Week 1 Surprises From Each Team

By A.J. Olona and Shawn Stewart

Arizona Cardinals - DE Angelo Blackson

While Blackson signed a 3-year deal worth $12 million for the Texans in 2019, he didn’t finish it out. He started 15 games for the Texans last year but was very unsuccessful. He was cut just one year into that 3-year deal just before the start of the 2020 season. The Cardinals were able to sign Blackson off waivers a week before the season started. He ended up starting the game for the Cardinals and was a huge reason why the Cardinals were able to beat the 49ers. Blackson finished the game with a sack, two quarterback hits, and two tackles.

Atlanta Falcons - WR Russell Gage

Everyone knows the receiving threats that Atlanta has in Calvin Ridley and All-Pro Julio Jones. However, there were question marks as to who could fill that third spot on the team. Russell Gage stepped up to the plate big time for the Falcons in Week 1. Gage was able to post career highs in catches and yards. He finished the game with nine catches on twelve targets to go along with 114 receiving yards. If he can keep it up, teams are going to have a hard time trying to stop all three pass catchers for the Falcons in 2020.

Baltimore Ravens - RB J.K. Dobbins

Another offensive explosion for this offense! The Ravens are again going to be scary good! J.K. Dobbins had a nice little day for himself. He only had 7 carries for 22 yards, but 2 of those 7 carries found the end zone! The rookie running back out of Ohio State scored 12 of the Ravens 38 points. Mark Ingram had a quiet day as well. If Dobbins could keep it up, he could end up fazing Ingram out of the game plan.

Buffalo Bills - QB Josh Allen

Josh Allen had a solid game  completing 33/46 for 312 yards and 2 touchdowns, but the running backs, Devin Singletary and Zach Moss only carried for a combined 18 times for a total of 41 yards while Allen himself led the team in rushing with 14 carries for 57 yards. Going forward, the Bills will need to learn to establish a run game this season other than their quarter back.

Carolina Panthers - WR Robby Anderson

Going into the season, many would have believed that Robby Anderson would be the third receiver on the Panther behind Curtis Samuel and D.J. Moore. While Christian McCaffrey does everything for this offense, and with Teddy Bridgewater being known as a moderately conservative quarterback, no one expected any Panthers receiver to have a huge day, let alone Robby Anderson. But that was not the case. Anderson was the Panthers leading receiver in his debut game with six catches that went for 115 yards. Anderson was able to catch a bomb from Bridgewater and take it 75-yards for the touchdown in the 4th quarter against Las Vegas.

Cincinnati Bengals - QB Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow made his NFL debut, and while he was not bad, he was not good either. I am sure there are some growing pains and a learning curve. Burrow was 23/26 for 193 yards and no touchdowns with 1 interception. Early in the game, Burrow looked very much like a rookie quarterback. However, towards the end of the game, he was able to orchestrate a masterful comeback attempt that ultimately fell flat because of a missed kick by Randy bullock. Next on the schedule is the Browns, maybe Burrow can have a better showing in week 2?

Chicago Bears - QB Mitch Trubisky

Is Mitchell Trubisky the Pro Bowler back for the Bears? While many people were clamoring for the Bears to finally move on from Trubisky and start Nick Foles, the Bears held their position and started the struggling quarterback. throughout much of the game, Trubisky looked very much like what everyone expected out of him, spending most of the game under 50% completion. However, late in the fourth quarter, Trubisky flipped a switch and turned it on. He was able to march his way down the field and score a game winning drive for the Bears. With less than three minutes left in the game, Trubisky found Anthony Miler for a 27-yard touchdown to put the Bears up. On the day, Trubisky finished with 242 yards and 3 touchdowns while completing 55% of his passes for a 104.2 quarterback rating. Not bad for a player many want off the team.

Cleveland Browns - WR Odell Beckham Jr.

This team has so much talent but continues to be a disappointment. Odell Beckham Jr. was targeted 10 times but only had 3 catches for 22 yards in a blowout loss to the Ravens. Should we once again start questioning the quarterback position in Cleveland? On Tuesday morning, Mayfield acknowledged that he is unsuccessfully trying too hard to force the ball to his star receiver and that it needs to come more naturally. OBJ is too good for his talents to go to waste like this in Cleveland.

Dallas Cowboys - DE Aldon Smith

Aldon Smith was once considered one of the best defensive players in the NFL. But because of off the field issues, Smith never received a chance to make his way back. However, in 2020 the NFL finally lifted Smiths suspension allowing him to sign with the Dallas Cowboys. In his first game back in five years, Smith was able to show why he once was regarded so highly in the NFL. On Sunday Night, Smith led the Cowboys with 11 tackles (tied with Jaylon Smith). Aldon Smith was also able to record two quarterback hits on Jared Goff, as well as a sack, and one tackle for a loss. Despite the Cowboys losing efforts, Aldon Smith showed what he can still off for the NFL and he might just make the Cowboys that much better.

Denver Broncos - TE Noah Fant

After a very down rookie year, Noah Fant, the tight end out of the University of Iowa, had a very solid game against a very good Titans defense. In fact, Fant led the Broncos in catches with 5, and receiving yards with 81. He also had 1 touchdown in the game. If he can live up to his potential, the Broncos are going to have so many options for Drew Lock to throw the ball to.

Detroit Lions - RB Adrian Peterson

After shockingly being released by the Washington Football just before the start of the season, many were wondering where the future Hall of Fame running back would end up. The Lions ended up grabbing the 35-year old, bringing him back to the NFC North. However, with young backs on the team already in D’Andre Swift and Kerryon Johnson, we weren’t sure how AP would factor in into the offense. Well it turns out that Peterson would actually lead all Detroit running backs in both carries and yards. In fact, Peterson had more carries than Johnson and Swift Combined. Adrian Peterson finished the game with 14 carries and 93 yards. Going forward, it’ll be interesting to see how the Lions play their running backs.

Green Bay Packers - WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Much of the narrative of the Packers off season after the Draft was how the team failed Aaron Rodgers. In one of the deepest wide receiver classes that the NFL has seen in a while, the Packers elected to neglect the position that many people thought the team needed. Many felt that other than Devante Adams, the Packers didn’t have anyone for Rodgers to throw the ball to. After Week 1, the Packers showed that they might have had more options than people realized. Both Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard showed up. While it was Adams who lead the team with 14 catches, 156 yards, and 2 touchdowns, it was Valdez-Scantling who showed that he has more to offer this team. Valdes-Scantling reeled in 4 catches for 96 yards, taking some of the pressure off Aaron Rodgers and Devante Adams.

Houston Texans - WR Will Fuller V.

We all knew the Texans had a tall task ahead of themselves when the schedule came out and they found out they were playing the reigning Super Bowl champs, Kansas City Chiefs. However, it was good to see Will Fuller V, who has been dealing with injuries most of his career, have a solid game. He finished with 8 catches for 112 yards. With DeAndre Hopkins gone, the Texans will rely on multiple players to step up, and Fuller could help be that guy!

Indianapolis Colts - WR Parris Campbell

Why in the hell did Phillip Rivers throw the ball 46 times?  There needs to maybe be more balance in the Colts offense. However, you would think that with the Colts throwing the ball 46 times for 363 yards that T.Y. Hilton would’ve been the team’s leading receiver. However, it was second year receiver Parris Campbell who reeled in 6 catches for 71 yards. Campbell had a very injury riddled year in 2019. The Colts expect big things from him this year and he started off strong against the Jaguars.

Kansas City Chiefs - RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire

We all knew that Clyde Edwards-Helaire was going to be  very good, but I thought maybe it would take a game or two for him to get used to the speed and talent in the NFL. Edwards-Helaire ran all over the Texans defense. He finished with 25 carries for 138 yards and 1 score. He also averaged 5.5 yards per carry. Not bad kid, not bad!

Los Angeles Chargers - RB Austin Ekeler

With Phillip Rivers and Melvin Gordon both gone, this offense is going to go rely heavily on Austin Ekeler. He did have 19 carries for 84 yards but failed to find the end zone. If your number one Running Back is going to carry the ball that many times in a game, he needs to be able to find the end zone. I am sure fantasy owners are a little disappointed.

Los Angeles Rams - RB Malcolm Brown

With Todd Gurley moving on to Atlanta, the Rams had to focus on the running back position. Many people, us included, believed that it would be rookie out of Florida State Cam Akers who would show up, or even that second year player Darrell Henderson could get some touches. However, it was the 6th year, undrafted free agent Malcolm Brown that took the reins as the lead back. Brown finished Sunday Night with 18 carries and 79 yards on the ground. Brown was also able to punch the ball into the end zone two different times on the night. On top of that, Brown also caught the ball out of the backfield 3 different times to go with 31 receiving yards. Brown is quickly making the Rams forget about Todd Gurley.

Jacksonville Jaguars - QB Gardner Minshew

Honestly, we did not see this coming!  Not only did the Jaguars upset the Colts in Week 1, but Gardner Minshew looked like an MVP, at least for one game! I guess every dog has his day? Minshew finished the day going 19/20 (95%) for 173 yards and 3 touchdowns leading the Jaguars to 1st place in the AFC South. For a team that is supposedly tanking to grab Trevor Lawrence, Gardner Minshew is out to prove that he can be the franchise quarterback that Jacksonville needs. But if he can keep it up all season remains to be seen

Las Vegas Raiders - RB Josh Jacobs

We did not see this coming! We thought that the Panthers were going to beat the Raiders, but boy was that wrong! Josh Jacobs is going to be a stud in the NFL, so this is not really a surprise or disappointment, but rather shock that he was able to get 25 carries and 3 touchdowns! While Jacobs had a great rookie campaign with the Raiders, he’s out to prove that he can be even better in year 2.

Miami Dolphins - RB Myles Gaskin

The Miami Dolphins could be in for a very long season! We really had to reach to find something positive about their loss to the Patriots. However, we did find something! After signing Jordan Howard in free agency and trading for Matt Breida from the 49ers, it was second year running back Myles Gaskin who lead the team in rushing. Gaskin was a 7th round pick for the Dolphins in 2019 out of the University of Washington. To open the season, Gaskin had 9 carries for the Dolphins and accumulated 40 yards.

Minnesota Vikings - RB Alexander Mattison

Just before the season began, the Vikings signed star running back Dalvin Cook to a five-year, $63 million contract extension. However, in Week 1, it was the Vikings other running back, Alexander Mattison, that stood out. Mattison finished Week 1’s contest with 50 rushing yards, the same as Cook, but on only half the carries. While Cook was a non-factor in the passing game on Sunday, Mattison was able to kick in 30 yards through the air. Mattison was much more of a factor than we thought he would be, given Cooks recent extension.

New England Patriots - WR Julian Edleman

Cam Newton had a solid debut for the Patriots, but we are shocked that Julian Edleman only had 5 catches for 57 yards. I guess it will take some time for Newton and Edleman to gel together. With the addition of Cam Newton, the Patriots switched the way that they were running the offense. Long gone are the days in New England where we are seeing Tom Brady throwing for 30 plus times a game. On Sunday, the Patriots showed what they could do with a mobile quarter back at their disposal. That lead to the Patriots utilizing Cam Newton as a runner and him racking up 75 yards on 15 carries as well as two rushing touchdowns. The Patriots only threw the ball 19 times and Cam only had 155 passing yards and no touchdowns. It looks like Edleman’s days as a 1,000-yard receiver might be long gone.

New Orleans Saints - CB Janoris Jenkins

The entire Saints defense needs to be given credit for how the handled the high-octane Tampa Bay offense. They were able to spoil Tom Brady’s Buccaneers debut in every way. Marshon Lattimore and Janoris Jenkins did a great job of containing Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. While Godwin was able to get open a few times, he was not as explosive as he was in 2019. When Janoris Jenkins undercut a pass thrown by Tom Brady and returned it 36 yards for a touchdown, it all but sealed the game for Buccaneers.

New York Giants - WR Darius Slayton

Not much was expected out of this New York offense. The one thing that people expected was that Saquon Barkley was going to carry the offense. That wasn’t the case on Monday night. Barkley finished the day with less rushing yards that Ben Roethlisberger. In fact, it was Darius Slayton who was constantly there to make a play when the Giants needed it. While he had a respectable rookie season last year, not much was expected out of Darius Slayton. However, he was able to get 102 receiving yards and two touchdowns against a very good Steelers defense. Slayton firmly established himself as the go to guy in the Giants passing attack for this year.

New York Jets - WR Jamison Crowder

This is another team that is a complete mess! Do they regret signing Le'Veon Bell now? Jamison Crowder was by far the best player on the field for the Jets. After a solid first year in New York in 2019, he showed that it was not a fluke as he finished Week 1’s game with 7 catches for 115 yards and 1 touchdown, while being targeted 13 times. I guess it is safe to say, Sam Donald has found his favorite target early in the season.

Philadelphia Eagles - TE Dallas Goedert

The Eagles have the best tight end duo in the NFL with Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert. While Goedert had a really good year in 2019, Ertz is still firmly the team’s starting tight end. In Week 1 against the Washington Football Team, Goedert proved that he could be the go-to guy, if needed. While both Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert played roughly the same amount of snaps on Sunday, it was Goedert who made the most of his time on the field. Zach Ertz was able to find the end zone, but only caught three passes for just 18 yards. Ertz also had a very costly, uncharacteristic drop on 4th down in Sunday’s game. On the other end, Goedert led the team with eight catches and 101 yards as well as snagging a touchdown on the day. With Zach Ertz reportedly feeling unwanted by the team, this game for Goedert could spell the end of Ertz run with Philly.

San Francisco 49ers - RB Raheem Mostert

After getting rid of Matt Breida in the offseason, it was understood that Raheem Mostert would have a big part in this offense. However, many were wondering how big that role would be with the 49ers also employing Tevin Coleman and finally getting back Jerrick McKinnon healthy. Mostert showed that he is the definitive number one back in San Fran in Week 1. Mostert was able to rack up 56 yards on the ground to go along with 95 receiving yards on the day, including one catch that Mostert took 76 yards to the end zone. On that particular score, Mostert recorded the fastest time by an NFL in nearly 3 years, reaching 22.73 MPH. Mostert firmly established himself as the guy in the 49ers backfield after his Week 1 performance.

Seattle Seahawks - DE Benson Mayowa

It feels like it’s been a while since Seattle had an elite pass rush. Last year’s addition of Jadeveon Clowney definitely elevated the defense as a whole but did very little to boost their pass rush. Everyone was scratching their heads when the Seahawks were refusing to sign Clowney to a huge deal this offseason. But Seattle already had pass rusher Benson Mayowa, who they signed to a 1 year, $2.5 million deal this offseason. In the season opener, Mayowa played quite well for the Seattle defense. While the box score won’t show much, Mayowa accounted for one sack, one pass defended, one tackle for a loss, and one hit on the QB. Mayowa made quite the impression in Week 1, playing 71% of his team’s snaps. He looks to be entrenched as a mainstay on that defensive front after a strong showing out the gate.

Pittsburgh Steelers - RB Benny Snell Jr.

It was good to see Big Ben back behind center! I bet everyone who watched this game was asking, who the hell is Benny Snell? Benny Snell is second year running back from the University of Kentucky, and he had himself quite a night. Snell had 19 carries for 138 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per carry. With James Connor once again having issues staying healthy, we could see more of Snell in this offense going forward.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - RB Ronald Jones

Ronald Jones was the forgotten man in Tampa Bay. All throughout the off season, the talk was how good the offense could be, if only they added a running back. Then the Buccaneers added on in the form of former number four overall pick in the 2017 Draft. Fournette was surprisingly cut by the Jaguars just before the season started. When he signed with Tampa Bay, everyone believed that they had finally found their premier back. Despite the Fournette signing, Tampa Bay Head Coach Bruce Arian’s insisted that Ronald Jones was the starter. After a decent second year in the NFL, Ronald Jones was looking to finally break out and live up to his second-round selection. In his 2020 debut, Ronald Jones looked very much like the player that can handle all the carries for this offense. Jones finished the day with 66 rushing yards and 16 receiving yards. While this game won’t be kept in any record books, it was a solid showing for Jones. It was even more telling to see Fournette only touch the ball 6 times in the game and get only 19 yards.

Tennessee Titans - K Stephen Gostkowski

The Titans got extremely lucky in this game and escaped with a narrow win! The Titans have had placekicker issues dating back to last season, so they brought in former New England Patriot kicker, Stephen Gostkowski, who is one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history. However, his debut with the Titans should be brushed under the rug very quickly! He was 1/4 on field goal attempts, and 1/2 on extra points. He let the Broncos hang around but redeemed himself with the game winning field goal. Luckily for him, kickers across the league were missing in Week 1. Gostkowski needs to get back on track, and fast!

Washington Football Team - CB Jimmy Moreland

After being a 7th round pick in 2019, Moreland was able to get on the field often for the Washington Football Team as a rookie. His rookie year was quite productive and in Week 1 of the 2020 season, he was elevated to a starting role. In his first game starting in 2020, he did not disappoint. He was able to pick off Eagles QB Carson Wentz and take it back 32 yards. He also had a pass deflection to go along with six tackles, all while helping lead the Washington Football Team to a surprise win over the Eagles.

Follow A.J. on twitter @age_lona and Shawn @ShawnSportsNut.