 yards

Second quarter

Lions field goal (12:17) — Jake Bates, 25 yards

Lions touchdown (1:57) — Jahmyr Gibbs, 1-yard run (Jake Bates extra point)

Third quarter

Lions touchdown (10:29) — Jameson Williams, 52-yard pass from Jared Goff (Jake Bates extra point)

Rams touchdown (3:33) — Kyren Williams, 2-yard run (Joshua Karty extra point)

Fourth quarter

Rams field goal (12:32) — Joshua Karty, 26 yards

Rams touchdown (4:30) — Cooper Kupp, 9-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Joshua Karty extra point)

Lions field goal (0:17) — Jake Bates, 32 yards

Overtime

Lions touchdown (5:19) — David Montgomery, 1-yard run

Game stats

Lions 26, Rams 20: Detroit wins on overtime touchdown

Detroit made it look too easy.

The Lions wasted zero time going right down the field on it’s opening drive of overtime, denying Los Angeles a chance to win by taking the victory with a game-ending touchdown.

Lions will start overtime on offense

Lions 20, Rams 20: Lions tie the game in final seconds

No pressure from the rookie Lions kicker.

Jake Bates signed with the Lions after playing in the UFL, and he drilled a 32-yard field goal to make it a 20-20 game with 17 seconds left, likely sending the game to overtime. — Jordan Mendoza

Lions get ball back in final minutes

Detroit will get a chance to tie or take the lead in the final minutes after forcing Los Angeles to punt.

Rams 20, Lions 17: Cooper Kupp TD gives Rams the lead

Call it the drive of Cooper Kupp.

The Rams took the lead over the Lions in the fourth quarter after Matthew Stafford connected with Kupp for a 9-yard touchdown to cap a 80-yard drive.

Earlier in the drive, Stafford found Kupp earlier in the drive for a 20-yard reception along the sideline. At first glance it appeared that Kupp might not have gotten two feet down, but he did in fact drag his feet for the incredible reception. Stafford completed 8-of-8 passes on the go-ahead drive. — Cydney Henderson

Rams get big interception

Los Angeles has a chance to take a fourth quarter lead after intercepting Jared Goff with nine minutes left to go.

The Lions were driving into Rams territory when Goff tried to get the ball to Amon-Ra St. Brown, only for John Johnson to jump in front of the pass and intercept it. On the replay, it looked like the ball may have been juggled and hit the ground before Johnson secured full possession of it, but the turnover was confirmed to give Los Angeles the ball back and prevent the Lions from extending the lead. — Jordan Mendoza

Lions 17, Rams 13: Rams settle for field goal

Another red zone drive for the Rams, another missed opportunity.

The Rams were on the Lions’ 1-yard line with a fresh set of downs, but they were unable to punch the ball into the end zone. Back-to-back offensive holding penalties called on offensive tackle A.J. Arcuri backed the Rams all the way up to the Lions’ 11-yard line. The drive looked promising following Matthew Stafford’s 62-yard pass play to Tyler Johnson, who made a man miss to pick up massive yardage. The Rams ended up settling for a field goal to come within four points of the Lions, 17-13. — Cydney Henderson

Lions 17, Rams 10: Rams get much-needed touchdown

Down by two touchdowns, Los Angeles needed to get in the end zone, and it got exactly what the doctor ordered.

The Rams went on a 11-play, 70-yard drive to make it a 17-10 game when the Lions were on the brink of putting it out of reach. Cooper Kupp carried much of the load on the drive, and he drew a pass interference penalty in the end zone to set his squad up at the 1-yard line. From there, Kyren Williams punched it in to get the first touchdown of the season for Los Angeles. — Jordan Mendoza

Lions 17, Rams 3: Jameson Williams extends Detroit’s lead with long score

The Lions opened the second half with a three-and-out, but Detroit only needed three plays to find the end zone their next possession. Jared Goff connected with receiver Jameson Williams for a 52-yard bomb down the field to extend their lead to 17-3 over the Rams. An illegal contact penalty was called on Rams cornerback Tre’Davious White on the play, but it was declined. Williams is up to three receptions for 89 yards on the night. — Cydney Henderson

Puka Nacua out with knee injury

If the Rams want to mount a comeback in Detroit, they’ll have to do it without Puka Nacua. 

The receiver is out for the remainder of the game against the Lions due to a knee injury he suffered in the second quarter. He briefly came back into the field after he hurt himself, but returned to the sideline for the remainder of the first half. He was carted to the locker room at halftime. 

Matthew Stafford throws interception in end zone

The Rams had the opportunity to head into the locker room all tied up at halftime, but disaster struck. Matthew Stafford threw an interception to Lions safety Kerby Joseph with 17 seconds remaining in the half. Stafford’s interception, his first of the season, was intended for receiver Tyler Johnson. 

Lions 10, Rams 3: Jahmyr Gibbs finds the end zone

Jahmyr Gibbs did just enough to get in the end zone.

Puka Nacua leaves game, but briefly returns

The Rams had stated that breakout receiver Puka Nacua was questionable to return to Sunday night’s game with a knee injury. However, for a brief moment Nacua was back on the field following the Lions’ touchdown after the two-minute warning.

Rams fail fourth down conversion

Detroit is known to go for it on fourth down, and it worked earlier, but it didn’t for Los Angeles.

Lions 3, Rams 3: Jake Bates field goal ties up the score

The Lions are on the board. Lions running back David Montgomery converted a key fourth down to keep Detroit’s drive alive, but things stalled in the red zone after Jared Goff overthrew tight end Sam LaPorta in the end zone. The Lions settled for a 25-yard field goal by Jake Bates to tie it up at 3-3 in the second quarter. 

Rams 3, Lions 0: Rookie kicker Joshua Karty puts Rams on board first

Rookie kicker Joshua Karty got his first points of his career, knocking down a 41-yard field goal to give Los Angeles a 3-0 lead.

Matthew Stafford targeting Cooper Kupp early

Last season wasn’t Cooper Kupp’s best, but he’s showing early he’s ready to be another top receiver in the league.

Just 10 minutes into the game and he already has five catches for 26 yards, with Matthew Stafford finding the Super Bowl 56 MVP often on the second drive of the day. In 2023, Kupp had only 59 catches for 737 yards, his lowest since 2018. — Jordan Mendoza

Matthew Stafford booed in Ford Field return

Matthew Stafford predicted the boo birds would rain down on him in Detroit. He was right. 

Lions fans at Ford Field booed Stafford as he ran out of the tunnel ahead of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams and a chorus of boos kept coming during their opening drive. It was déjà vu of the NFC wild-card playoff game last season, where the Lions routinely booed Stafford as Detroit narrowly edged out the Rams, 24-23. 

Stafford spent the first 12-years of his career before he was traded to the Rams in March 2021 in a package that brought Jared Goff to Detroit. — Cydney Henderson

Lions off the field quickly

After its offense was quickly off the field, the Rams defense responded by forcing Detroit into a three-and-out. The Lions got some small gains on its first two plays for a manageable third down. However the Rams defensive line broke right through the line and Byron Young sacked Jared Goff for a loss of 9 yards and get the high octane offense off the field. 

Three-and-out start for Rams

Matthew Stafford made his return to Ford Field and he wasn’t on the field long to start. 

On the first play of the game, a pass to Kyren Williams was met with a tough hit from Alex Anzalone for a 1-yard loss. After an incompletion, a screen pass to Cooper Kupp was quickly swallowed up by the Detroit defense for a loss of two to force a quick three-and-out for Los Angeles. — Jordan Mendoza

What time is Rams vs. Lions?

Rams vs. Lions TV channel

TV channel: NBC

Per usual, NBC will broadcast the ‘Sunday Night Football’ matchup between the Rams and Lions. Mike Tirico (play-by-play) and Cris Collinsworth (analyst) will be on the call, with Melissa Stark adding reports from the field.

Rams vs. Lions live stream

Live stream: Peacock and Fubo TV

For cord cutters looking for a live stream for the matchup, you can turn to Fubo TV. Fubo TV carries NBC, as well as CBS, FOX, NFL Network and the ESPN family of networks, meaning you can catch NFL action through the remainder of the season.

Rams vs. Lions: Predictions, picks and odds

The Lions are favorites to defeat the Rams, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2024.

Spread: Lions (-4.5)
Moneyline: Lions (-225); Rams (+180)
Over/under: 53.5

Here are the USA TODAY Sports’ expert picks for the game:

Jarrett Bell: Lions, 28-24
Chris Bumbaca: Lions, 28-24
Nate Davis: Lions, 30-27
Tyler Dragon: Lions, 28-23
Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz: Lions, 31-21
Lorenzo Reyes: Lions, 32-22

Rams vs. Lions inactives: Rob Havenstein out

Offensive lineman Rob Havenstein, who has started 130 career games during his nine seasons with the Rams, is inactive for the team’s season opener against the Lions. Havenstein has been dealing with an ankle injury.

For the Lions, newcomer DJ Reader will be unavailable.

Rams’ inactive players:

RB Cody Schrader
LB Brennan Jackson
LB Elias Neal
OL Rob Havenstein
DE Desjean Johnson

Lions’ inactive players:

S Ifeatu Melifonwu
S Loren Strickland
LB James Houston
LB Trevor Nowaske
OL Giovanni Manu
OL Colby Sorsdal
DL DJ Reader

Matthew Stafford climbing up all-time charts

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford — the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 draft — is entering his 16th NFL season and has an opportunity to climb into the top 10 of both the all-time passing yardage and passing touchdowns lists.

His target: Eli Manning.

Stafford enters the 2024 season in 11th place with 56,047 career passing yards — 976 yards from Eli Manning’s total (57,023) — and 357 career passing touchdowns — nine short of Manning’s total (366).

Career passing yardage list:

Tom Brady (2000-2022): 89,214
Drew Brees (2001-2020): 80,358
Peyton Manning (1998-2015): 71,940
Brett Favre (1991-2010): 71,838
Ben Roethlisberger (2004-2021): 64,088
Philip Rivers (2004-2020): 63,440
Matt Ryan (2008-2022): 62,792
Dan Marino (1983-1999): 61,361
Aaron Rodgers (2005-present): 59,055
Eli Manning (2004-2019): 57,023
Matthew Stafford (2009-present): 56,047

Career passing TDs list:

Tom Brady (2000-2022): 649
Drew Brees (2001-2020): 571
Peyton Manning (1998-2015): 539
Brett Favre (1991-2010): 508
Aaron Rodgers (2005-present): 475
Philip Rivers (2004-2020): 421
Dan Marino (1983-1999): 420
Ben Roethlisberger (2004-2021): 418
Matt Ryan (2008-2022): 381
Eli Manning (2004-2019): 366
Matthew Stafford (2009-present): 357

Stafford is the Detroit Lions’ all-time passing yardage leader. Current Lions quarterback Jared Goff currently ranks fifth in team history, but should move into second place by the end of the season. — Jim Reineking

NFL team-by-team passing yardage leaders

Rams vs. Lions: A history lesson

The Rams and Lions are squaring off for the 89th time in a series that dates back to 1948.

The Rams hold the all-time series edge, 45-42-1 (45-40-1 in regular-season games).

Last season’s wild-card playoff matchup was just the second time that the two teams had met in the postseason. The first came in 1952, when the Lions defeated the Rams in a playoff en route to winning the NFL championship game. — Jim Reineking

Aaron Donald still has presence on Rams

Aaron Donald, the three-time defensive player of the year and surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer, has left a void in the interior of the Rams defense that the team has come to terms with ahead of the season opener against the Lions. – Tyler Dragon

Who is the highest-paid NFL player? 

The NFL’s top 18 players in average annual salary are all quarterbacks, according to OverTheCap.com. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott became the league’s highest-paid player on Sunday morning, agreeing to a four-year, $240 million deal. Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is the first non-quarterback on the highest-paid list after striking a four-year, $140 million contract extension this offseason. 

Complete list of the league’s highest-paid players

Who are the highest paid NFL players at each position?

We have a complete list at every position: 

Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide receivers
Tight ends
Offensive tackles
Offensive guards
Centers
Edge rushers
Interior defensive linemen
Linebackers
Cornerbacks
Safeties
Kickers
Punters

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CHICAGO — Caleb Williams did something Eli Manning, Matthew Stafford, Andrew Luck and Joe Burrow could not.

He won his NFL debut.

Not since David Carr in 2002 had a rookie quarterback taken with the overall No. 1 pick won his first start until the Chicago Bears beat the Tennessee Titans 24-17 on Sunday. Granted, Williams didn’t contribute much to the win. He threw for less than 100 yards and was abysmal on third down, and each of Chicago’s scores came from either the defense or special teams.

But teams with the No. 1 pick usually have it for a reason, and the Bears were no exception (though they owned the specific pick thanks to last year’s trade with the Carolina Panthers). They had losing records in each of the last three seasons, with an offense that repeatedly ranked in the lower half of the NFL and the bottom of their fans’ hearts.

To start the season with a win and maintain the optimism this long-suffering city has in Williams isn’t a bad thing. So long as it doesn’t produce a false sense of confidence, and Williams sounded after the game like someone who knows exactly where he stands one game into his NFL career.

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“It’s great to win this first win and we’re all excited. … (But I) understand that I need to be better,” Williams said. “I will be better.”

The Bears finished with 148 yards of offense and averaged a meager 2.8 yards per play. Williams’ longest completion was 13 yards, and he had only three others of 10 yards or longer. He connected with fellow first-round pick Rome Odunze once, and that was by accident.

Williams also was sacked twice, including one for a 19-yard loss after he held onto the ball too long.

The speed of the game didn’t take him by surprise, Williams said. But he acknowledged “miscues” and “misfires,” and said he needs to make sure he’s on the same page with his receivers and tight ends.

“Whether it’s a win or a loss, you expect yourself to play a certain way. You expect yourself to go out there and perform a certain way and make passes. That didn’t happen today,” Williams said. “That’s enough motivation for me to go out there and get better this week and make sure that I perform differently this week.”

The Titans were less than impressed with Williams and the Bears, a trendy pick to make the playoffs this season. It was their own offense and special teams, not anything Chicago did, that swung the game, with Tennessee coach Brian Callahan saying ‘we just handed them the points.’

Say this for Williams, though: While he didn’t carry the Bears, he didn’t hurt them, either. Plenty of other rookie QBs — including a few who’ve played right here in Chicago — have dug their teams deep into a hole by forcing things or rushing things or making plays that simply won’t work at this level.

Williams didn’t throw any picks, and Chicago’s one fumble came on a muffed kickoff return. That might be a low bar, but Williams not committing any catastrophic mistakes made Chicago’s second-half comeback possible.

“I ALMOST HAD A HEART ATTACK” Biles said in response to a post on X by Sunday Night Football on NBC featuring a clip of the TD.

Cairo Santos made two field goals in the fourth to put the Bears ahead, and Tyrique Stevenson secured the win with a 43-yard interception return for a touchdown. After giving up 17 points in the first half, the Bears shut out the Titans in the second.

“During halftime they were great,” Bears coach Matt Eberflus said. “They looked at each other and said, `We got this.’ That’s a different attitude, a different culture that we’ve developed over here the last couple years.”

This is a small sample size, however. Rookies are allowed a “welcome to the NFL” game, and Williams has now had his. He needs to recognize both the mistakes he made and why, and learn from them so he doesn’t repeat them.

His teammates have to step up, too. The Bears are spending a lot of money for offseason acquisition Keenan Allen, and he had just four catches on 11 targets. Some of that is on Williams, but Allen let an all-but-certain TD go through his hands.

The running game was anemic, resulting in 84 yards.

“We need to play well around Caleb,” Eberflus said. “He is a talent. He’s smart as a whip and knows the offense, and we’ve just got to keep playing well around him as he grows and reinvests and improves.

“He’s going to learn a lot these first three, four games in terms of the NFL looks, the NFL speeds and all the things that we have to do.”

Stats are nice, but wins are all that matter in the NFL. And by that measure, Williams’ debut was a rousing success.

Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.

CLEVELAND – Unsolicited, members of the Dallas Cowboys called out to quarterback Dak Prescott with their wrist sizes. 

Now that Prescott is the NFL’s first-ever $60 million man (annually), the other Cowboys are expecting him to help put some ice below their hands – apparently in the form of luxury watch brands such as Rolex or Audemars Piguet watches.

The direct deposit from Prescott’s record-setting four-year contract extension worth $240 million hadn’t even hit his bank account before the teammates began requesting jewelry and other gifts. Prescott cashed in for playing the most important position on the most valuable team in sports and is guaranteed $231 million – $1 million more than the previous record for assured money, given to his opponent Sunday, Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns. Dallas throttled Cleveland 33-17 on Sunday hours after terms of the deal, which owner Jerry Jones confirmed, were reported.  

“It’s because I was up,” Prescott said following another summer of record contracts handed out to franchise quarterbacks. “The next guy expects to beat me. It’s the way the league is going.”

Prescott credited the players and league for the growth to help the cap swell in upcoming years and allow teams to devote that level of resources to one position – even one as pivotal as quarterback. 

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What excites Prescott most, other than the zeroes on his future checks, might be that all of the negotiating and questions from the media are in the past. He did not enjoy having the conversation in the larger sporting world be about his pockets.  

“I don’t play for the money,” Prescott said. 

Agent Todd France and Prescott had one chat between Thursday and Sunday, Prescott said. He didn’t gain the impression his representation and the team were close, but his confidence remained high. He found out the deal was complete 20 minutes before it was publicized to the rest of the world Sunday morning. Running back Ezekiel Elliott was in Prescott’s hotel room, the two receiving physical therapy, when France called with good news. Elliott and Prescott were taken in the same draft, Elliott fourth overall and Prescott in the fourth round. Prescott said “Zeke” made sure the quarterback never pulled out his wallet during those early days. He’ll be the one returning the favor now.

In the Cowboys’ locker room, aside from the glow of a victory, there was a breath of fresh air now that the quarterback’s deal was done. 

“We have a little bit of experience with distractions,’ head coach Mike McCarthy said, ‘so we’re working through those things and building off our history.” 

Zack Martin, the Cowboys’ right guard, said “it was juice” for the team and that it was only a matter of time before the payday came. 

“Extremely excited for him. No one deserves it more than that guy for what he does for this football team not only on the field but in the locker room,” Martin said. “He’s really an impressive person, and he’s earned everything,” 

Prescott’s No. 1 receiver, CeeDee Lamb – fresh off his own four-year, $136 million extension – said it meant “everything” to him. 

“We got a lot together,” Lamb said. “We got a lot to accomplish.” 

The focus now returns to football. 

“We can stop with this narrative about how much money we’re going to make,” Lamb said. 

The idea that Prescott has to now live up to the payday is not something the 31-year-old thinks about. 

“I put the most pressure on myself, simple as that,” Prescott said. “I’m not happy with my personal performance today. That’s what motivates me. That’s what pushes me.” 

With the team trailing 3-0 in the first quarter on Dallas’ second drive of the game, Prescott showed why Jerry Jones invested in him to that level, delivering a perfectly placed throw on the right sideline to Lamb. With his team on the doorstep of a score, Prescott hung in long as he could while facing an all-out blitz and lofted another on-point pass over the Browns’ secondary to Brandin Cooks for a touchdown. 

The Cowboys cruised against a wallowing Browns team that struggled to move the ball in any meaningful way. 

Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense didn’t fire on all cylinders the entire afternoon. In the whole third quarter, for example, as the Cowboys ran just 12 plays, Prescott was 2-for-6 for 5 passing yards. He called the second half for the offense “sloppy.” 

But that was more than fine on this day. Prescott completed 19 of 32 with 179 passing yards and the touchdown to Cooks. He tried to act disappointed in the locker room, but everyone knew what kind of day it was for him. 

Then his teammates politely reminded him of their wrist sizes. 

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — It wasn’t pretty in the first half but Jim Harbaugh’s Los Angeles Chargers are 1-0.

The Chargers overcame a slow start and scored 16 second half points to upend the Las Vegas Raiders, 22-10, in Week 1.

Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense struggled to move the ball through the air. But Los Angeles was sparked by three defensive takeaways and timely second-half runs by running back J.K. Dobbins on the way to victory.

The Chargers gained 316 total yards, including 176 yards on the ground.

Harbaugh is 5-0 in season openers in his NFL coaching career dating back to his time with the San Francisco 49ers. He recited the late legendary coach John Wooden following his first win as a Chargers head coach.

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‘When we had to be our best, we were our best. Being at your best when your best is needed most,’ Harbaugh said. ‘To quote coach (John) Wooden there. I thought that really put the flavor on this game. That’s what it felt like to me.’

Here are takeaways from the Week 1 Chargers-Raiders tilt:

Chargers defense stands tall

The Chargers had three takeaways in the victory.

Khalil Mack registered a fumble recovery when Raiders QB Gardner Minshew lost control of the football in the second quarter, pass rusher Joey Bosa forced fumble that was recovered by corner Ja’Sir Taylor in the third quarter and DT Poona Ford hauled in a game-sealing interception in the final quarter.

Los Angeles held the Raiders to 123 total yards and seven points in the first half, and kept Las Vegas out of the end zone in the second half. Las Vegas compiled 296 total yards in the loss.

The Raiders were 5-14 on third downs and 0-1 on fourth down.

‘It was a great performance, an inspiring performance,’ Harbaugh said. ‘I thought it was really great defense by our guys. Super happy about it. The whole team was inspired by the defensive play.’

Bosa tied a team-high with seven tackles, one sack and a forced fumble. Mack, who played his first four seasons with the Raiders, had three tackles, 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery against his former club.

‘It’s always good to get a win in general. It just so happened to be against the Raiders (Sunday),’ Mack said to USA TODAY Sports. ‘It was solid. A lot of things we did well.’

J.K. Dobbins looks healthy

An injury-free Dobbins played revitalized in his Chargers debut. The Ohio State product scored the Chargers’ first touchdown of the season on a 12-yard run, breaking a couple tackles on the way to the end zone. Dobbins had a 46-yard run and scampered for 61 yards all in the second half. He produced 10 carries and 135 rushing yards in the win. 

The 135 rushing yards Dobbins gained is the second-highest single game rushing output of his career. Los Angeles amassed 176 rushing yards on 27 attempts.

‘We believe in those running backs that we’re giving the ball to. It changes the game, being able to win the ball like that and switching it up with pass game,’ Herbert said. ‘I think seeing those those big runs there is just a testament to those guys upfront. They blocked really hard. J.K. (Dobbins) made some good moves and it was big for our offense.’

Injuries have plagued Dobbins career. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason of 2021. In 2022, another knee injury limited the running back to eight games and last season he ruptured his Achilles in Week 1.

Chargers offense listless in first half

The Chargers offense struggled mightily in the first half. Five first-half penalties disrupted the team’s rhythm. The Chargers had just two first downs and went into the halftime locker room 0-for-7 on third downs. They managed to produce a meager 83 total yards.

Los Angeles’ offense line had a difficult time picking up Raiders’ stunts and twists. Herbert was under duress for most of the first half.

However, Harbaugh’s Chargers made enough adjustments in the second half to produce 233 total yards and three scoring drives.

‘It definitely didn’t go our way in the first half,’ Herbert said. ‘But to go out there in the second half and put together a drive and for the defense to get some turnovers like that. It was great team ball.’

Herbert went 17-of-26 passing for 144 yards and had one touchdown in the game.

Two players ejected late in fourth quarter

Harbaugh’s Chargers debut didn’t end without any drama.

Chargers WR Joshua Palmer and Raiders CB Jack Jones were ejected with under four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter after an on-field skirmish.

Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill said he’s unsure why he was detained and forcibly touched by police before Sunday’s season opener in an incident that left him wondering, ‘What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill?’

Hill said officers told him he was speeding and reckless driving. He did not tell them who he was while he was handcuffed face down just outside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida about three hours before kickoff. Fans driving on the same street recorded video, which quickly went viral before the game.

‘They said I was speeding, reckless driving or whatever,’ Hill said. ‘I wasn’t raised like that to name drop. If you said I did something, write me a ticket and do whatever you have to do. But don’t be disrespectful.’

Hill said he was driving to work, ‘thinking about going for 150 yards’ before he was pulled over and detained. The matter was resolved with Hill allowed to freely join his teammates inside the stadium to play in the game.

‘It happened so fast,’ Hill said. ‘It caught me off guard.’

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Hill had 130 yards receiving, including an 80-yard touchdown catch, while kicker Jason Sanders kicked the game-winning field goal as the Dolphins beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-17.

Hill even celebrated his touchdown by putting his hands behind his back, while teammate and fellow receiver Jaylen Waddle grasped Hill’s hands together in the end zone.

‘We had something else planned,’ Hill said, ‘and all this happened this morning.’

The Miami-Dade Police Department launched an internal affairs investigation into the Hill incident, and announced an officer was placed on administrative duties, shortly after the Dolphins’ season-opening win.

‘That should tell you everything you need to know,” Hill said when he learned about the officer discipline.

‘I’m committed to transparency and accountability to the community with any situation involving my officers,’ MDPD director Stephanie V. Daniels said in a statement on social media. Daniels also requested an immediate review of the incident, including body camera footage, in an earlier statement as the game got underway.

Hill, who says he wants to be a cop one day, said he wants to partner with police in the future to turn his pregame incident into a positive impact.

‘I do want to use this platform to say, what if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill? Worst case scenario. It’s crazy. I want to be a cop one day. I have a state trooper hat and I have a lot of respect for cops,’ Hill said.

‘Obviously, everybody has bad apples in every situation. I want to be able to use this platform to figure out a way to flip this and make this a positive on both ends, on my end and Miami-Dade, so we can do something positive for the community.’

Hill, a nine-year veteran who won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020, agreed to a contract extension last month with Miami worth $90 million for the next three seasons with $65 million in guaranteed money.

Jannik Sinner, the No. 1-ranked player in men’s tennis, cruised to the US Open title on Sunday, defeating No. 12 seed Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4, 7-5.

By getting to the final, Fritz broke a 15-year drought of American men in Grand Slam finals since Andy Roddick’s loss to Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2003. However, the Slam-less streak continues, with Roddick’s 2003 US Open victory remaining the last time an American hoisted one of tennis’ four major trophies.

Sinner, who broke through for his first Grand Slam title at the beginning of this year in Australia, left no doubt in this one. Sinner, a 23-year old Italian, lost just two sets in the entire tournament and was never in danger against Fritz in the final. 

This was Sinner’s 16th ATP title overall and sixth this year including two Masters 1000-level tournaments in Miami and Cincinnati. He now has a massive lead over No. 2 Alexander Zverev in both the 52-week ranking and the season-long points race that will likely keep him at No. 1 well into next year at minimum. 

However, Sinner is still behind Carlos Alcaraz four to two in the head-to-head rivalry for Grand Slam titles that promises to define the rest of this decade in men’s tennis. 

Fritz, who had never been beyond a major quarterfinal before this tournament, will leave New York ranked No. 7.

That alone makes this a successful and satisfying tournament for Fritz, even though he was unable to make the final as competitive as he would have liked. 

In the first set, Fritz made just 38% of his first serves and paid the price by being broken three times. Fritz served much better in the second set and cruised through a series of easy holds until he stepped to the line at 4-5 when Sinner upped the ante with power and consistency from the baseline to win the set with a commanding break of serve. 

Fritz’s only real opening came in the third set when scrapped out a break to take the lead, but he couldn’t hold at 5-4 to force a fourth set. 

Sinner entered the US Open surrounded by controversy when the International Tennis Integrity Agency announced that he had been cleared of wrongdoing during an investigation into two positive tests for a banned substance that occurred in March. 

Though Sinner had been subject to a provisional suspension that was never made public, he was allowed to keep playing during his appeal, drawing criticism from some current and former players about whether there was a double standard at play in how positive tests are adjudicated. 

Sinner, however, was allowed to keep playing because he and his team were able to quickly come up with an explanation for the positive test: His physical trainer had used an over-the-counter spray to treat a finger wound that contains the steroid clostebol and then worked on Sinner’s body with his bare hands.

Sinner was stripped of his points and prize money from a semifinal appearance at Indian Wells where the positive test took place, but the ITIA essentially accepted the evidence from Sinner’s team and determined that he was at no fault or negligence for the traces of clostebol in his system.