Kentucky Wildcats in the NFL Week 1: Randall Cobb Leads the Charge

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The first week of NFL regular-season action saw some University of Kentucky alumni come up very big for their respective teams. From an explosive kick return in Green Bay to multiple huge performances in Denver, the Big Blue Nation had plenty of reasons to be proud of their former Wildcats over the weekend.

 

Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers

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vs. San Francisco 49ers

9 rec, 77 yards

3 KOR, 73 yards

3 PR, 85 yards, 1 TD

The Green Bay Packers may have fallen short, 30-22, against the San Francisco 49ers, but Randall Cobb helped keep them in the game. In addition to catching all nine passes that were thrown to him, Cobb had an incredible 75-yard punt return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

It seems that starting the year off with a huge play on special teams is becoming a tradition for one of the greatest players to ever put on a Wildcat uniform.

 

Next Opponent

Thursday, 9/13 vs. Chicago Bears at 8:20 p.m. ET.

 

 

Wesley Woodyard, Denver Broncos

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vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

12 tackles, 1 sack

While all eyes may have been on Peyton Manning for his regular-season debut with the Denver Broncos, the defense almost stole the show. Woodyard anchored a punishing assault that shut down the Steelers offense after a shaky first quarter. The Broncos ended up with an impressive 31-19 season-opening win.

With D.J Williams still serving a suspension, Woodyard is definitely making the most of his opportunity to show what he can do.

 

Next Opponent 

Sunday, September 23 vs. Houston Texans at 4:25 p.m. ET

Jacob Tamme, Denver Broncos

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vs. Green Bay Packers

5 rec, 43 yards, 1 TD

Jacob Tamme was having a fairly quiet game until his fourth-quarter touchdown pass from Peyton Manning gave the Denver Broncos the lead for good in their eventual 31-19 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Peyton-to-Tamme is a scoring combination that we should hear being called a lot this season.

 

Next Opponent 

Sunday, September 23 vs. Houston Texans at 4:25 p.m. ET

Stevie Johnson, Buffalo Bills

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vs. New York Jets

4 rec, 55 yards, 1 TD

His Buffalo Bills may have been manhandled by the New York Jets, 48-28, but Stevie Johnson was able to provide them with a score and some decent yards. The Bill's next game at home against the Kansas City Chiefs should provide him with more opportunities to get the ball in his hands.

 

Next Opponent

Sunday, September 16 vs. Kansas City Chiefs at 1:00 p.m. ET

Tim Masthay, Green Bay Packers

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vs. San Francisco 49ers

6 punts, 48.2-yard avg

4 punts inside 20-yard line

With only one of his six punts returned and four landing inside the 20-yard line (and one booming kick of 60 yards), Tim Masthay provided his Green Bay Packers with an edge in field position against the San Francisco 49ers.

Unfortunately, the Packers were unable to stop the 49er offense, dropping their season opener, 30-22.

 

Next Opponent

Thursday, 9/13 vs. Chicago Bears at 8:20 p.m. ET

 

 

Garry Williams, Carolina Panthers

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Garry Williams and the rest of the Carolina Panthers offensive line had a rough day against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Quarterback Cam Newton often found himself scrambling under pressure as the Panthers dropped their season opener to the Bucs 16-10.

 

Next Opponent

Sunday, September 16 vs. New Orleans Saints at 1:00 p.m. ET

John Conner, New York Jets

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John Conner tweaked his MCL (per Kevin Armstrong of the New York Daily News) during the first quarter of the New York Jets' 48-28 win over the Buffalo Bills. He returned later with a knee brace and helped the Jets offense continue its stellar season-opening performance.

 

Next Opponent

Sunday, September 16 at Pittsburgh Steelers at 4:25 p.m. ET

 

 

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