Top Five Rookie Offensive Performances from Week 1 in the NFL

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

NFL: NFC West Week 1 Reaction: Get Your Popcorn Ready

Marshawn Lynch and Frank Gore. Photo credit NFL 

by Chad Jones

San Francisco: Super Bowl Losers Curse Not an Issue
GM Trent Baalke, Coach Jim Harbaugh & unheralded executive Paraag Marathe lead one of footballs most innovative & successful organizations. In a primetime rematch with perennial contender Green Bay, San Francisco was well-prepared & executed it's game plan at a postseason level. In a week 1 filled with sloppy play & mental lapses across the league; San Francisco was firing on all cylinders. The running game never established except spots in the 3rd Quarter, which forced 2nd year starter Colin Kaepernick to take the stage. Credit also goes to Anquan Boldin, who delivered one of the best performances of his career.

NFL: NFC South Week 1 Reaction - Saints Marching In

New Orleans Saints beat the Atlanta Falcons. Photo credit NFL 

by Chad Jones
          
New Orleans: Defense in Big Easy? 
Sean Payton's return to the Big Easy reignited the Saints to a 23-17 Win v. Division Rival, & presumptive Super Bowl contender Atlanta. The offense remained dynamic & lethal in Payton's absence; and churned out 419 Yards on Sunday. It's Drew Brees' show, a big strike passing game that complements intermediate precision passing, and mixed in running opportunities. The true week 1 takeaway was the vastly improved Defensive performance. 

NFL: NFC North Week 1 Reaction - 3 Horse Race

Jay Cutler. Photo courtesy of NFL 

by Chad Jones
                 
Green Bay- Aaron Rodgers makes the Pack Favorites 
Over the past 4 seasons, Aaron Rodgers has led the Packers to 47 Wins against a mere 17 losses. It's built around Rodgers' execution of Mike McCarthy's scheme, whose talent covers up issues across the team. The first issue has been the offensive line. Starting a 4th Round Rookie Left Tackle & a 2012 Undrafted Free Agent at Right Tackle; many perceived issues would persist in 2013. Against a tough road opponent, protection was better than many anticipated. The concern that persists is the one dimensional offense, lacking a complementary running game despite a 2nd Round investment in Eddie Lacy. 

NFL: NFC East Week 1 Reaction- Chip Kelly's Arrival

by Chad Jones

Chip Kelly, Mike Vick. Photo courtesy of NFL

NFC East:
Cognizant that 10-11 wins carries the 'NFC Beast', preseason prognostications ranged. Consensus varied from the Redskins repeating, Giants rebounding, to 'America's Team' reemerging. What nobody believed was the mystery of Chip Kelly's arrival in Philadelphia with holdover Michael Vick would be a resounding success. The Eagles Monday Night Football performance, in particular the first half, has put the league on notice. 

NFL Picks Week 1

Here ya go...Week 1

Royce:
Bears, Eagles, Patriots, Falcons, Vikings, Saints, Bills, Lions, Texans, Packers, Seahawks, Panthers, Broncos, Ravens, Chargers

Rodney:
Bears, Eagles, Titans, Falcons, Vikings, Saints, Jets, Lions, Texans, Packers, Cardinals, Panthers, Broncos, Ravens, Raiders