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| Did Carr of the Raiders make this list? Photo Credit: Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP |
Back in May, a high number of people would have predicted Johnny Manziel to be one of the top rookie performers in Week One. Such is the hype over Johnny Football, a few have glossed over some of the other rookie performances. I’d like to share my thoughts and views on the top five offensive performances from rookies in Week One and those who should be watched in the coming weeks.
By: Alex McMahon
5) Derek Carr – Carr gave a decent account of himself in his first ever NFL game, as Oakland were defeated by the New York Jets. He ended with a completion rating of 62.5% with 20 completed passes from 32 attempts. Carr impressively threw for 151 yards with two touchdown passes and no interceptions. Unfortunately, he couldn’t guide the Raiders to an opening day victory but if Carr can perform on a consistent basis they will get wins on the road this season.
4) Allen Hurns – After a huge preseason, Hurns followed this up with an impressive performance for the Jaguars on the road at Philadelphia. The undrafted wideout recorded a staggering 110 yards and two touchdown passes in the first half. I’m not quite sure that Hurns will be able to put up such astronomical figures every week, especially after the return of Cecil Shorts, but the rookie wide receiver should be very happy with his production in Week One.
3) Kelvin Benjamin – Benjamin gives a completely different threat to that of Brandin Cooks. With a powerful frame and standing at 6-foot-5, he is quite literally a huge threat in the endzone. Impressively, Benjamin scored a touchdown and racked up 92 yards on six receptions whilst playing without main quarterback Cam Newton. Even as a rookie, you would have to say that Benjamin is now the Panthers main receiving threat along with tight-end Greg Olsen.
2) Terrance West - With the Browns number one running back Ben Tate picking up an injury that is set to keep him out for 2-4 weeks, West has the chance to make the position his own. He ended Week One as the rookie with the highest number of yards (100) from 16 carries. He’s certainly going to be a popular pickup on the waiver wire for fantasy owners in the coming weeks if he can continue producing numbers like that. West gave an excellent performance that helped the Browns get back into the game in the second-half.
1) Brandin Cooks – What a weapon. Cooks is the perfect fit for the Saints’ system, and is yet another fast receiver for Drew Brees. Cooks caught seven passes for 77 yards and a touchdown, whilst also rushing for 32 yards. Cooks’ versatility is crucial as Saints lost Darren Sproles who was capable of making both rushing and receiving plays in that deadly attack. Cooks is certainly set for a huge campaign in his rookie year.
Follow me on Twitter: @almacca93
5) Derek Carr – Carr gave a decent account of himself in his first ever NFL game, as Oakland were defeated by the New York Jets. He ended with a completion rating of 62.5% with 20 completed passes from 32 attempts. Carr impressively threw for 151 yards with two touchdown passes and no interceptions. Unfortunately, he couldn’t guide the Raiders to an opening day victory but if Carr can perform on a consistent basis they will get wins on the road this season.
4) Allen Hurns – After a huge preseason, Hurns followed this up with an impressive performance for the Jaguars on the road at Philadelphia. The undrafted wideout recorded a staggering 110 yards and two touchdown passes in the first half. I’m not quite sure that Hurns will be able to put up such astronomical figures every week, especially after the return of Cecil Shorts, but the rookie wide receiver should be very happy with his production in Week One.
3) Kelvin Benjamin – Benjamin gives a completely different threat to that of Brandin Cooks. With a powerful frame and standing at 6-foot-5, he is quite literally a huge threat in the endzone. Impressively, Benjamin scored a touchdown and racked up 92 yards on six receptions whilst playing without main quarterback Cam Newton. Even as a rookie, you would have to say that Benjamin is now the Panthers main receiving threat along with tight-end Greg Olsen.
2) Terrance West - With the Browns number one running back Ben Tate picking up an injury that is set to keep him out for 2-4 weeks, West has the chance to make the position his own. He ended Week One as the rookie with the highest number of yards (100) from 16 carries. He’s certainly going to be a popular pickup on the waiver wire for fantasy owners in the coming weeks if he can continue producing numbers like that. West gave an excellent performance that helped the Browns get back into the game in the second-half.
1) Brandin Cooks – What a weapon. Cooks is the perfect fit for the Saints’ system, and is yet another fast receiver for Drew Brees. Cooks caught seven passes for 77 yards and a touchdown, whilst also rushing for 32 yards. Cooks’ versatility is crucial as Saints lost Darren Sproles who was capable of making both rushing and receiving plays in that deadly attack. Cooks is certainly set for a huge campaign in his rookie year.
One to watch:
Carlos Hyde – Hyde showed exactly what he was all about in the 49ers victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Having established a commanding lead early in the game, Hyde saw more carries than he possibly expected ending with a touchdown and 50 yards from seven carries. Almost an exact clone of Gore, Hyde looks to be the perfect fit for the 49ers and will only learn more throughout the season whilst working alongside the veteran. He is certainly one to keep an eye on as the season progresses.Follow me on Twitter: @almacca93
