NFL Week 1 Recap: Upsets and Notable Performances

The first week of the NFL season saw its fair share of surprises, with several teams defying expectations and showcasing impressive performances. In a week filled with exciting matchups, several key takeaways emerged that set the tone for what promises to be an action-packed season.

Key Takeaways:

• The Pittsburgh Steelers' win over the Detroit Lions came at a costly price, as All-Pro cornerback Rod Woodson suffered a season-ending knee injury, while quarterback Neil O'Donnell was sidelined for at least two weeks with a broken finger.
• The new-look Indianapolis offense struggled to find its footing, falling to the Cincinnati Bengals in overtime due in large part to a pass-interference penalty.
• Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway impressed in his team's win over the Buffalo Bills, passing for 317 yards and setting up Jason Elam's five field goals.
• Chicago Bears quarterback Erik Kramer rebounded from a poor outing against the Vikings last year with three touchdown passes, including first-half scores of 73 and 5 yards to Curtis Conway.
• The Washington Redskins' loss of quarterback Heath Shuler to a shoulder injury was offset by the emergence of rookie receiver Michael Westbrook, who scored on a 58-yard reverse against the Cardinals.
• The Atlanta Falcons' victory over the Panthers came down to the wire, with Morten Andersen kicking a 35-yard field goal in overtime to seal the win.
• The post-Joe Montana era began for the Kansas City Chiefs, who saw Steve Bono throw three touchdown passes and spoil the coaching debut of Dennis Erickson.
• The St. Louis Rams, who fled Anaheim, Calif. last winter, surprised the Green Bay Packers with a new-coach, new-city, new-philosophy approach, picking off Brett Favre three times.
• Buccaneers quarterback Trent Dilfer began his second year in style, throwing two touchdown passes including a 64-yard hookup with Horace Copeland.

Statistics:

• Steelers' quarterback Mike Tomczak completed 15 of 24 passes for 149 yards, directing two second-half touchdown drives in Pittsburgh's win over the Lions.
• Denver Broncos' Jason Elam connected on five field goals in the Broncos' 22-7 win over the Bills.
• Chicago Bears' Erik Kramer was 19 of 28 for 262 yards, throwing three touchdown passes in the Bears' 31-14 victory over the Vikings.
• Washington Redskins' Gus Frerotte replaced injured quarterback Heath Shuler and hit 9 of 15 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns, including a 73-yarder to Leslie Shepherd.
• Atlanta Falcons' Morten Andersen kicked a 35-yard field goal in overtime to seal the win over the Panthers.
• Kansas City Chiefs' Steve Bono was 18 of 23 for 278 yards, throwing three touchdown passes in the Chiefs' 34-10 victory over the Seahawks.
• St. Louis Rams' Isaac Bruce blocked a punt and caught a touchdown pass five seconds later, helping the Rams surprise the Packers 17-14.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Trent Dilfer was 11 of 19 for 215 yards, throwing two touchdown passes in the Buccaneers' 21-6 victory over the Eagles.

Sources:

• Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 9/11/1995
• Indianapolis Star, 9/11/1995
• Denver Post, 9/11/1995
• Chicago Tribune, 9/11/1995
• Washington Post, 9/11/1995
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 9/11/1995
• Kansas City Star, 9/11/1995
• St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 9/11/1995
• Tampa Tribune, 9/11/1995