NFL Week 1 Wrap-Up: Top Performers
This year's NFL Opening Week has easily been one of the best in recent memory. Last year’s opening week did not have fans in the stands and there was no real preseason. Just a year later, we experienced an exciting and fast paced Week 1. There were several big performances this week as players were able to experience a full offseason this year and multiple preseason games. Players were definitely primed up to play this year and this list will highlight our top performances in the NFL Week 1.
New Guy of The Week
The Falcon’s Rookie Receiver DeVonta Smith was definitely doubted coming into Week 1. As a very lean receiver, many speculated how well he could hold up while taking hits from opposing teams. On Sunday, Smith showed speculators why he is not only a former Heisman receiver but one of the best players coming out of college in 2020. In Smith’s first game, he caught 7 passes for 71 yards and 1 score. His touchdown catch was for 18 yards and it was the first score for the Eagles all season. For Smith to be an instant impact for the Eagles, it is exciting for Eagles fans to finally have a true playmaking receiver after not having a go-to for many years.
Offensive Standout
Amari Cooper, WR, Dallas Cowboys
13 Receptions, 139 Receiving Yards, 2 Touchdowns
Many people have had questions on who Amari Cooper really was as an all-pro receiver. After 2 down years, Cooper finally found a home in Dallas where he has returned to his former self. In his opening game against the Buccaneers, Cooper reeled in 13 catches on 19 targets and 139 yards with an added 2 scores.
Cooper is a big-time playmaker for the Cowboys and now with Ceedee Lamb on the other side and a refreshed Zeke Elliott in the backfield, Cooper is likely to shine now more than ever. Despite the Cowboys losing, it will be interesting to see how the dynamic offense bounces back from the loss with Cooper right at the forefront.
Defensive Standout
Paulson Adebo, CB, New Orleans Saints
3 Total Tackles, 1 INT, 1 PD
For a rookie cornerback to come into his first game and intercept Aaron Rodgers is a major accomplishment. Although this is not the Aaron Rodgers of 2012, Adebo was able to intercept one of the most talented players of his era. The interception came in on an underthrow in the red zone. Aaron Rodgers faced pressure on the play as he threw it behind Adams and Adebo was able to come up with the interception.
In such a critical moment, Adebo made a huge play against a veteran Quarterback. In his opening game, Adebo definitely stood out amongst his teammates. To accompany his interception, Adebo also had a pass deflection and allowed only 14 yards the entire game. Veteran Corner Marshon Lattimore on the other side of Adebo surely helps a young corner develop his game. This tandem of Lattimore and Adebo will be exciting to watch.
Honorable Mention
Jameis Winston, QB, New Orleans Saints
14/20 Completion/Attempts, 148 Yards, 5 Touchdowns
As the Honorable Mention for Week 1, this could come as a surprise for many fans. However, Jamies Winston performed very well in Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers. Not only was Winston able to dominate the Packers, but he also threw for a total of 5 touchdowns while the defense held Aaron Rodgers to only a field goal. If you look at the beginning of Winston’s stat line, it may not look impressive, but attempting only 20 passes and scoring 5 touchdowns is the definition of efficiency.
On Sunday, Jameis completed only 14 passes which means that for every 3 passes he threw, Winston scored a touchdown. Two years ago, Jameis Winston led the NFL in touchdowns and interceptions as well with 30 interceptions. To go from a boatload of interceptions to having a game where he scores 5 touchdowns and throws no interceptions is growth for Winston. Winston is a good quarterback, but when he is able to make smarter decisions and not commit turnovers, he can be considered one of the best passers in the game.
Writer
- By: LeMarkus Bailey