2018 NFL Week 1 Player Performance Statistics Tracker – The start of the NFL season brought its share of sloppy play. However, it also some heroics and drama as well. For many collectors, their attention naturally gravitates towards rookies from the 2018 NFL Draft. Most notably on the list are Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants and Sam Darnold of the New York Jets. Despite solid play by the high-profile freshman, it was really second year players that seemed poised for breakout seasons. Here is a look at some sophomore sensations and the aforementioned rookies who made an impact for their teams in Week 1.
2018 NFL Week 1 Player Performance Statistics Tracker – AFC Standouts
Quarterbacks
Sam Darnold, Quarterback – New York Jets: Despite throwing a pick six on his first NFL play from scrimmage, Darnold had a solid first game for the Jets. The third round pick in this year’s draft out of USC, rebounded quickly. He helped lead the Jets to a 48-17 road win over the Detroit Lions. He finished with a solid stat line; 16-of-21 for 198 yards, two touchdowns, 1 interception and a QB Rating of 116.8.
As a top draft pick, playing in a big market, at a skill position, collectors will find Sam Darnold‘s autographed rookie cards in every 2018 Panini football card release.
Additional Resources
Running Backs
James Conner, Running Back – Pittsburgh Steelers: Filling in for absent Le’veon Bell, the native of Erie, PA gave Steelers fans a reason for optimism. Regardless of what happens to the disgruntled All-Pro, the Steelers have position depth. Connor was selected in the 3rd round of the 2017 NFL Draft with the 105th overall pick. He played college football at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt). He rushed for 135 yards on 31 carries (4.4 YA) and also scored two touchdowns. It was a bizarre rivalry game that ended in a 21-21 tie against the Cleveland Browns.
James Conner has autographed rookie cards
in several 2017 Panini NFL football card products. He has cards in both his Pittsburgh Steelers and Pitt uniforms, including, but not limited to:
- Pittsburgh Steelers – Absolute, Contenders, Certified, Elite, Origins, Prizm, Select
- University of Pittsburgh – Score, Immaculate Collegiate, Flawless Collegiate, Prestige, Contenders Collegiate Draft Picks
Additional Resources
Joe Mixon, Running Back – Cincinnati Bengals: With off-field troubles seemingly behind him, Mixon looks ready to become the go-to back the Bengals were hoping for when they drafted him.He was taken with the 48th overall pick in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He played at the University of Oklahoma in college. He rushed for 95 yards on 17 carries (5.6YA) and also scored one touchdown. The Bengals beat the Indianapolis Colts 34-23 on the road.
Joe Mixon has autographed rookie cards in several 2017 Panini NFL football card products. He has cards in both his Cincinnati Bengals and Oklahoma Sooners uniforms, including, but not limited to:
- Cincinnati Bengals – Absolute, Contenders, Certified, Elite, Origins, Prizm, Select
- Oklahoma Sooners – Score, Immaculate Collegiate, Flawless Collegiate, Prestige, Contenders Collegiate Draft Picks
Additional Resources
Wide Receivers
JuJu Smith-Schuster, Wide Receiver – Pittsburgh Steelers: The young receiver was selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft with the 62nd overall pick. He played in the PAC-10 for the USC Trojans. Smith-Schuster is a potential star in the making. His big play ability can help take pressure off Antonio Brown on the other side of the field. This will result in favorable match-ups for Ben Roethlisberger to target in one-on-one coverage. The sophomore wideout did just that Sunday with 119 yards on five receptions in the Steelers road tie of 21-21 against the Cleveland Browns.
JuJu Smith Schuster has autographed rookie cards in several 2017 Panini NFL football card products. He has cards in both his Pittsburgh Steelers and USC Trojans uniforms, including, but not limited to:
- Pittsburgh Steelers – Absolute, Contenders, Certified, Elite, Origins, Prizm, Select
- USC Trojans – Score, Immaculate Collegiate, Flawless Collegiate, Prestige, Contenders Collegiate Draft Picks
Additional Resources
2018 NFL Week 1 Player Performance Statistics Tracker – NFC Standouts
Running Backs
Saquon Barkley, Running Back – New York Giants: The Giants coaching staff had to be thrilled when Barkley was available as the 2nd overall pick in this year’s draft. A gifted and multi-faceted athlete, he left Penn State as an NFL ready running back. He proved that by rushing for 106 yards on 18 carries (5.9YA) with one touchdown. He also chipped in 22 receiving yards on two receptions. The Giants lost on the road to the Jacksonville Jaguars 15-20.
As a top draft pick, playing in a big market, at a skill position, collectors will find Saquon Barkley’s autographed rookie cards in every 2018 Panini football card release.
Additional Resources
Alvin Kamara, Running Back – New Orleans Saints: The 2017, 3rd round pick (67th overall) out of Tennessee was named the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He continues to impress down in the Big Easy. He is quickly becoming a go-to option out of the backfield for Drew Brees. Despite the Saints loss to the Tampa Bay Bucs, 40-48, he still put up solid numbers. He recorded 112 yards on nine receptions with one touchdown. He also rushed for 29 yards with two additional scores.
Alvin Kamara has autographed rookie year football cards in several 2017 Panini NFL football card products. He has cards in both his New Orleans Saints and Tennessee Volunteers uniforms, including, but not limited to:
- New Orleans Saints – Absolute, Contenders, Certified, Elite, Origins, Prizm, Select
- Tennessee Volunteers – Score, Immaculate Collegiate, Flawless Collegiate, Prestige, Contenders Collegiate Draft Picks
Additional Resources
- 2024 Leaf Metal Football Cards Checklist - April 17, 2024
- 2023 Leaf Magnificence Multi-Sport Trading Cards Checklist - April 16, 2024
- 2024 Craniacs Trading Cards Series 1 - April 16, 2024