Week one of the NFL season did not disappoint, and there were plenty of surprises across the league with breakout games, shocking wins and late-game heroics. Here, the CSG Scouting Report takes a look at the standout players in the first games of the season.
The biggest and best surprises from week one
Julio Jones, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Now catching balls from the man who came back to beat him in Super Bowl LI, Jones was a fantastic surprise for Tampa Bay. Although he didn’t get into the endzone, he finished with 69 receiving yards and 17 rushing yards, reminding fans of the explosive playmaker he was with the Falcons.
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
Barkley is back! It may be more surprising that the Giants got the win, but Barkley torched the Tennessee Titans for 164 rushing yards, a touchdown and a very surprising two-point conversion with a minute left in regulation.
Carson Wentz, Washington Commanders
The new Commanders signal caller threw for four touchdowns and 313 yards in his Washington debut. Not sure many pundits saw that coming, but Wentz may have feel more comfortable playing in his former division again.
Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers
Not all surprises happened on offense. The Chargers newly acquired defensive stalwart made plenty of noise in his first game. He secured three sacks in his Chargers debut.
Rookie Spotlight
Jahan Dotson, Washington Commanders
What a debut for Dotson! He only amassed 40 yards, but there is no doubt he contributed to the win. He snagged two touchdowns, including the winner with 1 minutes, 46 seconds left in the game.
Cade York, Cleveland Browns
Cleveland’s rookie kicker spoiled Baker Mayfield’s revenge game by going 4-for-4 on field goals. One of them came as time expired from 58 yards out sealing the win for the Browns.