The long wait is over! After 213 days, the National Football League returned for its one hundred sixth season, which got underway on Wednesday. This felt abnormal for football fans, as Thursdays would’ve fit the narrative. Regardless, there was football the next day as well, heightening the entertainment for those who crave big hits and touchdowns.
American football brought people together for over a century, and they’ve been sharing their love internationally. The first Thursday game of the year took place in Melbourne, Australia. Since it’s the furthest continent from the United States, one of the teams, the San Francisco 49ers, took flight a week before the matchup. They were set to face a familiar foe, the Los Angeles Rams.
Unlike the 49ers, the Rams landed in Melbourne a day before kickoff. With a substantial time difference and long flight, observers believed they hadn’t had enough time to acclimate compared to their opponent. The results showed as San Francisco dominated 27-7. A tough but reasonable loss for Los Angeles.
Over the offseason, various analysts and fans viewed the Rams as Super Bowl favorites. With their first week of play, it was hard to believe this roster had generational aspirations. Reigning MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford threw more interceptions than touchdowns. His disappointment was immeasurable alongside the Rams’ big acquisition of Myles Garrett, the former Cleveland Browns edge rusher. Garrett was this year’s top-voted player and last year’s defensive player of the year. He failed to record a tackle in his new threads.
Early into the game, the Rams were winning 7-3, followed by an interception thrown by 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. As a celebration, the whole team used media propaganda and pretended to sleep on the field. Ironically, they didn’t score for the remainder of the contest, and they were playing as if they were asleep. During the postgame interview, 49ers future Hall of Famer Mike Evans asked for clarity that fans have addressed: “When did they get out here? Seriously.” When the reporter said yesterday, Evans was visibly confused about the disservice executed by the Los Angeles staff. While all the dots seem to connect, Rams head coach Sean McVay said it was a “humbling day” and didn’t put blame on the travel plan.
The event peaked with one hundred thousand fans in their seats witnessing history, but wouldn’t it be better off if the teams stayed in California? Division rivalries are the epitome of sports, and it seemed foolish for both teams, as close as they are to each other, to fly 15 hours for the National Football League’s financial satisfaction.
The Rams will now start 0-1, and they didn’t get to enjoy the beauties of Australia. A huge blow for one of the most prestigious teams in professional sports. However, it’s hard not to be excited as a 49ers fan. Teams tend to collectively buy in after winning as an underdog. The 49ers are victorious, and questions arise for the Rams, who are looking to rebound against the New York Giants.