First impressions aren’t everything in the NFL, but several rookies, veteran newcomers and coaches in new spots stood out in a big way in Week 1.
J.J. McCarthy’s first showing was ugly through three quarters, but the Vikings QB flipped the script in the fourth with three TDs.
Micah Parsons proved not only to be a one-man wrecking crew but also a force multiplier for the Packers defense.

First impressions aren’t everything in the NFL.

Recall that at this time last year, Jerod Mayo had the league buzzing about his coaching debut when he guided the New England Patriots to a stunning upset of the Cincinnati Bengals. On the flip side, the Washington Commanders didn’t look ready to compete in their 17-point loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Of course, neither data point ended up being indicative of an emerging trend.

But it’s always tantalizing to get a first glimpse of rookies, veterans in new places and coaches in new posts. Regardless of where things are headed, here are USA TODAY Sports’ ranking of the best and worst debuts from Week 1 in the NFL.

Best NFL Week 1 debuts

1. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A game-winning touchdown in his first pro contest puts Egbuka above the rest of his competition. In snaring the go-ahead, 25-yard strike from Baker Mayfield to help give the Buccaneers a 23-20 win over the Atlanta Falcons, the Ohio State product joined former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Ernest Wilford as the only players since the 1970 merger to record a game-winning touchdown reception with less than a minute remaining in regulation or overtime in his first career game. The play itself was thanks in part to the attention Mike Evans drew underneath, which left Egbuka free to burn cornerback Mike Hughes on a post route. But the 6-1, 205-pounder was the savvy and reliable presence the Buccaneers envisioned him as right out of the gates, and his contributions – four catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns – were paramount on a day when Mayfield struggled to settle in behind a reworked offensive line.

2. Micah Parsons, DE, Green Bay Packers

In just 29 snaps while still fighting a back injury, Parsons reaffirmed his place in the game’s elite class of game-wreckers. But what was truly special about the edge rusher’s first showing with Green Bay in a 27-13 win over the Detroit Lions wasn’t what he did on his own, but rather the effect he can have as a force multiplier. Beyond his sack and three pressures – one of which directly led to an Evan Williams interception before halftime – Parsons seemed to change everything for a Packers defense that previously lacked the juice to create havoc without significant schematic assistance. When Parsons was on the field, Jared Goff sped up his time to throw by more than a half-second, according to Next Gen Stats. With a promising group of playmakers – including fellow pass rusher Rashan Gary, linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and safety Xavier McKinney – poised to capitalize on the attention dedicated to Parsons, this could be the first step toward the unit becoming one of the league’s most imposing matchups.

3. Geno Smith, QB, Las Vegas Raiders

His underappreciated brand of passing now figures to be properly respected not only by Pete Carroll, under whom he revived his career in a three-year starting stretch with the Seattle Seahawks, but also a Raiders franchise desperate for some semblance of an answer behind center. Despite the soggy conditions, Smith confidently attacked the New England Patriots’ defense in a 20-13 win. He was once again unafraid to take vertical shots but largely was efficient in doing so, posting the second-highest average intended air yards (10.6) of any Week 1 quarterback while still ranking third in completion percentage over expectation (8.9), according to Next Gen Stats. The effort was all the more impressive given how lopsided the Silver and Black’s attack became with the ground game averaging just 2.3 yards per carry. Pass protection woes could be problematic down the stretch given the nine hits he took, but Smith has ample experience navigating issues up front after his time in Seattle. More importantly, he has the backing of a coaching staff that knows what it will get from him and is prepared to ride out the ups and downs of his aggressive style.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers’ veteran newcomers

A group project deserves group recognition. Naturally, Aaron Rodgers was destined to remain the focus throughout the Steelers’ 34-32 comeback win over the New York Jets, and the four-time NFL MVP shook off his recent habit of slow starts with four touchdown passes. But a game plan predicated on allowing his receivers to rack up yards after the catch – his 4.3 average intended air yards were the lowest of any quarterback in Week 1, according to Next Gen Stats – shifted plenty of responsibility to the skill-position players. Offseason acquisitions DK Metcalf (four catches, 83 yards), Ben Skowronek (one 22-yard touchdown catch) and Jonnu Smith (3-yard touchdown on a pop pass) all made meaningful contributions. But cornerback Jalen Ramsey delivered the definitive play of the day when he sealed the result by forcing a fourth-down incompletion with his perfectly timed leveling of Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Tougher tests await, but the present-minded approach paid off for at least one week.

5. Justin Fields, QB, New York Jets

Moral victories are clearly of no interest to Aaron Glenn and a new Jets regime not satisfied with merely being competitive. But legitimate hope is nothing to take for granted given how things have panned out for Gang Green the last two years, and Fields provided plenty of it in his first showing with his new team. His integral role in a rushing attack that reeled off 182 yards – with the quarterback accounting for two of the three scores on the ground – came as no surprise. What was most encouraging, however, was the elevated poise and precision Fields exhibited as a passer, connecting on 16 of 22 attempts for 218 yards and another touchdown. It’s probably unfair to expect Fields’ progress to be linear, as setbacks seem inevitable. But the offense’s production was early validation of a formula that should allow New York to stay in the mix in the early portion of a broader reset.

6. Daniel Jones, QB, Indianapolis Colts

There’s a good chance that much of Sunday’s 33-8 romp was more reflective of the Miami Dolphins’ problems rather than the Colts’ aptitude. But there’s not much more that could have been asked of Jones in his first game back as a starter since he was dumped by the New York Giants midway through last season. After coach Shane Steichen harped on decisiveness and precision in declaring the veteran signal-caller the winner of the quarterback competition over incumbent Anthony Richardson, Jones got the ball out quickly – his 2.52-second time to throw was the fifth lowest of the week, according to Next Gen Stats – and put Indianapolis’ playmakers in prime position to do damage. Yes, the degree of difficult was dialed down considerably. But Indianapolis will take whatever semblance of cohesion it can get after Richardson’s inconsistent results clearly wore on the franchise. The Colts also got great debuts out of rookie tight end Tyler Warren, who racked up seven catches for 76 yards, and defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who reanimated a previously listless group with his variety of different looks.

7. J.J. McCarthy, QB, Minnesota Vikings

Maybe this is an overly forgiving assessment for a player who through three quarters looked destined to end up on the flip side of this list, especially after a particularly ill-advised pick-six. But McCarthy and the Vikings offense flipped the emerging narrative surrounding them with a surprising surge in a 27-24 win over the Chicago Bears. The 2024 first-round pick, who missed his entire rookie campaign with a torn meniscus, became the first player to score three touchdowns in the fourth quarter of his NFL debut. His performance was, as expected, linked to the efficacy of the run game, which was non-existent early on but came alive late. While McCarthy still needs plenty of help – just as coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah planned for – he also demonstrated that he can at least occasionally be more than merely a product of his surroundings.

8. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Washington Commanders

This nod easily could have gone to Commanders all-purpose threat Deebo Samuel Sr., who had 96 yards from scrimmage on eight touches and went full ‘wide back’ on his 19-yard touchdown scamper. But there’s no going against a rookie who had the crowd cheering his nickname whenever the announcer called him out. Elongated chants of ‘Bill’ were routine on Sunday as Croskey-Merritt piled up 82 yards on 10 carries in a 21-6 win over the New York Giants. The seventh-rounder immediately made the backfield more dynamic and explosive with four runs of 10-plus yards, including a 42-yard gain that was longer than any rush in former starter Brian Robinson Jr.’s three-year stretch with the team. There are sure to be some hiccups along the way, but the quick-cutting Croskey-Merritt unquestionably looks like a better fit than Robinson for what offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury wants to do in fully weaponizing the run game from the shotgun and pistol.

9. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Philadelphia Eagles

When the Eagles selected Campbell with the No. 31 pick in April’s draft, it stood to reason that they would slowly bring along a player who was still finding his way at his position and underwent surgery in March to repair a torn labrum. So much for that. With fellow linebacker Nakobe Dean still sidelined by the torn patellar tendon he suffered in January, Campbell was everywhere in the Eagles’ season-opening win over the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, playing 92% of the defensive snaps. His biggest play of the night came late in the third quarter, when he forced a fumble deep in Eagles territory and ended the Cowboys’ threat of retaking the lead. The 6-3, 235-pounder also showed remarkable range in covering tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford down the seam and breaking up Dak Prescott’s pass. With Dean set to come back at some point and Zack Baun continuing to operate at an elite level after re-signing on a three-year deal this offseason, Campbell gives Howie Roseman a true embarrassment of riches in the middle of his defense.

10. Will Johnson, CB, Arizona Cardinals

It wasn’t a fall of Shedeur Sanders proportions, but the Michigan product’s tumble to the second round was one of the draft’s most intriguing Day 1 developments (Johnson ranked No. 6 overall on my final big board rankings). After a strong camp, he continued Sunday that the Cardinals possibly got a steal. In Arizona’s 20-13 win over the New Orleans Saints, Johnson provided his usual steady coverage presence while adding three pass breakups as well as an interception that was called back to a teammate’s penalty far away from the play. His highlight, however, came on a perfectly timed crushing hit that broke up a swing pass to Chris Olave. With Johnson, Garrett Williams and Max Melton all under 25, the Cardinals have the makings of a formidable secondary for years to come.

Worst NFL Week 1 debuts

1. Russell Wilson, QB, New York Giants

It took all of one game for Wilson to shift from Big Blue’s unquestioned starter to a veteran at least temporarily twisting in the wind regarding his status when Brian Daboll wouldn’t commit to keeping him in place immediately after the loss to the Commanders. At least that was clarified one day later, when Daboll shot down any notion of going to first-round pick Jaxson Dart right away. But the change in tone was notable after Giants brass went to great lengths this offseason to stifle any notion of a quarterback controversy. Wilson’s debut was a full-on systemic failure, but the combination of New York’s pervasive protection problems and the signal-caller’s panicked responses proved to be a lethal cocktail. That dynamic rendered Wilson’s deep passing ability moot, sapping the team of one of its primary sources of optimism. Inserting Dart might not be the answer, either, especially given the continued absence of left tackle Andrew Thomas, the one strong link in an otherwise broken chain. But unless Wilson and the rest of the unit can get right in a hurry, the franchise’s embattled leadership might soon have to consider taking drastic action.

2. Andre Szmyt, K, Cleveland Browns

Szmyt’s first NFL game was one to forget. The kicker not only botched an extra-point attempt that proved to be the difference in a 17-16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, he also missed a 36-yard field-goal try that could have put Cleveland up with a little more than two minutes remaining in the game. Coach Kevin Stefanski stood by him but said ‘those are kicks that we expect him to make.’ The Browns likely won’t find themselves sticking with many teams late into games this season, so Szmyt can’t afford any recurrences of his nightmare outing.

3. John Morton, offensive coordinator, Detroit Lions

Following Ben Johnson was never going to be easy, with Morton tasked with maintaining the magic behind the league’s top scoring offense. A once tightly bound operation might not have come fully unraveled in the loss to the Packers, but the threads are surely loosening. The problems seemed to start up front, where a line that lost Kevin Zeitler and Frank Ragnow looked thoroughly out of sorts. That manifested in a ground attack that mustered just 46 yards on 22 carries. With that threat absent as Detroit tried to climb out of an early hole, Jared Goff repeatedly reverted to checkdowns to mitigate Green Bay’s pass rush, with just eight of his 39 passing attempts being delivered more than 10 yards downfield, according to Next Gen Stats. Only an impressive scoring grab by rookie Isaac TeSlaa with less than a minute remaining spared the Lions the indignity of being held without a touchdown against a division rival. Dan Campbell after the game called the issues ‘so correctable,’ but Morton has plenty to sort out after just one week.

4. Nick Caley, offensive coordinator, Houston Texans

Jettisoning Bobby Slowik and reconfiguring the offensive front were essentially musts given the toll the protection problems took on C.J. Stroud during his relative letdown of a sophomore campaign. But based on the offense’s play in a 14-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, you’d be forgiven if you briefly assumed that Houston had run things back from its 2024 form. Stroud was pressured on 41% of his dropbacks and took seven hits as the Texans were held without a touchdown and mustered just 265 yards. Given the wider reshuffling up front prompted by injuries, it should come as no surprise that Caley’s system empowering Stroud with more responsibility didn’t take hold right away. But the inability to scheme up better opportunities for Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins, who finished with just 25 yards on three catches, needs to be revisited.

5. Mike Vrabel, coach, New England Patriots

A new day in New England seemed imminent upon Vrabel’s arrival, with the organization embarking on a serious free-agent spending spree to overhaul its roster. Why, then, did the Patriots present such intensely familiar feelings of ineptitude in their loss to the Raiders? Drake Maye yet again didn’t receive nearly enough support from either his surrounding personnel or the coaching staff. With quick pressures on the quarterback quickly piling up and the dead-on-arrival run game essentially abandoned, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels reverted to a bevy of throws behind or near the line of scrimmage. Meanwhile, a Raiders defense that looked prone to being exploited on the back end managed to force four three-and-outs. Most disappointing of all was New England’s overall lack of fight, as Vrabel opted to punt on a fourth-and-10 with his team down 10 points and less than five minutes remaining.

Coming off a humbling 2-0 defeat against South Korea on Saturday, Sept. 6, coach Mauricio Pochettino’s United States squad will look to rebound against another strong squad from East Asia: Japan.

Japan already has qualified for the 2026 World Cup. The USMNT has qualified by default as one of the host nations. Like the U.S., Japan will go into next year’s tournament with aspirations to make a run well into the knockout stages. In the previous two World Cups, Japan has reached the Round of 16. That represents the furthest Japan has advanced in the World Cup.

The USMNT reached the Round of 16 in the 2022 World Cup, but the squad in its current form does not appear competent enough to even accomplish that. The pressure is mounting for Pochettino and his team to improve and give American fans any sort of hope that the team can at least get through the group stage next summer. A strong showing against a quality opponent such as Japan could go a long way in building some confidence.

How to watch USMNT vs. Japan: Time, TV, streaming

Date: Tuesday, Sept. 9
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Lower.com Field (Columbus, Ohio)
TV channel: TNT (English); Telemundo, Universo (Spanish)
Streaming: Max, Sling TV (English); Peacock (Spanish)

Stream USMNT vs. Japan on Sling TV

USMNT starting 11 vs. Japan

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino has tabbed four different starters from his lineup for Saturday’s 2-0 loss to South Korea.

Defender Chris Richards, midfielder Cristian Roldan, and forwards Folarin Balogun and Alex Zendejas get the start Tuesday night. All four came on as substitutions on Saturday.

Sebastian Berhalter, Sergiño Dest, Diego Luna and Josh Sargent each started on Saturday, but will open this game on the bench.

For Christian Pulisic, this will be his 80th career USMNT cap. Arfsten makes the start in the home stadium of his club team, the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer.

Japan starting 11 vs. USMNT

The Samurai Blue currently are on a 13-match unbeaten streak that dates back to February 2024. 

In the most recent matchup against the U.S., Japan prevailed 2-0 in a 2022 World Cup tune-up match in Düsseldorf. Germany.

Japan was the first team (non-host nation) to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

USMNT roster for September friendlies

Goalkeepers (3): Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Jonathan Klinsmann (Cesena/Italy)
Defenders (8): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Noahkai Banks (FC Augsburg/Germany), Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver Whitecaps/Canada), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven/Netherlands), Alex Freeman (Orlando City SC), Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/England)
Midfielders (7): Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/England), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps/Canada), Luca de la Torre (San Diego FC), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Sean Zawadski (Columbus Crew)
Forwards (6): Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco/France), Damion Downs (Southampton/England), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/Italy), Josh Sargent (Norwich City/England), Tim Weah (Marseille/France), Alex Zendejas (Club América/Mexico)

Japan roster for USMNT friendly

Goalkeepers (3): Zion Suzuki (Parma/Italy), Keisuke Ōsako (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Tomoki Hayakawa (Kashima Antlers)
Defenders (7): Yūto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), Kō Itakura (Ajax/Netherlands), Ayumu Seko (Le Havre/France), Tsuyoshi Watanabe (Feyenoord/Netherlands), Hayato Araki (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Hiroki Sekine (Reims/France), Yukinari Sugawara (Werder Bremen/Germany)
Midfielders (11): Wataru Endo (Liverpool/England), Takumi Minamino (Monaco/France), Junya Itō (Genk/Belgium), Ritsu Dōan (Eintracht Frankfurt/Germany), Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad/Spain), Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton & Hove Albion/England), Kaishu Sano (Mainz 05/Germany), Joel Chima Fujita (FC St. Pauli/Germany), Henry Heroki Mochizuki (Machida Zelvia), Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace/England), Kodai Sano (NEC Nijmegen/Netherlands)
Forwards (6): Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord/Netherlands), Daizen Maeda (Celtic/Scotland), Mao Hosoya (Kashiwa Reysol), Kōki Ogawa (NEC Nijmegen/Netherlands), Shūto Machino (Borussia Mönchengladbach/Germany), Yuito Suzuki (SC Freiburg/Germany)

USMNT to face Portugal in March friendly, per reports

The U.S. men’s national team is set to face Portugal in a March friendly, according to multiple reports.

Fox Sports reported that the USMNT-Portugal match would take place at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The 71,000-seat venue could also potentially host a match against Belgium, though Washington, D.C. and other locations are also being considered. — Seth Vertelney, Pro Soccer Wire

USMNT 2025 schedule and results

Jan. 20 (friendly) — United States 3, Venezuela 1
Jan. 22 (friendly) — United States 3, Costa Rica 0
March 20 (Concacaf Nations League) — Panama 1, United States 0
March 23 (Concacaf Nations League third-place match) — Canada 2, United States 1
June 7 (friendly) — Türkiye 2, United States 1
June 10 (friendly) — Switzerland 4, United States 0
June 15 (Concacaf Gold Cup) — United States 5, Trinidad and Tobago 0
June 19 (Concacaf Gold Cup) — United States 1, Saudi Arabia 0
June 22 (Concacaf Gold Cup) — United States 2, Haiti 1
June 29 (Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinal) — United States 2, Costa Rica 2 (U.S. won penalty shootout, 4-3)
July 2 (Concacaf Gold Cup semifinal) — United States 2, Guatemala 1
July 6 (Concacaf Gold Cup final) — Mexico 2, United States 1
Sept. 6 (friendly) — South Korea 2, United States 0
Sept. 9 (friendly) — United States vs. Japan, 7:30 p.m. ET (Lower.com Field, Columbus, Ohio)
Oct. 14 (friendly) — United States vs. Australia, 9 p.m. ET (Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colorado)

USA TODAY Sports’ 48-page special edition commemorates 30 years of Major League Soccer, from its best players to key milestones and championship dynasties to what exciting steps are next with the World Cup ahead. Order your copy today!

A procedural error in last Saturday’s college football game between Kansas and Missouri will cost a Big 12 officiating crew its next assignment.

The mistake occurred during the wild second quarter of the game eventually won by Missouri 42-31. The Tigers scored a safety on a sack and offensive fumble recovery in the Kansas end zone. Instead of a free kick from the 20-yard line, the Jayhawks punted the ball. This was a violation of Rule 2 Section 16 Article 6 of NCAA Football, the Big 12 said in a statement. The entire crew has been removed from its next assignment scheduled for Friday, Sept. 12, the league announcement said.

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The Big 12 officials in Saturday’s Kansas-Missouri game allowed a punt to occur on a free kick in violation of Rule 2 Section 16 Article 6 of NCAA Football rules. That Big 12 officiating crew has been removed from its next scheduled assignment on Friday, September 12, the league announcement said.

“We believe we have one of the best officiating programs in college football,’ Big 12 Chief Football & Competition Officer Scott Draper said in a statement. ‘When the Conference’s high standard for officiating is not met, the Big 12 will take action.”

The Big 12 crew was working the game at Missouri since it is traditional for the visiting team’s conference to assign game officials when teams from different leagues play each other. The Big 12 statement did not specify which Friday conference game – Colorado at Houston or Kansas State at Arizona – would have been the crew’s next assignment.

The San Francisco 49ers’ hopes for a rapid revitalization have taken a serious hit just one week into the new season.

Tight end George Kittle is expected to be placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday, sidelining him for at least the team’s next four games.

The move comes just two days after Kittle exited the 49ers’ 17-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks in the second quarter. He did not return and finished with four catches for 25 yards and a touchdown.

Kittle isn’t the only member of the Niners facing uncertainty regarding his availability, as quarterback Brock Purdy is also dealing with left shoulder and toe injuries that leave his status for a Week 2 matchup with the New Orleans Saints in question.

How long will George Kittle be out?

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Kittle would miss ‘a few weeks.’ With the move to injured reserve, however, Kittle will miss contests against the Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams, at minimum. San Francisco’s extended time off following its ‘Thursday Night Football’ tilt with the Rams in Week 5 could help facilitate a return for the six-time Pro Bowl tight end if he’s deemed healthy enough to return.

49ers’ TE depth chart

Luke Farrell
Jake Tonges

Farrell played in 57.9% of the team’s offensive snaps on Sunday, but the fifth-year veteran is deployed primarily as a blocker. Tonges, meanwhile, not only recorded his first career reception Sunday but also hauled in the game-winning 4-yard touchdown from Purdy in the final two minutes.

The Baltimore Ravens lost to the Buffalo Bills after blowing a 15-point lead, continuing a pattern of late-game collapses.
Under coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens have now lost 17 games in which they held a double-digit lead.
Despite regular season success and multiple division titles, this recurring issue has become part of the team’s identity.

ORCHARD PARK, NY – Let John Harbaugh tell us how his Baltimore Ravens will regroup and step out of the fresh mess marked by a stunning collapse on Sunday night. They opened a new season with a stinking old habit in blowing a 15-point lead in the final minutes against the Buffalo Bills.

History, repeating itself, already.

“We’ll go back to work like we always do,” Harbaugh said after the 41-40 setback. “We’ve been here before.”

Uh-oh. Clearly, this is not where they want to go again. At least not like this.

“This is how the NFL works,” Harbaugh continued. “It’s a tough league. You play tough games in tough environments, and hopefully you learn from it and keep getting better. You get better throughout the course of the season and become the team you’re going to be. It’s a long journey.”

Buffalo Bills’ stunning, brilliant, impossible win over the Ravens is an instant classic

Convinced? As level-headed and assuring as those words were intended, that’s a tough ticket because, well, as Harbaugh put it, they’ve been here before and that theme has been heard before. Sure, on one level, Harbaugh deserves the benefit of the doubt. He’s won more NFL games as a head coach than Joe Gibbs, Paul Brown, Bill Cowher, Marv Levy and Tony Dungy – Hall of Famers, all of them.

The Ravens entered the season, again, as a sexy Super Bowl pick. Last season, they won 12 games and the division crown. They won 13 games in 2023 and claimed the No. 1 seed. Since Lamar Jackson entered his first full season as a starter in 2019, and Harbaugh retooled his offense to fit the skill set of his multi-dimensional quarterback, the Ravens have won three division titles. And zero Super Bowls.

Harbaugh’s track record also is bogged down by too many situations like Sunday night. According to Josh Dubow of The Associated Press, the Ravens have blown 17 double-digit leads under Harbaugh. Ouch.

Last year about this time, they blew a 10-point lead in losing to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2. In 2023, they squandered a 15-point lead against Cleveland and a 10-point edge against Pittsburgh. In 2022, it was 17 points against Buffalo and 21 points to Miami.

So, to say they’ve been there before just doesn’t cut it. Because that’s not a good thing. This has gone on for so long that it’s become part of the Ravens identity. What a far cry from the M.O. of the championship teams of yesteryear, with Ray-Ray and crew. They can play “bully ball” with Derrick Henry powering a physical rushing attack and they can produce explosive fireworks triggered by Jackson. But they are also among the NFL’s best at blowing big leads, which is hardly the identity of a champion.

“Banging our heads on the wall about it at this point,” Kyle Hamilton, the all-pro safety, said after the latest drama. “First and foremost, the offense put up 40 points. No way that we should be in that position as a defense. I don’t know. We just need to figure out how to win games. We are winning them for 45 minutes, but you have to win for 60 minutes.”

Of course, soul-searching is widespread. Henry, the dominating running back, blasted the Bills in rushing for 169 yards and 2 touchdowns. But that monster performance was marred by his fourth-quarter fumble – forced by Ed Oliver — that led to a Buffalo touchdown.

Henry apologized to his teammates in the locker room afterward and accepted blame for the loss.

“First of all, I have to take care of the ball,” Henry said. “I told my teammates after the game that the loss is on me. I own it like a man. We emphasize taking care of the football, keeping it high and tight. I got lackadaisical. They made a play, but I put this loss on me.”

That’s noble enough, but these big collapses are never determined by one play. On Sunday night, the Ravens were also stung by a fourth-down touchdown pass by Josh Allen late in the fourth quarter that was deflected by tight end Dawson Knox into the hands of Keon Coleman. And after Henry’s 46-yard TD run early in the fourth quarter, rookie kicker Tyler Loop (who replaced the highly-reliable-yet-scandal-ridden Justin Tucker) missed a PAT kick. Before halftime, the Ravens mismanaged the clock in setting up for Loop’s 49-yard field goal, allowing the Bills to respond with a field goal in 31 seconds. Buffalo was out of timeouts on that hurry-up drive yet still managed to stop the clock with one second left as tight end Dalton Kincaid stepped out of bounds after gaining 22 yards on a sideline pattern. The Ravens were so sloppy in that sequence.

One play, here or there, surely made a difference in the big picture.

There was a debatable decision by Harbaugh, too, to punt on a fourth-and-two with 1:33 remaining. The field position from the Ravens’ 39-yard line undoubtedly influenced the decision, but in retrospect they kicked to put the ball back into the sizzling hands of Allen, the reigning NFL MVP who passed for 251 of his 394 yards in the fourth quarter.

NFL, Buffalo Bills ban fan who shoved DeAndre Hopkins and Lamar Jackson

Then again, the Ravens pass defense came up short, too, in failing to slow Allen’s roll. He scrambled to extend plays, then nailed 32- and 25-yard completions on the 66-yard game-winning drive capped by Matt Prater’s 32-yard field goal as time expired.

“We talked about it all offseason, how we struggled last season at the beginning,” Hamilton said of the pass defense in crunch time. “Then (we said), ‘It’s a new year, and it’s a new team,’ and then we come out and do that.

“We are saying something different, but we are doing the same things. I don’t know if there is something mentally that we have to get over or if there is a mental block, but I looked up at the scoreboard when they were about to kick the field goal and it said they had 400 passing yards or something. I’m about to throw up on the field. It’s something that we have to get fixed.”

With a long season ahead, there’s no need to panic. Maybe the Sunday night outcome will cost the Ravens a tiebreaker edge and a playoff home game. Maybe not. They need to keep it in context. It was Week 1. Teams have been blown out in Week 1 or otherwise stumbled out of the gate and won Super Bowls.

Still, the Ravens need to embrace some group therapy, given the pattern of way too many squandered leads, and have another reality check.

So, you want to become a champion? Well, just finish the game. For the Ravens that’s so much easier said than done.

Contact Jarrett Bell at jbell@usatoday.com or follow on social media: On X: @JarrettBell

On Bluesky: jarrettbell.bsky.social

Alex Bregman reached the postseason every full year of his career with the Astros.
Signed late in free agency, Bregman has been an All-Star and veteran leader for Boston.
Red Sox have firm grasp on AL wild-card spot and should continue Bregman’s streak.

PHOENIX — The season ends for more than 500 players and 18 teams in the next three weeks, with All-Stars like Mike Trout and teams like the Colorado Rockies once again having their seasons expire in September, forgetting October even exists on the baseball calendar.

For Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman, the month of September has only meant one thing:

It’s the preseason for the postseason.

Bregman, the three-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, is baseball’s only current player who has been to the postseason every year since his first full season in 2017 with the Houston Astros.

No one in baseball has a longer streak.

Atlanta second baseman Ozzie Albies is missing out on the playoffs for the first full season in his career, a streak that began in 2018. Bregman’s former teammate, Astros All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve, has played in every postseason since 2017, too, but he missed the postseason in four of his first five years.

Los Angeles Dodgers three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw missed the postseason at the beginning of his career and was injured for their 2024 World Series championship run. Yankees MVP Aaron Judge was home during the 2023 playoffs.

Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman has been to the postseason eight times, but only once since 2020.

Dodgers All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman missed postseasons until his run began in 2018 for Atlanta and Los Angeles. And shortstop Mookie Betts, the three-time World Series champion, has been to the postseason eight times, but missed it in 2019 and during his first full season of 2015.

But here is Bregman once again, playing this year for the Red Sox instead of the Astros, and heading back for another October run.

“Fingers crossed we get to do it again, and the streak doesn’t end,’ Bregman tells USA TODAY Sports. “Believe me, it’s a whole lot of fun. Just being in a playoff race in September is awesome. It allows you to lock in on the present moment and focus on the game at hand, and not get too far ahead of yourself – or think too much in the past.

“That’s the best part about playing in pressure-packed games, knowing that the next pitch is always the most important one.’

Bregman has become a modern-day Derek Jeter with his postseason run. Jeter won the first of his five World Series titles in his first full season with the Yankees in 1996, and played in the postseason 12 consecutive seasons before the Yankees missed the playoffs in 2008.

Bregman won the World Series with the Astros in his first full season in 2017, and with the Red Sox having a five-game lead for at least a wild-card berth, this should make it nine consecutive years.

“It’s special, it really is,’ Bregman says. “I hope I’m playing in October as long as I play baseball.’

Bregman, of course, isn’t single-handedly leading his teams to the playoffs every year, but it’s not just a sheer coincidence, either. There’s a reason Bregman has become the face of the Red Sox since Rafael Devers was dumped and shipped off to San Francisco.

“Him, Chapman, those two have been part of winning teams,’ Red Sox manager Alex Cora said, “and they understand what it means. So, it’s important. He has played meaningful games in September his whole career. Every game that he has played in his career has meant something in September. There’s not many like that.

“With the ups and downs, he’s not going to panic. He’s going to be ready to play. He’s going to help them through the process and it’s great that we have him in the clubhouse.’

Bregman has been ‘real deal’ for Red Sox

Bregman and his leadership are more vital than ever after losing rookie sensation Roman Anthony for the rest of the regular season with a strained oblique. Gold Glove outfielder Wilyer Abreu, who was leading the team with 22 homers at the time he was injured in mid-August, is nearing a return.

“He’s a guy that I’ve absolutely respected from Day 1,’ Red Sox infielder Nathaniel Lowe says. “Obviously, his resume is well respected, but he does everything, whether he’s vocal in a scouting report meeting, talking to you about the technical aspects to hitting, to just winning.

“Having a guy in the mix like that all of the time, it’s just good for the rest of the group, whether it’s first-time guys or guys who are looking to get back and prove something, like me.’

Says outfielder Rob Refsnyder: “He’s the best, man. He prepares really well. He’s invested in how everyone’s doing. He’s the real deal.’

Lowe, who won a World Series with the Texas Rangers in 2023 and was in the World Series in 2020 with the Tampa Bay Rays, will tell you that Bregman hardly was the most lovable guy in their Astros-Rangers rivalry during his four years in Texas.

They were incensed when Bregman blurted out after winning the AL West in 2023: “People were wondering what it was going to be like if the Astros didn’t win the division. I guess we’ll never know.’

Rangers third baseman Corey Seager, MVP of the 2023 World Series, came back and mocked Bregman during their celebration: “I’ve just got one thing to say. Everybody was wondering what would happen if the Rangers wouldn’t win the World Series. I guess we’ll never know.’’

And dropped the mic.

Yet, as much as the two teams hated one another, the Rangers still had ultimate respect for Bregman.

“I didn’t expect any animosity from him after playing against him in the division,’ Lowe says. “And even when we were competing, I never really took anything personally aggressive, anyway. He was just celebrating a win when he made those comments that circled back to us.

“That’s all in the spirit of competition.’

‘Alex is built for Boston’

Bregman’s personality and leadership is a chip off the block of Red Sox great Dustin Pedroia. He aggravated his opponents with his braggadocio and aggressive style of play but was one of the most respected players in the game. You hated him on the other side of the field, but, oh, did you love him if you were wearing a Red Sox uniform.

“Alex is built for Boston,’ Pedroia says. “That environment changes you. I talked to him a little bit. He loves it in Boston. He’s fit to play there, and he knows what it means.

“It’s working out great, so he’s got to keep it going.’

Bregman, who nearly signed with the Detroit Tigers as a free agent to play for manager A.J. Hinch again, indeed loves playing for the Red Sox. He signed a three-year, $120 million contract with opt outs this year, giving him the opportunity to depart if he wishes – or at least to use the leverage to get a long-term contract.

The strategy may be for Bregman to opt out and then have the Red Sox – who saved about $255 million by trading Devers – turn around and use a chunk of that savings to keep Bregman. With Bregman hitting just .117 in his last 15 games since Aug. 23, he realizes he needs to revert to being the hitter who was batting .348 with a .969 OPS in his first 19 games of August, to make the decision a no-brainer.

“It’s such a great baseball city, and Fenway Park has been awesome,’ says Bregman, who calls one of his favorite moments meeting Red Sox Hall of Famer Wade Boggs. “Fenway has been rocking. I feel like winning baseball and the belief in Boston is back, and I’ve really enjoyed it. Everyone in Boston loves the Red Sox, and when we’re winning, you can really feel that energy.’

It has been four years since the Red Sox were in the playoffs, and the last time they had a winning record, but even without Anthony and Abreu now they’ve been rolling. They are 37-21 since the start of July, the second-best record in baseball behind only the Milwaukee Brewers.

They have been tenacious, certainly resilient, and with Garrett Crochet (14-5, 2.67 ERA), Brayan Bello (11-6, 3.12 ERA) and Lucas Giolito (10-3, 3.38 ERA) atop the rotation, and Chapman’s dominance (retiring 50 consecutive batters without a hit since July 23), they could be a living nightmare for any team they face in October.

“This team reminds me of some of my earlier years in Houston,’ Bregman says. “When so many guys are young, everyone in here wants to learn and get better, and the focus is on winning. It’s a lot of fun to be in this environment.

“The camaraderie is great in here too. This team hangs out a lot on and off the field. It’s fantastic.’

Bregman, 31, who’s in his ninth full season, is the one largely responsible for this cohesiveness. Teammates migrate to his locker before games to talk strategy and the opposing pitcher. They talk on the bench during games. And afterwards, they’ll frequently congregate with Bregman holding court.

“Obviously, what he does on the field is incredible,’ Crochet says, “but what he does in the clubhouse is really special. He’s a great mentor for the young guys. It’s cool having a guy to talk to prior to the game, and then after the game he loves to talk about either what transpired that day or planning for the next. I can’t say enough good stuff what he means to this team.’

Alex Bregman, confirmed ‘baseball rat’

It was during the winter of 2021-22 when Bregman was actively recruiting All-Star shortstop Trevor Story to join the Astros. The Astros had an opening with Carlos Correa departing as a free agent, and Story was available at the same time after six years with the Colorado Rockies.

Story wound up signing with the Red Sox on a six-year, $140 million deal, and when Bregman hit free agency and went unsigned with spring training camps opening, it was Story’s turn to recruit Bregman to Boston.

“He’s obviously been a really good player for a long time,’ Story says, “and there was always mutual respect across the game for him. Now that I’ve been with him, it just confirms that he’s a baseball rat. He’s obsessed with the game, just his impact on the offense and defense, and helping the young guys has been huge.’

Now, with less than three weeks left to play, this is where all of the hard work, preparation and cohesiveness could pay dividends. The Red Sox know they belong in October. Even though they’re chasing the Toronto Blue Jays and their hated rivals, the Yankees, they refuse to abandon their hopes of winning the AL East.

Besides, not to be greedy, but Bregman would love to keep his streak alive of not only reaching the playoffs every year – but also winning a division title every full year, too. His Astros teams won the AL West every season but the shortened 2020 COVID year.

“It’s a tough division, and obviously we’re a few games back right now, but we are still fighting for that division title,’ Bregman says. “If we finish strong, we can do it.’

If not, and the Blue Jays wind up winning the AL East, the first round of the playoffs is lining up to be the Red Sox against the Yankees in a best-of-three wild-card series – with the sounds of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline’ or Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York’ in the air.

“It’s so cool playing against those guys,’ Bregman says. “Just fun games, pressure-packed, great environment. It was a lot of fun living out that childhood dream watching those games on TV and watching them play in October.’’

Bregman pauses, exhales, and says, “Playing baseball in October, that’s what it’s all about.’’

Really, it’s all he knows.

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