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Four and Out: NFL Week 1 surprises

By Dani Bostick

Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) calls the play in the huddle in the second half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. the Detroit Lions beat the Indianapolis Colts by the score of 39-35. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) calls the play in the huddle in the second half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. the Detroit Lions beat the Indianapolis Colts by the score of 39-35. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) celebrates with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) after catching a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) celebrates with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) after catching a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

2. No Bell, No Bryant, No Wheaton? No problem.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were missing their superstar running back, Le’Veon Bell and super-speedy wide receiver Martavis Bryant in Week 1. Both were serving suspensions due to drug-related infractions. To make matters even more worrisome going into the game, receiver Markus Wheaton was out with an injury.

It turns out the Pittsburgh Steelers had absolutely no problem at running back and appeared to have endless depth at wide receiver. How much depth? Well, the Steelers either have clown car technology or receivers coach Richard Mann is an absolute genius.

The Steelers beat the Redskins 38-16, the second-most decisive victory of Week 1. After a shaky start to the game, Ben Roethlisberger and company showed why the Steelers are considered the best offense in the league, apparently even without several key players. Roethlisberger completed 27/37 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns. Running back DeAngelo Williams averaged 5.5 yards per run. With 26 carries, he had 143 yards and two touchdowns.

Next week, the Steelers take on the Cincinnati Bengals. The only surprise that could come out of Week 2 for the Steelers is if that game is a display of good sportsmanship and camaraderie between two rivals.

Meanwhile, the New England Patriots, also down a pair of superstars in Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowsky, managed to beat the competent Arizona Cardinals. Backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo’s trade value just shot up, and the Patriots system and coach came out of Week 1 looking as brilliant as ever.

Next: 2. Have the Philadelphia Eagles found their quarterback?

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