Out of the Gate

Atlanta Falcons 40 Kansas City Chiefs 24

Falcon quarterback Matt Ryan couldn’t have dreamed of having a better offensive day, he racked up 4 touchdowns (1 rushing) and threw for nearly 300 yards. The Kansas City Chiefs defense was just too shorthanded this week, missing key starters Brandon Flowers, Kendrick Lewis, and Tamba Hali. In the first half Matt Cassel and the Chiefs offense kept it a game, nearly matching Falcons score for score and keeping it a close 20-17 score in favor of the Falcons. However in the second half the wheels began to fall off the wagon. Missed field goal, turnovers, and an unstoppable Falcon offense led to a 40 to 24 victory for Atlanta.

Tyler’s Player of the Game for Each Team

Atlanta-No brainer Matt Ryan, nearly flawless and could put the ball wherever he wanted. Matt Ryan is one of the best quarterbacks in the league and he showed it today.

Kansas City-Dexter McCluster came up big in many situations as a receiver for the Chiefs. He made crucial third down catches that kept drives alive. He ended the game with 6 receptions for 82 yards.

Pittsburgh Steelers 19 Denver Broncos 31

Sunday Night Football did not disappoint as loud and pumped up Mile High Stadium welcomed Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers to town. With the Steelers connecting on 11-19 on third down conversions and controlling the time of possession throughout the game it really kept Peyton Manning out of the game, but when Manning did get the ball the future Hall of Famer really made it count in his Bronco debut. Manning was accurate and clutch connecting on 19 of his 26 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns and led the Broncos down the field in 4^th quarter to take the lead 22-19 with nine minutes left in the game. From there with a big pick six by Bronco’s cornerback Tracy Porter it was enough to seal a 31-19 Bronco victory.

Tyler’s Player of the Game for Each Team

Denver-Peyton Manning shined for Denver in the season opener hushing the haters at least momentarily. Along with a very nice performance Sunday night, Manning also set a personal mile stone by being one of only three quarterbacks to pass for 400 touchdowns in NFL history. (Trailing Dan Marino’s 420 TD’s and Brett Favre’s 508 TD’s)

Consolation prize to Bronco linebacker Wesley Woodyard who led the defense and all players with 12 solo tackles including 1 sack.

Pittsburgh-Although Ben Roethlisberger did throw a crucial interception late in the game, up until that point he played the best of any of the other Steelers. He threw for 245 yards on 22 of 40 passing and had passing two touchdowns.

San Diego Chargers 22 Oakland Raiders 14

It was a big Monday night game in the AFC West when the Oakland Raiders hosted the San Diego Chargers. With the bright lights shining above the Chargers and Raiders had a rugged defensive battle. Offense was a rarity in this game with each team only scoring one touchdown and both combining for only 77 yards rushing, San Diego severely missed starting running back Ryan Mathews who was out Monday night’s game due to injury. Special teams are what won the game for the San Diego Chargers, Charger kicker Nate Keading kicked and made five field goals to help get some points on the board. When Oakland’s Pro Bowl long snapper Jon Condo went down with a head injury it caused many problems for Oakland’s punting unit. A couple of poor snaps and one blocked punt impacted special teams greatly. I am sure the Chargers are very pleased to leave Oakland with a win, but both teams will know that next week they will have to step their games up.

Tyler’s Player of the Game for Each Team

San Diego-Nobody wowed for the Chargers, but Nate Keading’s 5 for 5 on field goals are going to earn him my player of the game award.

Oakland-Darren McFadden didn’t have the best game rushing, only managed 32 yards on 15 carries. He did however catch a career high 13 balls for a total of 86 yards to help the Raider offense move the ball what little they did.