Marcus Mariota trashing the Cleveland Browns and strong defensive performances highlight Week 1 for our Ducks on the big stage. What more could you ask for?

Offense

Top Offensive Performers

• Marcus Mariota

No team has been more talked about, or better-yet, over-hyped, than the Cleveland Browns to begin the 2019 season. Marcus Mariota quickly shutdown the hype-machine that was the Browns in dominant fashion, going 14/24 for 248 yards through the air with three touchdowns. Including a 75-yard dump-off to Derrick Henry for six. Mariota added 28 yards on the ground, to help lead his Titans passed the Browns, 43-13.

• Royce Freeman

It was a tough day for the Denver Broncos, but Royce Freeman made the best out of a bad situation. Freeman didn’t get the start, but he did end the game leading the Denver Broncos on the ground with 56 yards rushing on 10 carries. The second-year back added a reception for five yards in the loss to the Raiders, 24-16.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Defense

Top Defensive Performers

• Arik Armstead

Armstead played a key role in the San Francisco 49ers road win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 47 snaps on defense, the No. 17 overall pick in 2015 wreaked havoc in the backfield, Sunday. Armstead racked up five total tackles, two solo, with 1.0 sacks, 1.5 TFL and 1 QB HTS. The 49ers’ front-seven made Buccaneers’ quarterback, Jameis Winston’s home opener rather unpleasant. Forcing three sacks and three interceptions with their pressure from the line of scrimmage. Look out for Armstead and the 49ers defense to surprise opposing teams early-on in 2019.

• Patrick Chung

Finished tied for second on the team in hits Week 1 with six, the eleventh-year pro was stout on defense against the Steelers. Including the six total tackles, Chung added a pass deflection on the day as the Patriots nearly shutout Pittsburgh for a 33-3 final. Maybe the Steelers did need Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell after all.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Special Teams

Top Special-teamer

• Kenjon Barner

While Atlanta may have struggled against the Vikings on the road in Week 1, return specialist, Kenjon Barner was possibly their most consistent threat all day. Barner totaled 100 yards on just six returns; averaging 22 yards per kick return and 11.5 yards per punt return.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Honorable Mention

• DeForest Buckner

The 49ers front-seven played well against Tampa Bay, including fourth-year pro DeForest Buckner. The first-time All-Pro broke-out in 2018 with 12.0 sacks and has gotten off to a decent start to 2019 with two tackles, 1 TFL, and a hit on Winston, propelling the 49ers to victory.