Week One NFC awards: Newton claims top offensive honors

Even more impressive, Newton was 9 for 13 for 279 yards and 2 touchdowns on passes thrown for 15 yards or more downfield. He also added 18 yards on eight rushes and an additional rushing touchdown. Though he had an interception, Newton’s NFL debut was a successful one. He currently ranks 5th in ESPN’s new quarterback rankings with a ranking of 75.7. Newton edged out New Orleans Saints quarterback, Drew Brees for Week 1 offensive honors

Defensive Player of the Week:

Courtesy of ajc.com

Kroy Biermann, defensive end, Atlanta Falcons. Biermann had a great first week. He had a total of three tackles including a sack. But the biggest play he made came on an interception that he returned 50 yards for a touchdown. Biermann edged out teammate John Abraham who recorded two sacks for Cat Crave’s NFC Week 1 Defensive Player of the Week.

Special Teams Player of the Week:

Courtesy of thepassrush.com

Darren Sproles, running back, New Orleans Saints. It didn’t take long for Darren Sproles to make New Orleans fans forget about Reggie Bush. Sproles had a fantastic week on special teams. He returned two kickoffs for 76 yards (38 yard average) and two punts for 92 yards (46 yard average) with one of those punt returns going for a touchdown. Runner up was Tampa Bay punter, Michael Koenen who had 5 punts for 261 yards (52.2 average) with a long of a booming 58 yards.