The first week of the 2022 NFL season is in the books. Here are some of the players and a coach that stood out in Week 1.
Offensive Player of the Week
Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Justin Jefferson was the best player on the field in the Vikings Week 1 game against the Green Bay Packers. He was the best offensive player in the league in Week 1.
9 catches, 184 yards, 2 TDs (5,36)
The Packers had no answers for Jefferson. He lost defenders on his release, early in his route, late in his route. When the ball hit his hands there was rarely a defender in sight. In this game, he tilted the division the Vikings way.
Defensive Player of the Week
Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Pittsburgh Steelers
Minkah Fitzpatrick opened the scoring in the Steelers Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The game was barely two minutes old when Fitzpatrick returned an interception 31 yards for an early 7-0 lead. He blocked an extra point with two seconds to play. That game-saving play forced overtime. It helped that the Bengals kicking battery was hacked-up due to an earlier injury to their regular long snapper. The whole kicking process was slow with a backup snapper. Fitzpatrick took advantage and did what he had to do to pick up his team.
Fitzpatrick was all over the field all game.
Offensive Rookie of the Week
Jahan Dotson, WR, Washington Commanders
Jahan Dotson had three catches for 40 yards. Two of the catches went for touchdowns. His 24-yard score with just under two minutes to play was the game-winner.
Defensive Players of the Week
Travon Walker, Edge, Jacksonville Jaguars
The first pick in the draft made his presence felt. Tavon Walker became the first rookie since T.J. Watt in 2017 to have an interception and a sack in his NFL debut. He also added a tackle for loss.
Special Teams Player of the Week
Cade York, K, Cleveland Browns
The Browns rookie kicker had a busy debut. He made both extra points and all four field goals. Each field goal was progressively longer. 26, 34, 36, and 58. The long kick was the game-winner with eight seconds to play.
Coach of the Week
Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings
Kevin O’Connell won his NFL debut against the Green Bay Packers. The Vikings offense came out attacking and kept attacking. The defense never let the Packers generate a spark of momentum. It was an all-around team win. It was one of the most enjoyable Vikings openers in memory.
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