Manning was definitely the story of the weekend, but there were several other players that really gave him a run for his money. Here's a look at some notable new players on new teams:
- Brandon Marshall made his presence known as he reconnected with old deliveryman Jay Cutler. His Bears debut couldn't have gone much better than this, catching 9 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. Cutler went to Marshall early and often, and it was more than obvious he wanted that chemistry back that they had in Denver. And it was back for sure.
- Andrew Luck did alright, although he had several ugly picks in the game, a couple of them in the red zone. He did throw for over 300 yards, though.
- Who Dat? Not the Saints...Robert Griffin III tore them up for 320 yards and a pair of touches in the Redskins' stunning 40-32 upset. Talk about making an early-round pick count. It's too early to say that RG3 is the real deal, but like Cam Newton last year he sure makes it almost too easy to call it.
- AAAAAAaaaand...Peyton Manning killed it. The guy looked like he never lost a step. It took him a couple drives to get into it, but about the third Bronco's drive of the game the reigns were taken off and the old guy busted up the Steeler's defense like it was Swiss cheese. 253 yards and 2 TD's later, the Bronco's rolled over the Steelers 31-19. Really? a 129.1 rating in his first start in over a year, AND against the top-ranked defense? Shouldn't be possible. I guess Manning really is superhuman. We will see as the season progresses if he can stay healthy and keep up the production, but calling it now--I think he will. The Broncos have made it priority one to protect Manning in the pocket, and it showed. Except for one ugly series in the second quarter when he was sacked twice, Manning was mostly untouched. Oh...and Demarius Thomas can't be guarded. Especially by Ike Taylor. He busted for an 80-yard TD early in the 3rd quarter on a play that Manning really made happen by calling out the Steeler's blizt at the line and changing the play.
- Adrian Peterson is Ba-aaack! Fulfilling his prediction that he would be back for week 1 this season from a gruesome ACL tear, he ran 17 times for 84 yards and 2 TDs. This dude is superhuman.
- Also, Jamaal Charles came back and ran well in a losing effort
- Matt Ryan (AKA Matty Ice) is a beast. It's finally happened. With a new offensive coordinator in town, the chains were removed and Ryan may finally be well on his way to becoming the QB the Falcons know he can be. 299 yards and 4 total TDs is a good way to start off the season I think.
- Julio Jones said "thanks!" and caught 2 of Ryan's TD passes on his way to a 108-yard effort.
- Matthew Stafford threw 3 picks in a win over the Rams.
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