The NFL Awards: Week One

Welcome to part one of the 17 part series "The NFL Awards." At the end of each week, I'll post up the award winners in numerous categories including the week's Biggest Disappointment, Most Impressive Rookie, Best Play, etc.

Let's get Week One underway!



Biggest Disappointment of Week One

Indianapolis Colts
The Colts were lauded coming into this season as perhaps the best team in the entire league. They were facing a much-less-than-impressive team in the Chicago Bears. The Bears outplayed their opponents all game on both sides of the ball. The Colts have Peyton Manning. They have Bob Sanders. They have Addai, Wayne, Freeney. They have an 0-1 record.
Honorable Mention: Chargers [Lost to Carolina Panthers on freakish final play]


Most Impressive Rookie of Week One

T-Matt Ryan/DeSean Jackson
I couldn't decide between these guys! With his first pass as an NFL quarterback, with millions watching, with millions expecting him to fail...Ryan throws a 62-yard strike for a touchdown. Oh, and a QB rating of over 137 doesn't hurt.

In the face of criticism for his size, DeSean Jackson lit up the Rams' defense for 106 receiving yards on six receptions and returned eight punts for almost 100 yards, including a 60-yard run back.


Best Performance of Week One

Aaron Rodgers
No one, and I mean no one, had more pressure on them in their season opener than Aaron Rodgers. Stepping in for a Hall of Famer against a bitter division rival at home with all your fans waiting for you to slip up. What does Rodgers do? He puts on a show for the crowd at Lambeau field, including (as pictured above) a Lambeau Leap, following his first ever rushing touchdown. Kudos, Mr. Rodgers.
Honorable Mention: Donovan McNabb [3 TDs, 360 yards (300 at halftime!)]


Best Game of Week One

Carolina vs. San Diego
The Chargers were going to win. They were going to win big. Well, the Chargers didn't win big; they didn't win at all. As the final seconds ticked away, the Pathers' Jake Delhomme fired into the end zone and Dante "Who?" Rosario comes up with it for the win. Awesome for anyone who watched.
Honorable Mention: Minnesota vs Green Bay


Shocker of the Week

Tom Brady side-lined for the '08 season
We didn't believe the first time we heard it. We bet money it was a fraud or some Patriot trickery. But it is true. On Sunday, the game suffered a huge loss, as Tom Brady's knee will keep him out for the entire 2008-2009 NFL season.

Whether you loved him or, as I tended to lean toward, hated him, he's a great player. Losing the chance to see him play and work his on-field magic is truly devastating.
Honorable Mention: Shawn Merriman placed on Injured Reserve


Horrific Team of Week One

Oakland Raiders
The Broncos are a good team. They are not a great team. The Raiders made them look like the best team to ever play the game. As a fan of great football, it hurt to watch this game.

Perhaps the Lions were more horrific, but that fact that the Raiders were talked up makes their loss look that much worse.
Honorable Mention: St. Louis Rams, Detroit Lions


Most Impressive Team of Week One

Philadelphia Eagles
Stats can mean everything.
Passing Yards- 414
Total Yards- 522
Yards Allowed- 166
Rams' Third-Down Efficiency- 0-11
Honorable Mention: Pittsburgh Steelers

Power Rankings After Week One

1. Cowboys
2. Steelers
3. Eagles
4. Packers
5. Giants
6. Saints
7. Chargers
8. Colts
9. Patriots
10. Titans

Feel free to bash, banter, or lend a compliment or two.