Edgerrin James deserved a hand after his NFL debut.

In his regular-season debut, James was everything the Colts had hoped for, rushing for 112 yards and scoring a touchdown in Indianapolis' 31-14 victory over Buffalo. James continues to prove Bill Polian knew exactly what he was doing drafting James ahead of Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams.

With the regular season off and running, here's a look at how some of the league's most intriguing rookies fared on the opening weekend.

Each Tuesday during the regular season, ESPN.com will continue to offer its report cards for the Class of '99.

PLAYER, STATS	THE SKINNY
Edgerrin James, RB, Colts vs. Bills 26 att., 112 yds., 1 TD 4 rec., 14 yds.	James continues to prove he was worthy of being the No. 4 selection in the NFL draft. He rushed for 112, including a 1-yard TD run in the Colts' victory. "There really weren't too many surprises. I just went out and played football," James said. "The thing I liked most was I knew what I was doing. I wasn't confused at any time." He also caught four passes.
Ricky Williams, RB, Saints vs. Panthers 10 att., 40 yds.	Ankle problems continue to plague Williams. He missed three preseason games with an ankle injury and had to leave Sunday's game at halftime with a new injury to a different spot on his left ankle. Williams' play was solid if unspectacular before the injury. He finished the game with 40 yards on 10 carries. Williams will practice Wednesday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at San Francisco.
Cade McNown, QB, Bears vs. Chiefs 6-for-9, 77 yds.	Playing only a few series, McNown made the most of his time on the field. McNown played the Bears' third series and led them on a 14-play, 74-yard drive, capped by a 24-yard field goal. "Cade was outstanding. He showed poise in the pocket. We got what we hoped we would get," offensive coordinator Gary Crowton told the Chicago Sun-Times. McNown had two passes of more than 20 yards and converted two third-down plays on the scoring drive.
Tim Couch, QB, Browns vs. Steelers 0-for-3, 1 INT	The Browns' season opener was a game they'd just as soon forget about, and things weren't any better for the No. 1 pick. Couch made his pro debut in the fourth quarter and promptly threw an interception on his first play. "This is kind of a tough day, to come in down 36-0," Couch said. "I tried to make something happen when there was nothing there. I forced the first one, and after that point it was downhill." Couch finished 0-for-3 with the one interception and was sacked once.
Kevin Faulk, RB, Patriots at Jets 10 att., 17 yds.	The Patriots' situation at running back is still unclear. When veteran Terry Allen was signed, coach Pete Carroll insisted Faulk was still the starting back. However, Faulk struggled against the Jets, rushing 10 times for 17 yards, and played little toward the end of the game. The Pats gave the ball almost exclusively to Allen late in the contest.
Akili Smith, QB, Bengals at Titans 1-for-2, 11 yds. 1 att., 0 yds.	Smith got his first taste of the NFL when Jeff Blake had to leave Sunday's game with cramps. Smith finished off two drives with handoffs as the Bengals settled for field goals. Smith completed his first NFL pass, an 11-yarder to Tony McGee in the last seconds of the game.
Torry Holt, WR, Rams vs. Ravens 3 rec., 36 yds. 1 TD	Holt's NFL debut was reasonably successful. The rookie from N.C. State caught three passes for 36 yards, including his first touchdown in the Rams' 27-10 victory over the Ravens.
Martin Gramatica, K, Bucs vs. Giants 2-for 2 36-yard long	In his first NFL game, Gramatica converted on both of his field-goal attempts. The third-round pick from Kansas State kicked a 23-yarder in the second quarter and a 36-yarder in the third quarter.