Watch CBS News

Jason Ross: Best/Worst Of Week 1 In NFL

The NFL started its season with a bang last Thursday night and ended with a thud thanks to the Los Angeles Rams offense but the opening week was a reminder of how great the NFL can be.  Now let's give you some of the best and worst from week 1:

Best game:  So many to chose from - we had four 1-point games, one overtime game and several great comebacks.  I think the best of the batch was in New Orleans.  The Oakland Raiders and New Orleans Saints put on an offensive clinic that led to some late game heroics and an incredibly bold call by Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio.

Worst game:  That belongs to the Rams and San Francisco 49ers.  At least the 49ers were on the right end of that one but it was really tough to stomach.

Best win: I think that belongs to the Patriots.  They went to Arizona and defeated the Cardinals without Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski.  Jimmy Garoppolo looked good and the hoodie may have even smiled.  Maybe.

Worst loss: The San Diego Chargers.  Philip Rivers had the Chargers in a spot to win comfortably at Arrowhead.  Up 21-3 in the 2nd half, San Diego watched their lead slip slide away.  In the process they lost wide receiver Keenan Allen for the season and ultimately fell in overtime to the Kansas City Chiefs.  So the Chargers went from a great opening win to a heartbreaking loss.  All while the rest of the division survived thrilling finishes.  The champs needed a missed field goal by the Panthers to win and Jack Del Rio's 2-point call won it for the Raiders.  For now, San Diego is in last and it will be tough to get out of there even if it is only week 1.

Best Stat: The Raiders offensive line kept Derek Carr clean.  He was not sacked all game long.

Worst Stat: Anything pertaining to the Los Angeles Rams offense.  Wow, they were awful.  The Los Angeles Rams still haven't scored since 1994 and this week they host the Seahawks.

Best thing I saw/heard: Kevin Harlan's radio call of the streaker at the 49ers game.  Truly amazing.

Worst thing I saw/heard: RG III's refusal to slide and take on a defender in Philadelphia.  This resulted in a serious shoulder injury and already defused any hope that the Browns had.

Best rule change: One year ago moving the PAT back.  This has resulted in crucial missed kicks creating some incredible drama and having more coaches thinking about going for 2.

Worst rule change: Moving the touchbacks on kickoff to the 25 yard line.  A move that was done for safety reasons is not working out as planned.  More teams are kicking short on purpose trying to keep teams from advancing to the 25 and thus the most dangerous play in football is happening more often.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.