Week 1 Surprise Performers: Running Backs Who Proved Their Worth
In the NFL’s unpredictable world, some running backs took center stage during Week 1, defying expectations and proving their worth to their respective teams. Let’s dive into the surprising performances of these unsung heroes:
Myles Gaskin, Miami Dolphins
With Jordan Howard‘s injury and James Conner‘s underwhelming debut, Myles Gaskin seized the opportunity to lead the Dolphins’ backfield. In a losing effort against the New England Patriots, he accumulated 136 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 25 carries. This impressive outing solidified Gaskin’s role as the team’s go-to running back moving forward.
Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Jacksonville Jaguars‘ former star running back, Leonard Fournette, began his tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a high note. In their dominating win over the New Orleans Saints, Fournette racked up 62 rushing yards and a touchdown, adding 13 receiving yards for good measure. His versatility and power are crucial additions to an already formidable offense.
James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars
Despite entering the league as an undrafted free agent, James Robinson made a name for himself with an impressive Week 1 performance against the Indianapolis Colts. He carried the ball 25 times for 62 rushing yards and one touchdown, adding four receptions for an additional 38 receiving yards. With a strong showing against a tough opponent, Robinson has put himself in the conversation as the Jaguars’ starting running back.
Carlos Hyde, Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks‘ Carlos Hyde may have been a forgotten man in the running back landscape, but not after his performance against the Atlanta Falcons. Hyde carried the ball 15 times for 70 yards and a touchdown, while adding two receptions for an additional 26 receiving yards. With Chris Carson‘s injury, Hyde is poised to take on a larger role in Seattle’s offense.
Conclusion
These surprising performances by Myles Gaskin, Leonard Fournette, James Robinson, and Carlos Hyde showcase the importance of staying flexible in NFL rosters. Their impressive Week 1 outings have solidified their roles and given hope to their teams as they navigate the unpredictable waters of the 2020 NFL season.
NFL Season Kicks Off with a Bang: Unexpected Running Back Performances
Week 1 Surprises
The NFL season roared back to life with an exhilarating opening week, filled with thrilling upsets and unexpected performances. Fans and analysts alike were left in awe as several running backs stepped up to the plate, defying expectations and setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead.
Unexpected Heroes
Take, for instance, Melvin Gordon, who was benched by the Los Angeles Chargers earlier in the summer, only to come back and post an impressive 105-yard performance against the Cincinnati Bengals. Or James Robinson, a rookie out of Illinois State, who rushed for an astounding 102 yards and a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars’ stout defense. These unexpected heroics have left fantasy football enthusiasts scrambling to update their rosters and reconsider their strategies.
Implications for the Season
The unpredictability of Week 1 has added a layer of intrigue to the upcoming games and the fantasy football landscape. With so many players exceeding expectations, it’s clear that anything can happen this season. The question on everyone’s minds is: will these surprising performances be a sign of things to come or just an anomaly? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the NFL season is shaping up to be more exciting than ever before.
Myles Gaskin, Miami Dolphins
Myles Gaskin, a versatile and productive running back from the University of Washington,
joined the Miami Dolphins
in 2019 as an undrafted free agent. During his college career, Gaskin amassed over 4,000 rushing yards and 51 touchdowns, making him one of the most accomplished backs in the Pac-12 Conference. In his senior year alone, he racked up 1,375 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground, earning him numerous accolades.
Draft and Rookie Season
Despite his impressive college career, Gaskin went unselected in the 2019 NFL Draft. However, he quickly caught the attention of the Dolphins during training camp and the
preseason
, showcasing his ability to pick up the playbook quickly, as well as his elusive running style and reliable hands in the passing game.
Week 1 Performance
In Miami’s first regular-season game against the Baltimore Ravens, starting running back Jordan Howard suffered an injury early in the contest, thrusting Gaskin into a larger role than anticipated. The rookie responded admirably, finishing with 108 rushing yards on 25 carries and adding another 41 receiving yards on six receptions. His most notable contributions included a
20-yard touchdown run
late in the fourth quarter, which pulled the Dolphins within two points of the Ravens.
Success Factors and Future Outlook
Gaskin’s success can be attributed to a few key factors. First, Miami’s offensive line dominated the Ravens’ front seven, providing Gaskin with ample opportunities to break off big gains. Additionally, the Dolphins utilized a committee approach in their backfield, allowing Gaskin to capitalize on Howard’s injury and share carries with other backs. As the Dolphins move forward, Gaskin will likely continue to see significant playing time, but he’ll face challenges from other backs in the backfield and teams that have studied his tendencies since Week 1.
I James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars
James Robinson, an unheralded running back from link, went from an unknown commodity during the Jacksonville Jaguars’ training camp and preseason to a surprise starter in Week 1.
Collegiate Career and Undrafted Status
Robinson finished his collegiate career with 1,312 rushing yards, 75 receptions, and a total of 16 touchdowns in four seasons. Despite his impressive numbers, he went unnoticed by NFL scouts and was not drafted in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Making the Roster
During training camp and preseason, Robinson impressed coaches with his work ethic and determination. He was a late addition to the Jaguars’ roster due to injuries to other running backs, and he made the most of his opportunity by consistently performing well in practice and preseason games.
Week 1 Performance
In the Jaguars’ Week 1 game against the Indianapolis Colts, Robinson carried the ball 29 times for a total of 102 yards, and he added 36 receiving yards on three receptions. Robinson’s most critical moment came in the third quarter when he scored the Jaguars’ first touchdown of the season on a 2-yard run, giving them a 7-6 lead.
Factors Contributing to His Success
Robinson’s success can be attributed to several factors, including the Jaguars’ offensive scheme and injuries to other running backs. The team’s new head coach, Doug Marrone, has a history of utilizing running backs effectively, and Robinson’s versatility and ability to pick up blitzes made him an ideal fit for the scheme. Additionally, injuries to other running backs, such as Leonard Fournette and Ryquell Armstead, created an opportunity for Robinson to prove himself.
E. Potential for the Rest of the Season and Fantasy Football Implications
Looking ahead, Robinson’s performance in Week 1 suggests that he has the potential to be a productive running back for the Jaguars. However, it is important to note that the team’s offense as a whole may struggle, which could limit Robinson’s opportunities. From a fantasy football perspective, Robinson is a sleeper pick who could provide significant value if he continues to perform well.
Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams
Cam Akers, the Florida State product, entered the National Football League (NFL) scene with a bang as he took on an increasingly prominent role in the Los Angeles Rams‘ backfield. Akers was a highly-touted college prospect, having amassed impressive numbers during his time with the Seminoles. In 2019, he finished his junior season with 1,144 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground, adding another 694 receiving yards and two more touchdowns through the air.
Background and College Success
During the 2020 NFL Draft, the Rams selected Akers in the second round with the 52nd overall pick. Upon joining the team, he was expected to compete for carries in a crowded backfield featuring Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown.
Competition in Preseason and Training Camp
During the preseason and training camp, Akers showcased his versatility and potential as a three-down back. He demonstrated an ability to excel both between the tackles and in the passing game, while also serving as a valuable asset on special teams. As other Rams running backs succumbed to injuries, Akers found himself in an increasingly prominent position within the team’s offensive plans.
Impressive Week 1 Performance
In the Rams’ Week 1 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, Akers seized the opportunity to make a lasting impact. He rushed for an impressive 121 yards on 18 carries and scored two touchdowns. Akers’ first touchdown came in the second quarter as he burst through the Cowboys’ defense for a 41-yard score. His second touchdown, which proved to be the game-winner, came in the third quarter when he plunged into the end zone from just two yards out.
Factors Contributing to His Success
Several factors contributed to Akers’ impressive performance. The absence of Henderson and Brown due to injuries allowed him to receive a substantial workload. Effective playcalling from the Rams’ coaching staff helped set Akers up for success, allowing him to exploit holes in Dallas’ defense and showcase his elusiveness and power.
Impact on His Role and Fantasy Football Implications
Moving forward, Akers’ performance has significant implications for both the Rams and fantasy football. He is poised to become a focal point of the team’s offense, potentially eclipsing his college statistics in just his rookie season. In fantasy football, Akers’ strong start positions him as a top-tier running back and a valuable addition to any lineup.
Conclusion
As the NFL season kicked off last week, several running backs put forth surprising performances that left fantasy football enthusiasts and football pundits alike in awe. Let’s take a closer look at the standout Week 1 performances of Myles Gaskin from the Miami Dolphins, James Robinson of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Raheem Mostert from the San Francisco 49ers.
Recap of Week 1 Performances and Impact on NFL Landscape
Myles Gaskin, filling in for the injured Jordan Howard and Matt Breida, racked up an impressive 136 scrimmage yards (95 rushing, 41 receiving) and scored two touchdowns against the New England Patriots. His solid performance has put him atop the Dolphins’ depth chart, with the team now considering a potential trade of Howard.
James Robinson, an undrafted free agent out of Illinois State, burst onto the scene by amassing 123 total yards and a touchdown on 16 carries against the Indianapolis Colts. With starter Leonard Fournette dealing with injury issues, Robinson’s strong debut has sparked intrigue among Jaguars fans and fantasy football owners alike.
Raheem Mostert, who had previously seen limited action with the San Francisco 49ers, exploded for a career-high 137 rushing yards and three touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals. With star running back Tevin Coleman injured, Mostert has seized the opportunity to make a significant impact on both the NFL and fantasy football scenes.
Potential Implications for Team Backfields and Future Games
These surprise performances have significant implications for the backfields of their respective teams. Gaskin’s strong showing has likely cemented his place as the Dolphins’ starting running back, at least for now. Robinson’s impressive debut may force the Jaguars to reconsider their stance on Fournette’s role in the offense, or potentially even trade him. Mostert’s electrifying performance against the Cardinals has further solidified his standing as a reliable option for the 49ers, and could potentially lead to increased touches going forward.
Keep an Eye on These Surprising Running Backs
As the 2020 NFL season progresses, it’s essential to keep an eye on these running backs as they continue to develop and contribute to their teams. Their unexpected success in Week 1 has already made waves in the NFL landscape, and it will be fascinating to see how they fare moving forward. Be sure to follow their performances closely, as these surprise stars could continue to reshape the fantasy football landscape and potentially lead to valuable roster additions.
