First impressions aren't everything in the NFL.
Recall that at this time last year, Jerod Mayo had the league buzzing about his coaching debut when he guided the New England Patriots to a stunning upset of the Cincinnati Bengals. On the flip side, the Washington Commanders didn't look ready to compete in their 17-point loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Of course, neither data point ended up being indicative of an emerging trend.
But it's always tantalizing to get a first glimpse of rookies, veterans in new places and coaches in new posts. Regardless of where things are headed, here are USA TODAY Sports' ranking of the best and worst debuts from Week 1 in the NFL.
A game-winning touchdown in his first pro contest puts Egbuka above the rest of his competition. In snaring the go-ahead, 25-yard strike from Baker Mayfield to help give the Buccaneers a 23-20 win over the Atlanta Falcons, the Ohio State product joined former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Ernest Wilford as the only players since the 1970 merger to record a game-winning touchdown reception with less than a minute remaining in regulation or overtime in his first career game. The play itself was thanks in part to the attention Mike Evans drew underneath, which left Egbuka free to burn cornerback Mike Hughes on a post route. But the 6-1, 205-pounder was the savvy and reliable presence the Buccaneers envisioned him as right out of the gates, and his contributions – four catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns – were paramount on a day when Mayfield struggled to settle in behind a reworked offensive line.
