(1) Brady - Gronk combo destroys Steelers
Brady shook off the deflategate accusations, lack of preseason work and all of his haters to perform and throw 4 TD's (3 to Gronk) tefeat the Steelers. Brady for MVP this season?
Hmmm....
(2) Cowboys, Romo, escape with big W over Giants
With no DeMarco Murray this season, another year of disappointment of not reaching Super Bowl & a division rival in week 1, it looked as if Cowboys would let the G-Men grab a big road W. But a brain fart by Coach Coughlin and a Eli Manning
incompletion set the stage for a clutch Romo comeback, hitting his main man Witten for a TD in the final seconds, alleviating a big injury to Dez and avoiding the dreaded 0-1 start.
Romo was magical & looks as ready as ever to maybe get them Boys to the next level.
(3) Mariotta outshines Jameis in rookie QB duel, Titans roll
In a matchup which featured the top 2 QBs in college last year, Mariotta threw 3 TDs in the first quarter alone, as the Titans defeated Tampa Bay.
While most people think Winston is the better rookie QB, Mariotta proved he will be someone to be reckoned with. And I'm sure he's not too thrilled he lost that Heisman Trophy to Jameis last year.
One up for Marcus in the pros...Stay tuned.
WK 1 OVERHYPE MACHINE AWARD GOES TO:
EAGLES - Granted the Eagles have a lot of new pieces, but after the first half? 20-3?
Where's the high powered offense?
DeMarco Murray stats: 8 rushes, 9 yards, 2 TDs
While the Eagles did get it rolling in the second half, it still remains to be seen if Bradford can stay healthy and if the other pieces will fit. If so? Eagles should be flying high by mid-season.
If not?
Chip Kelly could be on the waiver wire.
COLTS - The Colts were the "Trendy" pick for the Super Bowl adding Gore, Andre Johnson, and others, solidifying their chances to get to the Super Bowl.
However the Colts got blitzed by the Bills and their stingy D and rejuvenated O. Indy was shut out in the first half and dominated overall. Will be interesting to see how they bounce back.
SURPRISE SQUADS OF THE WEEK
BENGALS - The Bengals despite having Super Bowl talent on the roster, have been known to not play up to their capabilities. Well, with a healthy
Tyler Eifert and a seasoned D? A near shutout of the Raiders, a near flawless first half and a legion of "WhoDey" fans who feel this could- & should be the breakout year of the Bengals.
CHIEFS - KC picked off new Texans QB Brian Hoyer on the first play and never looked back, scoring 26 at the half.. With a healthy Jamaal Charles and a more comfy and relaxed Alex Smith?
Could be a banner year for the Chiefs.
49ers - After a tumultuous off with the departure of their coach, players being suspended, a legend going to other teams, and everything in between, it looks like the 49ers we're going to be headed for a rough season. but with a revamped defense, a quarterback who looks comfortable in the pocket for once, and a new running back in the fold with Carlos Hyde, it could become a good season for San Fran.
MVPs of Week 1 -
BRADY and GRONK - The dynamic duo once again proved that when healthy, there is no better combo in the NFL. both are on the early watch for MVP.
Tony Romo - With his star receiver injured, Romo led the Cowboys to an amazing drive late in the game to capture the first victory of the season over the Giants. not to mention that he leads the league and come back drives over the last 5 years. this could be Romo's banner year, as he looked as cool and calm as ever in directing the Cowboys to a huge win.
J.J. Watt - Although Watts Texans team lost, the top Defensive player in the League did what he does best.
Dominate.
LVP (Least Valuable Players) of the week:
LUCK - Colts Luck was harassed all day by the Bills, and racked up a couple INTs en route to being shut out in the first half.. This from the front runner for preseason MVP?
BRIAN HOYER - Texans Hoyer, after winning the job with a nice preseason, unloaded a INT on the games first play, setting the tone for a KC smacking of the Texans. Hoyer was replaced by Mallet, and won't start in game 2.
Talk about a rough start to a season.
BYRON MAXWELL - EAGLES Maxwell, who left the Legion of boom and signed a youth contract with Philly, was torched by top wide receiver Julio Jones over and over and over again. Maxwell was brought to Philly to be a shutdown corner. If he can't get it done? The Eagles will be hurting.
Best team in Week 1 - BENGALS
Worst team in Week 1 - VIKINGS