By: Qip Bayless
HD, HD_5ive, HD-LilTee, whatever you want to call him, PML, he is here to stay! All the off-season drama and “beef” HD endured which even came to the commissioner calling for a league wide vote! He was so heavily scrutinized for his time in Cleveland, but he has prevailed and made it to his fourth madden cycle in PML. HD started last week hot as he won his week one matchup in dramatic shoot-out fashion. I asked HD how he felt about his opponent, Matigy, these were his words, “I feel like his offense[and defense] is night and day.” He expressed how cowardly coach[Matigy] was playing on offense but how aggressive his defense was throughout the game. However, while I was watching the game I would not call the offense Matigy was running, cowardly at all. The player of the game was easily Josh Jacobs who went for 22 rushes 293 yards and 3 touchdowns. I was alarmed by this considering how improved that Chargers’ front 7 is, I asked HD how he would adjust to this he said, “gotta hit the practice field and tackle some tires” Now in my opinion I do NOT think tackling tires will help you tackle a 5 foot 10, 220 pound running back. Nevertheless, HD did catch a big first win of the PML23 cycle.
Justin Herbert went 18 for 21, throwing 288 yards, and 3 TDs(2 ints). Overall I was impressed by Justin Herbert’s debut high completion percentage, and high TD rate. The interception I saw was an example of HD staring a target down the whole time.
If HD goes through his progressions as we know he can this is an easy touchdown
Austin Ekeler and Keenan Allen led the way on offense combining for 264 scrimmage yards together and Gerald Everett also added a touchdown and 70 yards. You have to wonder where Mike Will was at? 2 catches for 2 yards is not something you want for your Y receiver on week 1. Bryce Callahan and Khalil Mack also added touchdowns on defense.
Next week HD has a tough matchup against another divison rival Jac and the Chiefs; but does will his defense be able to step up?
