2011 - Water Cooler Talk Week 1
- Published: Sept. 12, 2011 at 04:54 p.m.
- Updated: Sept. 12, 2011 at 06:50 p.m.
Two things went through my head as Percy Harvin took the opening kickoff against the Chargers to the house -- first, I am glad to see all of that work San Diego put into special teams paid off immediately and second, Nate Kaeding's injury just ruined my fantasy team.
But there was a lot to talk about from a stunning Week 1. Here are six things we are kicking around the water cooler today.
And without further ado ...
Honorable mention: What was the deal?
I won't lie, I was expecting a little more fireworks from the coaches following the 49ers' drubbing of the Seahawks, considering Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll's contentious history dating back to the Pac-10. Instead, these two rivals shook hands, offered platitudes of each other and went their separate ways.
6. A little captain in you
Lions WR Calvin Johnson promised an extra special touchdown celebration this season, but he just crossed the goal line and ran back to the bench after scoring. Instead, it was Tony Scheffler who mocked the old-school logo of the Buccaneers by showing a few swashbuckling moves.
For the record, who among us said, "Here we go again," when Matthew Stafford went down with, what turned out to be, cramps?
5. Bad day for incumbents
Congratulations to the Steelers for knocking off Green Lantern for the biggest flop of 2011 so far. Although, the Steelers had company as five division winners from a year ago started 2011 with a loss. The Steelers should rebound next week against the Seahawks, but it's going to be a long season for the Chiefs, who were embarrassed at home.
Don't worry Steelers, I have a feeling that the "Charlie's Angels" reboot is going to claim that top spot.
4. Kerry Collins' beard
We know Collins is old, but he would look about 10 years younger if he shaved the beard. Well, he would look younger until he went under center. Seriously, this was the best option? The two Bobs (from "Office Space") really need to sit Colts vice chairman Bill Polian down and ask him, "What is it you say that you do here?" At no point over the last couple of years did you think to add a credible backup behind Peyton Manning? Even when you saw how a freak injury to Tom Brady ended his season in 2008?
The Colts could have taken a chance on one of the quarterbacks who stumbled in recent years during the draft (Colt McCoy or Ryan Mallett) instead of using Collins.
3. Vintage Tony Romo
Nobody can rally to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory like Romo. Although, Eli Manning certainly figures to give Romo a run for his money in that respect this season. But did you catch the statistic on the NBC telecast that said the Cowboys were 241-0-1 when leading by 14 points or more in the fourth quarter?
I don't know what was more amazing, the statistic or the fact that Romo hadn't blown that before.
Bonus: Antonio Cromartie/Miles Austin
Probably the most amazing catch of the season, Austin wrestling the ball away from Cromartie. You know what, you go ahead and make your own paternity joke here.
2. Cam Newton
Poor Peyton Manning -- not only did his streak of consecutive starts come to an end on Sunday, but Newton broke his rookie record for passing yards in a debut. Newton threw for 422 yards in -- dare I say -- an iconic and entertaining performance.
This is easily Newton's best professional performance since the BCS title game.
1. 9/11 tributes
Let's not pretend that what we do here is important, as just looking around at the celebrations on Sunday reiterated to many of us.

