NFL Week 1: Surprise Sunday Performance for Each Team
Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) celebrates. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati Bengals: Where was the running game?
Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson is all about the running game, but he received a completely inefficient game from Giovani Bernard, who also turned ten targets into just six catches for 62 yards on top of a 3.4 YPC day on the ground. Jeremy Hill looked solid on his four carries, but it wasn’t a big day for the Bengals on the ground, as they mustered just 79 yards against the tough Baltimore Ravens defense. Thanks to nice games from Andy Dalton and A.J. Green, the Bengals pulled one out, but they will need more efficiency from their running game.
Baltimore Ravens: Justin Forsett comes out of nowhere, Bernard Pierce fails to impress
The Baltimore Ravens running game also lands on the “surprise” list, thanks to a big game by former Seattle Seahawks RB Justin Forsett, who looked like more than just a change-of-pace RB3. Pierce has a great opportunity with Ray Rice suspended, but he failed to make the most of it and showed no signs of bouncing back after an awful sophomore season. He has plenty of talent (as we saw in his rookie year), but he was clearly outshone by Forsett, who churned out 70 yards and a TD on 11 carries with five receptions to boot.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Justin Brown joins the parade
There is no doubt in my mind that the Pittsburgh Steelers have some of the best skill position players in the NFL, and they flexed their offensive muscles yesterday in a nail-biting overtime victory over the rival Cleveland Browns. While the Browns boast a solid defense and a talented secondary, Ben Roethlisberger used elite wideout Antonio Brown, potential breakout star Markus Wheaton, and the unheralded Justin Brown to shred the Browns up. We all knew Wheaton was headed for a second-year breakout, but Brown impressed with three catches for 38 yards on four targets, including a called-back catch for an OPI. I think he’s worth watching going forward, though Lance Moore and Martavis Bryan both have more talent. Still, if he’s your No. 5 receiver, then you are looking pretty darn good in the depth department.
Cleveland Browns: Brian Hoyer bounces back
Down 27-3 to their bitter rivals after a half of play, the Cleveland Browns looked doomed for a disappointing loss, and Brian Hoyer was becoming a real punching bag after leading inefficient drive after inefficient drive. But something clicked for the resilient, clutch veteran, and he bounced back in a huge way. Hoyer gave the Browns a spark when he started last season, and he nearly pulled off an incredible upset of the Steelers yesterday. After a dismal first half of play, Hoyer helped lead the Browns to a 24-point second half and finished with a 19-31-230-1-0 line. He wasn’t great because of his putrid opening half, but he finished with a solid line and gave the Browns some hope. Johnny Manziel will likely start by the time the season is over, but Hoyer’s in-game bounce-back gave the fan base some reassurance.