Ranking best and worst debuts of players, coaches in NFL Week 1

First impressions aren't always telling in the NFL world.

Week 1 is naturally ripe for overreactions. And after a long summer wait, it can be difficult not to draw conclusions based on how some teams fare in their initial showings.

Of course, the opening week inevitably produces some outcomes that later become exceedingly difficult to square. In 2025, for example, Pete Carroll's Las Vegas Raiders bested Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots. Any assessments from that game didn't prove meaningful, as the Raiders went on to earn the No. 1 pick and fire Carroll, while the Patriots rebounded and captured the AFC crown.

But even if patience is required, some of the first glimpses of players and coaches in new settings shouldn't be summarily dismissed. And though some of the most anticipated veterans re-introductions were spoiled by injury – including Myles Garrett, A.J. Brown and Kyler Murray – many more warranted a closer look.

With that in mind, here are the best and worst debuts of NFL Week 1:

Even with the excitement of Harbaugh's hire extending throughout training camp and the preseason for the New York Giants, the notion of the former Super Bowl coach bringing a level…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/sports/