If there was a running theme in Week 1 of the NFL season, it would have been "expect the unexpected".
How else do you explain the Bills hanging 41 points on the Chiefs? The same could be said for the Bengals using both Andy Dalton and Bruce Gradkowski and still beating the Browns in Cleveland. Then the surprising no show by the Colts down in Houston.
With that in mind, it's time to take a look back at what happened during opening weekend.
Star of the week
I refuse to believe anyone that tells me they had predicted Ryan Fitzpatrick would torch the Chiefs with four touchdown passes in the Bills convincing 41-7 win at Arrowhead Stadium. Aaron Rodgers also put up huge numbers in the Packers shootout win over the Saints. But the undisputed star of Week 1 goes out to Patriots quarterback Tom Brady after his mind-blowing performance in the Monday night game. Brady threw for a franchise record 517 yards and four touchdowns as the Patriots rolled up 622 yards in their 38-24 win over the Dolphins.
Stiff of the week
There isn't much debate in this one, Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb. In the loss to the Chargers, McNabb put up putrid numbers going 7-of-15 for 39 yards. Yes, McNabb did throw a touchdown, but that does not make up for his interception, his tepid passing yardage and his horrible 47.9 quarterback rating. There's little chance of the Vikings making the playoffs this year if McNabb is only putting up 39 passing yards a game.
Team on the rise
I don't think you can say enough of the effort put forth by rookie head coach Ron Rivera and his Carolina Panthers. A big part of that was the debut of Cam Newton. The No. 1 overall pick threw for 422 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the Cardinals. That was good, but what Matthew Stafford and the Lions did was better. Stafford threw three touchdowns, two of them to Calvin Johnson, as the Lions opened up the season with a solid road win over the young Bucs. Going back to last season, the Lions have won five straight games.
The "Dream Team" watch
The self proclaimed "Dream Team" started their season on a winning note in St. Louis. Michael Vick threw two touchdowns and ran for 98 yards and a touchdown. It goes without saying that Vick had a lot of help from DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy. After the game, Jackson graded Vick's performance:
"Vick was very calm. He had a lot of different blitzes and they hit him a little bit. So they got to him, but he was able to stay calm stay patient, read the defense and do everything like that to keep us going down the field. He had some great big runs like he always does."
Lost in Vick's heroics was a great performance by defensive end Jason Babin who ended up with two sacks, two quarterback hits and four tackles in his Eagles debut.
What were they thinking?
I'm still not sure what was going through Tony Romo's head in the Cowboys heartbreaking loss to the Jets. Up by 14 points in the fourth quarter, Romo tried to dive in the end zone instead of taking the hook slide. That ill-advised dive resulted in a game-breaking turnover that turned the tide in the Jets favour.
The Ronnie Lott award
In a game that featured a lot of punishing hits, check out what Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata does to Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall..
Not only is Ngata one of the strongest players in the league, but he has to be the quickest 350-pounder in the NFL.
The unsung hero
It has to be Bills tight end Scott Chandler. The third-year player out of Iowa had one reception for eight yards in his career going into Week 1.. By the time it was over, Chandler caught five passes for 63 yards and two touchdowns. Fantasy football players across North America are scrambling to add Chandler to their team.
Best touchdown celebration
Tony Sheffler wasn't the Lions best player; but he sure left a lasting impression. After Stafford hit Scheffler for a touchdown in the second quarter, the Lions tight end came up with this very unique end zone celebration
Big injury(s) of the week
The Rams were hit hard by injuries in their loss to the Eagles. Franchise quarterback Sam Bradford injured the index finger on his throwing hand. Starting running back Steven Jackson pulled his quad and their No. 1 receiver Danny Amendola dislocated his elbow. The Chiefs were hit even harder after learning their star strong safety Eric Berry is done for the year after tearing the ACL in his left knee.
What to watch in Week 2
The game with the most significance finds the Falcons hosting Michael Vick and the Eagles. For a team that is viewed by some as a Super Bowl favourite, the Falcons can not afford to start the season with an 0-2 record. Speaking of 0-2, the Saints will take on the Bears in their home opener.
The Steelers are bound to be in a foul mood when they host Tarvaris Jackson and the Seahawks. A lot of people are curious to see what Cam Newton will be able to do against the Packers. Finally, Tom Brady and the Patriots take on the Chargers in a possible AFC playoff preview.
