The Top Ten Performances from Week One

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.