Nothing trumps the NFL and the surprises that pop up on the first Sunday of the season.

Let’s start with the New England Patriots, who have won the AFC East division title 10 of the last 11 years. Where are they on this fine Monday morning? In sole possession of last place. The Patriots took a surprise 33-20 beating from the Miami Dolphins, and the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets also won. Three-way tie atop the AFC East, with the Patriots in the basement. It won’t last.

Tony Romo’s ballyhooed return? Ugh. The Dallas quarterback threw three interceptions in his comeback from back surgery and the Cowboys absorbed a 28-17 loss at home to the San Francisco 49ers.

Two games tonight in a Monday night special – the New York Giants at the Detroit Lions and the San Diego Chargers at the Arizona Cardinals.

NASCAR

Brad Keselowski led for all but 17 laps in winning the Federated Auto Parts 400 in Richmond, Va. That was his fourth win of the season and he’ll be the No. 1 seed in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Keselowski failed to qualify last season.

TENNIS

Serena Williams won her third consecutive U.S. Open, beating Caroline Wozniacki 6-3, 6-3. Monday’s men’s final is notable for its absence of top-10 seeds. Kei Nishikori will play Marin Cilic.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

We told you there would be lopsided scores in week two. Here are a few to scare the children with: Texas A&M 73, Lamar 3; Baylor 70, Northwestern State 6; Clemson 73, South Carolina State 7. Our friends at Florida Atlanta fell 41-0 at Alabama, so the Owls have lost their first two games (the opener was at Nebraska) by a combined 96-7. At least the revenue-generating portion of their schedule is over.

BASEBALL

The Milwaukee Brewers lost for the 14^th time in 17 games on Sunday. The Brewers are in third place by percentage points in the NL Central, five games behind the Cardinals. It’s the first time the Brewers haven’t been in first or second place since April 2. They’re tied with the Braves, a half-game out of the second wild card slot.
 
Today’s question: Before you read this blog, had you ever heard of Kei Nishikori or Marin Cilic? Answers in the comment box, please.
 
 

Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .