5 rookies who shined in Week 1

The NFL is back on Sundays! With a new season comes a chance to see which teams made good choices on draft day and are already seeing a profit. Here are five players who shined bright in their NFL debuts Sunday.

Sunday welcomed in a new crop of NFL rookies. Some took advantage of starting positions earned in camp, others stepped in unexpectedly. Either way, to impress your team, scouts, and fans on day one is no small feat. Here’s hoping these players continue their Week 1 success.

First a few honorable mentions:

Devin Bush – Devin Bush came out of the Steelers loss with an abundance of tackles, racking up 11 total. However, Bush wasn’t as effective in coverage as Steelers fans had hoped he could be. Still, his tackle totals will have him in the running for defensive rookie of the year if he continues his current trends.

A.J. Brown – With three catches for an even 100 yards, A.J. Brown looked strong against the Browns. Though he didn’t see much action his way, he took advantage of his opportunities.

Gardner Minshew – Just as we all expected, Gardner Minshew was the first rookie quarterback to take a snap in 2019. Unfortunately, it came at the expense of Nick Foles, who broke his clavicle. Minshew stepped in well, completing 22 of his 25 attempts for 275 yards and two touchdowns to just one interception. However, his lead over the offense wasn’t enough to make the game a contest as the Chiefs still won by 14.

29/54 Passing – 308 Yards – 2 TDs – 1 INT – 3 Rushes – 13 Yards

Beginning with the man that started the NFL Draft as the first overall pick, Kyler Murray struggled early. Heading into the fourth quarter the game weighed heavily in the favor of the Detroit Lions. First-year head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s offense didn’t appear to be translating well to the NFL.

Trailing by 18 in the fourth, the lights came on for Murray and the Cardinals’ offense. Murray commanded the offense going 15 of 19 for 154 yards and scoring his two touchdowns, sending the game into overtime.

Overtime didn’t go either team’s way as the game ended in a tie.

Though Murray and company certainly could have played better, let’s step back for a second. The Cardinals are coming off a horrendous 2018 season, finishing last in points, offensive yards, passing yards and scoring. Murry leading his new-look offense from behind is a strong tell that the potential to turn the franchise around is there.

Murray will look to get off to a hot start against the Baltimore Ravens next week in what could be a firework display offensively for both clubs.