NFL Week 1: Surprise Sunday Performance for Each Team

San Francisco 49ers: Dontae Johnson

A fourth-round pick out of N.C. State, rookie cornerback Dontae Johnson didn’t know he’d play such a big role in the San Francisco 49ers offense in Week 1, but he played it to aplomb by shutting down Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams. Johnson gets the award for the best out-of-nowhere performance of Week 1, and he just gave the 49ers plenty of hope for the depth at CB, and it’s another example of how good they are at finding contributors everywhere on the roster.

St. Louis Rams: Brian Quick

I could highlight how disappointing the St. Louis Rams pas rush was yesterday, but they did go up against one of the best offensive lines in the league, and there are too many negatives to focus on in the Rams 37-6 loss; the whole darn game was surprising. But a pleasant surprise came from Brian Quick, who finally seems to be turning a corner and has made good on his talent in at least one game. Quick caught seven passes on nine targets for 99 yards to pace the Rams offensive attack, and he should be the team’s best downfield playmaker this year. It’s just one game, but it was a promising performance from Quick, who has the best shot at leading this team in receiving yards if he keeps it up.