The Top Ten Performances from Week One

Kevin DeBenedetto by Contributor Written on September 17, 2009

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NEW ORLEANS - SEPTEMBER 13:  Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints throws a pass against the Detroit Lions at the Louisiana Superdome on September 13, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Every week, we have the studs and duds of Week One. These could be the unsung heroes, the stat producing machines, or anything in between.

While it is easy to mock the duds in their pathetic performance, let's take a look at the studs from this week and award them.

In this list, I have some of the leagues unsung heroes, along with the names everyone knows. I have ranked them from 10 to one, so without further ado, here is No. 10.

10. Sheldon Brown

PHILADELPHIA - AUGUST 13:  Sheldon Brown #24 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates his interception against the New England Patriots with teammates Chris Clemons #91 and Joe Mays #51 on August 13, 2009 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylva

Two interceptions in a statement-making game, along with four passes defended. He helped keep Carolina's dangerous offense in check all game long.

Sheldon Brown is a great physical defensive back, who will keep this secondary strong all year long along with Asante Samuel.

9. Kroy Biermann

ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 13:  Kroy Biermann #71 of the Atlanta Falcons forces a fumble by quarterback Chad Pennington #10 of the Miami Dolphins at Georgia Dome on September 13, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Who? Biermann is the other defensive end on the Falcons not named John Abraham. Biermann had two sacks, along with a forced fumble in Sunday's destruction of the Dolphins. Chad Pennington and the Dolphins offense had no way to move against the Falcons defense, and Biermann is a big reason for that.

No wildcat for the Dolphins this game.

8. Joe Flacco

BALTIMORE - SEPTEMBER 13:  Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens passes against the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Chiefs 38-24. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

No sophomore slump for Flacco, as he delivers throwing over 300 yards and three touchdowns in a win against the Chiefs. He has shown great strides since his great rookie campaign. His has great pocket presence and a great arm.

Is an MVP in his future? Quite possibly...if he keeps up the progress.

7. Greg Jennings

GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Greg Jennings #85 of the Green Bay Packers breaks away from Al Afalava #24 of the Chicago Bears on September 13, 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Six receptions, 80 yards, and a touchdown. That touchdown was also the game-winner in a close game against the Bears. Jennings is Aaron Rodgers' favorite target, and for good reason. He has great hands, great speed, and is a good route runner. He is a top wide receiver in the league.

6. Patrick Willis

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 13:  (L-R) Jeff Ulbrich #53, Patrick Willis #52 and Adam Snyder #68 of the San Francisco 49ers walk out onto the field prior to the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on September 13, 2009

Wow, what a week for 49er fans. You upset the Cardinals on the road, and played a great physical game. Do you think we need to remind them how amazing Patrick Willis is?

I will, with his 13 tackles and one interception. He is the leader of the defense, and is arguably the most physical defensive player in the league today.

He is an early favorite for defensive player of the year.

5. Osi Umenyiora

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 13:  Osi Umenyiora #72 of the New York Giants looks on against the Washington Redskins on September 13, 2009 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Welcome back Osi! So much could be said for him, so I'll let his play do the talking. Four tackles, one sack, and on one play, a forced fumble, fumble recovery, and a touchdown. The Giants are excited to have the leader of their defense back this year, and he will keep this defense scary all year long.

Is Osi the best defensive end in football? It certainly is believable.

4. Darelle Revis

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 14:  Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets celebrates making a game saving interception in the closing minutes of regulation preserving a 31-27 win against the Buffalo Bills during their game on December 14, 2008 at Giants

Any questions concerning who is the best cornerback in the league will end after this year. Revis goes against top competition all year long, including Randy Moss and Terrell Owens twice. Don't forget about Roddy White, Chad Ochocinco, Reggie Wayne, and Steve Smith. When matched up one-on-one with Andre Johnson in Week One, Revis allowed Johnson two catches for 12 yards total. Wasn't Johnson considered one of the best receivers in the league?

Many of the Jets defensive players could be put here, including Jenkins and Harris. But Revis gets the nod, as he is truly great.

3. Reggie Wayne

INDIANAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 13:  Reggie Wayne #87 of the Indianapolis Colts reaches to catch a pass while defended by Derek Cox #21 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Photo by An

No Marvin Harrison? Anthony Gonzalez injured early? It must be a tough day for Colts. Not when they have Reggie Wayne, who had 10 receptions for 162 yards and a touchdown. He simply does not get enough love by the media.

In my eyes, Reggie Wayne is the fourth best receiver in the league, behind Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, and Andre Johnson.

2. Adrian Peterson

CLEVELAND - SEPTEMBER 13:  Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings runs by Brodney Pool #21 and Corey Willams #99 of the Cleveland Brwons at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio.  (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

It's hard not to give this man credit, with his astonishing 180 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. We all saw him throw off the defensive backs like it was nothing. Adrian Peterson is the most complete player in the NFL today. He will carry the Vikings on his shoulders to the playoffs.

1. Drew Brees

NEW ORLEANS - SEPTEMBER 13:  Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints throws a pass against the Detroit Lions at the Louisiana Superdome on September 13, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

When you throw for six touchdowns, you are a top player that week. I don't care who it is against, you tied an NFL record. Congratulations Drew Brees, you are this week's top NFL performer.

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written on September 17, 2009 Rankings/List

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