Longhorns in the NFL - Week 1: Malcolm Brown shines and four rookies make their debut

The NFL returned to action over the weekend and a lot of former Longhorns saw action. Four rookies made their debut while Malcolm Brown had taken over the reins in Los Angeles. Here’s a look at how the Texas Exes performed in Week 1...

Malcolm Brown, RB — Los Angeles Rams

Todd who? Malcolm Brown has been patiently waiting as a backup for the Rams since signing with the then St. Louis Rams in 2015. It all paid off for him Sunday night against the Cowboys when Brown got the starting nod and proceeded to shred Dallas for 3 touchdowns and 110 all-purpose yards. If he wasn’t already rostered in your fantasy league, he is now. The Cibolo, Texas native also was the fourth highest-graded RB in Week 1, according to Pro Football Focus.

Brandon Jones, S — Miami Dolphins

Jones became only the fifth rookie in NFL history to record double-digit tackles in his debut with 10 in just 34 snaps.

The rookie allowed three passes to be caught while in coverage but for a total of only 19 yards and none of them were for a first down. An impressive debut for Mr. Blessed Jones and his playing time will only continue for a Miami team that should struggle to win.

Devin Duvernay, WR — Baltimore Ravens

Sam’s favorite target received only one on Sunday but turned it into a 12-yard reception for a first down.

Texas fans are used to seeing him turn a eight-yard reception into extra yards. Duvernay also is returning kicks for Baltimore with two kick-off returns for 64 yards total.

Quandre Diggs, S — Seattle Seahawks

With Jamaal Adams now alongside him in Seattle at Safety, Diggs will probably see more throws headed his way but the NFL veteran held his own against Matt Ryan and the Falcons. Diggs picked up his first interception of the season on garbage time Hail Mary throw and added four total tackles and two passes defended.

Jordan Hicks, LB — Arizona Cardinals

Before I say anything else, let me just start with the fact that Hicks has been nothing short of incredible in Arizona and finished Week 1’s upset victory over the 49ers with six tackles — four of which were solo. Hicks also got sent into next week with this hit from Trent Williams.

I also think it’s remarkable that Hicks gets up almost immediately as if he didn’t just run over by a 320-pound lineman.

Collin Johnson, WR — Jacksonville Jaguars

The fifth rounder saw one reception for 14 yards in his NFL debut. Johnson finds himself low on the totem pole on the wide receiver depth chart currently.

Alex Okafor, DE — Kansas City Chiefs

Okafor recorded half a sack and a tackle in the Week 1 victory blowout victory against the Texans.

Adrian Phillips, S — New England Patriots

After finding his groove in San Diego or Los Angeles or whatever and wherever the Chargers were, Phillips signed with New England over the offseason. With Patrick Chung sitting out the season, Phillips picked up his first interception on the season along with eight tackles in Week 1.

Malcolm Roach, DE — New Orleans Saints

How about the Louisiana native going undrafted only to be signed by his hometown team. After fighting to make the active roster, Roach made some plays in his NFL debut going for two solo tackles.

• Calvin Anderson and Andrew Beck did not see any snaps for the Denver Broncos in Week 1. Anderson is currently listed as the second string left tackle so if Garrett Bolles goes down with an injury, Anderson might see the field. Beck on the other end is behind four other tight dnds on the depth chart so unless injuries begin to surmount in Denver, Beck won’t get in on any offensive action soon.
• While Malcolm Roach had a solid debut in New Orleans, Malcom Brown struggled in the Saints Week 1 victory and did not record a tackle. Lil’Jordan Humphrey remains on the practice squad for New Orleans but with the injury to Michael Thomas he might be called up to the active roster.
• With Earl Thomas no longer in Baltimore, the door opened for DeShon Elliot to take over free safety for the Ravens. Elliot finished with five total tackles including two solo tackles against the Browns that saw the Ravens defense pick apart Baker Mayfield.
• It was a tough week for Holton Hill. The stat sheet shows he had seven tackles. Look a little deeper and it shows that Aaron Rodgers allowed 13 catches on 17 targets for 167 yards with one touchdown and only one incompletion.
• Charles Omenihu got the start for the Texans, but was pretty quiet without any tackles. Meanwhile, Poona Ford is still doing his thing in Seattle. Ford finished with three solo tackles in the Seahawks victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Hassan Ridgeway finished with three solo tackles with the Philadelphia Eagles.
• Trey Hopkins got the start at center for the Bengals on Sunday with a solid performance but did have one penalty for being illegally downfield on a pass that was eventually intercepted. Cincinnati’s offense struggled in Joe Burrow’s NFL debut that saw the Heisman winner get sacked three times.
• Michael Dickson had four punts for an average of 47.8 yards with a long of 53 and allowed only one return on eight yards. Two of the four punts were inside the 20 for The Punter. He did not attempt a drop-kick onside kick in case you were wondering.
• While every kicker in the NFL was missing field goals over the weekend, Justin Tucker still showed he’s the greatest kicker in NFL history — 1-1 with a 41-yarder and 5-5 on PAT’s.
• Kenny Vaccaro and the Titans defense held the Broncos to only 13 points. Vaccaro finished with five solo tackles and one passes defended.
• Connor Williams and the Dallas Cowboys offensive line struggled in their disappointing loss to the Rams. Aaron Donald wreaked absolute havoc on the Cowboys offensive line. Williams allowed six or more pressures on Dak Prescott, according to PFF.