NFL Week 1: 8 Biggest Storylines from Opening Week

The first week of the 2011 NFL season provided plenty of intrigue, with teams like the Carolina Panthers unveiling new quarterbacks and supposedly elite teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers going down hard.

With all the excitement that accompanies the opening games, there is plenty to talk about. Here are the eight biggest storylines from the opening week of NFL football.

Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers' Struggles

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the entire opening week of the 2011 NFL season was the stomping of the Pittsburgh Steelers at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens.

Ben Roethlisberger was miserable in the loss, throwing three interceptions. The normally stout Steelers defense was likewise poor, giving up 385 yards and as many passing touchdowns (three) in one game as they did in three games against Joe Flacco a season ago.

The St. Louis Rams Injuries

The St. Louis Rams, a popular preseason pick as the winner of the NFC West (also known as the worst division in professional sports), were devastated with injuries yesterday in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Sam Bradford, Steven Jackson and Danny Amendola all went down. While Bradford looks to return next week, Jackson (with a quad injury) and Amendola (with a dislocated left elbow) will likely be out much longer.

Bradford may be back next week, but he'll be without his top receiver and running back.

The Chicago Bears Dominate the Atlanta Falcons

One of the more overlooked storylines of opening weekend was the Chicago Bears' impressive win over the Atlanta Falcons.

The Falcons, the No. 1 seed in the NFC a season ago, were doomed by a number of big plays by the Bears. Jay Cutler had a 56-yard touchdown pass to Matt Forte, and Brian Urlacher returned a fumble 12 yards for a score.

Even after a playoff appearance last season, many are bypassing the Bears in favor of the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers in their playoff predictions. This game proved the Bears will be in contention again this season.

Tony Romo Choking Again?

One of the biggest criticisms Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has faced throughout his career is his inability to perform in clutch situations.

After starting out very sharp Sunday night against the New York Jets, Romo had two big turnovers that helped the Jets overcome a 14-point fourth quarter deficit.

The Detroit Lions Starting a Possible Playoff Season

The Detroit Lions, the subject of much preseason hype (for once), answered the call Sunday in beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a 10-6 team from a season ago.

Matthew Stafford was solid, throwing for 305 yards and three touchdowns. Calvin Johnson was a huge factor, as usual, with two touchdown receptions.

This win could lead to a big start for the Lions, who have the foundering Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings coming up next.

Ryan Fitzpatrick Thrashing the Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs, the AFC West champions a season ago, were dismantled by the Buffalo Bills in Week 1.

The Chiefs looked bad on both sides of the ball, but especially on defense. They made Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick look like a Pro Bowler, allowing him to throw for 208 yards and four touchdowns.

While the Bills look much improved from a season ago, the Chiefs are reeling—especially after losing Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry for the season.

Aaron Rodgers Already in Postseason Form

The lack of an offseason hasn't seemed to hurt Aaron Rodgers. The Green Bay Packers' star quarterback carved up the New Orleans Saints defense to the tune of 312 yards and three touchdowns.

While the Packers defense may have caused some concern in giving up equally huge numbers to Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints, the offense looks to be the best in the league.

Cam Newton's Fantastic Start

Despite the Carolina Panthers' loss, the front office has to be feeling great about their decision to take Cam Newton with the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

Newton set a rookie-debut record yesterday with 422 yards on 24-of-37 passing. He threw an interception (but also threw two touchdowns) and helped Steve Smith have an important big game.