The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL First impressions of new units and faces after Week 1
30 snips
Sep 11, 2025 Dan Pizzuta, the mind behind the Snaps and Stats substack, joins to share insights on Week 1 of the NFL. They dive into the intriguing new offenses, like Geno Smith’s in Las Vegas and Nick Caley's in Houston, and analyze rookie quarterback Cam Ward's early struggles. The conversation explores the impact of rule changes on kickoff strategies and defensive innovations seen in the games. Fans can gain valuable perspectives on how new players are integrating and the dynamics affecting team performance this season.
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Raiders Emphasize Play-Action Passing
- Geno Smith and Chip Kelly's Raiders leaned heavily on play-action and 12 personnel to push the ball intermediate and deep.
- Offensive line issues and run-game inconsistency may cap upside unless protection improves.
Watch Tight End Usage Balance
- Monitor Brock Bowers' usage versus Jacoby Myers and outside speedsters to judge Raiders' personnel balance.
- Expect the Raiders to tweak tight end roles over the season as they refine run/pass splits.
Jones Fits Colts' Controlled Offense
- Daniel Jones fit the Colts' scheme by living in play-action and short-to-intermediate throws while still taking downfield shots when available.
- Strong offensive line play and Jonathan Taylor's role raise the offense's floor under Shane Steichen.