NFL Week 1 Highlights: Major Upsets and Poor Performances

The NFL season kicked off with notable surprises during Week 1, as the Los Angeles Chargers suffered a shocking 26-14 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals, who were considered one of the league's weaker teams. The Chargers, favored by 11.5 points, were outperformed in total yards, 393 to 268, and struggled with turnovers and missed scoring opportunities.

Arizona took an early lead with a touchdown on their opening drive and capitalized on a fumble recovery to maintain their advantage. The Chargers' quarterback, Justin Herbert, faced criticism for his performance, including a crucial sack on a 4th-and-goal attempt and an interception thrown under pressure.

Other lowlights included Atlanta Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush, who had a disappointing outing against the Pittsburgh Steelers, finishing with a low QBR. Additionally, Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll faced scrutiny after a lackluster offensive performance in a loss to the New York Jets. The week also featured a controversial ruling during the Detroit Lions' overtime win over the New Orleans Saints, highlighting an obscure NFL rule regarding forward passes.