Here's my quick review of everything we saw in Week 1 of the 2001 NFL season:
| TJ'S TOP 10 |
W-L |
TJ SAYS |
| 1. Dolphins |
1-0 |
Running back Lamar Smith leads the way in mini-upset.
|
| 2. Broncos |
1-0 |
Impressive win tempered by loss of Ed McCaffrey.
|
| 3. Colts |
1-0 |
Colts scored almost every way possible.
|
| 4. Saints |
1-0 |
Struggled early, but running back Ricky Williams got hot.
|
| 5. Rams |
1-0 |
Impressive road win at always-hostile Philadelphia.
|
| 6. Packers |
1-0 |
Packers riding 5-game winning streak since last year.
|
| 7. Raiders |
1-0 |
Third straight win at Arrowhead Stadium.
|
| 8. Panthers |
1-0 |
Stunning win over emotional Vikings.
|
| 9. Jaguars |
1-0 |
Wide receiver Jimmy Smith (2 TDs) is healthy.
|
| 10. Eagles |
0-1 |
Tough loss to talented Rams; Buccaneers are next.
|
Offensive player of the week:
Packers running back Ahman Green. A whopping 157 yards rushing on just 17 carries and a pair of scores as Green Bay coasted over the Lions.
Defensive player of the week:
Saints safety Sammy Knight. Three tackles, three interceptions and three passes defensed as New Orleans harassed Bills quarterback Rob Johnson.
Special team players of the week:
Seahawks kicker Rian Lindell. A 52-yard field goal with just :03 remaining gave Seattle a hard-earned win.
Number of the week:
8. Eight teams failed to score a touchdown on opening day -- Seahawks, Browns, Steelers, Bills, Lions, Cowboys, Redskins and Bills -- and only Seattle managed to win.
Surprise of the week:
Panthers over Vikings. Elderstatesman (uh, rookie) quarterback Chris Weinke was the catalyst of a big victory at the Metrodome.
Coaching move of the week:
Mike Holmgren. Congratulations to the Seahawks' sideline leader for his 100th career victory (including playoffs).
Rising this week:
Rams. Only once last season (17 games, including playoffs) did St. Louis hold a team under 20 points. A 20-17 overtime win at Philadelphia was very encouraging.
Falling this week:
Lions. High hopes in Motown this year with a new regime, but Detroit looked lifeless at Lambeau Field.
Store it away:
Falcons running back Jamal Anderson is very healthy and will push for the NFL rushing title.
Tom Jackson is an NFL analyst for ESPN.
